Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => VB and the development of wizards => Topic started by: JamesC on January 18, 2016, 02:48:33 PM

Title: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: JamesC on January 18, 2016, 02:48:33 PM
We have a new 4x4 router with a six position gripper style tool changer.  the problem is the macro is set up to safe offset in the Y axis but our machine needs it on the X axis.  While I am a long time cnc programmer (mainly lathes) I am a newbie to macros of this sort and Mach3 in particular.
We are not getting a lot of support from the dealer on this and would like to get the machine up and running.
Attached is the tool change macro

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated

James
Title: Re: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: BR549 on January 18, 2016, 03:19:57 PM
Helping you with the macro is not a problem BUT i don't have a clue as to what you are actually  needing .  Also you need to NAME the dealer so others will KNOW to steer clear of them in the future as it IS their responsibility to help you get up and running.  A lot of the shady ones rely on this forum to do their support work for them FOR FREE without recourse. 

(;-) TP
Title: Re: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: JamesC on January 18, 2016, 03:46:14 PM
OK.  Our machine is set up with the y axis is reversed from most machines.  looking from the front of the machine Y runs right to left and the x front to back with the tool changer fingers at the back.  The way the macro is done it moves the tool a -100mm in the Y before putting the tool into the fingers.  I need the macro to have the tool move -100mm in the X to prevent it from smashing into the tool change fingers
Title: Re: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: BR549 on January 18, 2016, 04:41:17 PM
It may not be as simple as just flipping teh X/Y. IF you have changed teh orintation of XY from the way the OEM built it then ALL of the positional values of  the tool change macro may be wrong for the way you want to run the machine. You may have to start from scratch and find all teh new values as well as change the directions of motion.

Normally all tool change values are in machine Corrds and are based on the relation to the Machine's  0,0 point when Referenced Home.

You also may find the Toolpath display will be wrong as well as where Home is located.

(;-) TP

Title: Re: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: JamesC on January 19, 2016, 01:13:33 PM
TP
  I don't want to change the axis configuration as it is now.  I just need to change the macro so when it approaches the tool changer it will offset in the x instead of the y for the safe distance.
  I can change the tool changer finger locations through the Ecut plugin control-Ecut cnc v1.0-other configurations-Misc- and using  dial indicator get my locations

James
Title: Re: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: BR549 on January 19, 2016, 02:25:32 PM
OK here you go The  Y offset positions have been swapped to X . BE very careful testing.

(;-)TP
Title: Re: Tool change macro help needed.
Post by: JamesC on January 19, 2016, 02:54:47 PM
TP
  Thanks,  I will try it out tomorrow after they get the F**&ing tractor out of the garage so I can get at the machine :-)

James