I am running Mach 3 on a CNC converted Precision Matthews PM-30 mill. Only have three tools set up in tool table so pretty simple. I use a 3D probe to establish work offset of material for G54. I home the machine, then establish the work offset for the material with the 3d probe I save that work offset and the to insure the G54 offset works I jog the x,y and axis to other locations and the click "go to zero" and the machine goes right to the corner of the material. To further insure correct operation I change from the probe tool of 99 to tool 1 from my tool table, a .375 EM that is about 3.25 shorter than the probe from a length offset standpoint. I enter the tool and insure that it has taken in the window when I hit enter. Now I check to make sure the tool offset is working with the work offset by clicking on "go to zero" again. Machine takes the tool to exactly where it should be at the zeroed corner of the material. So this all tells me that I have tools set up correctly in tool table and that my probe and use of it are working correctly.
My problem is when I run a simple program ( wizard or BobCad/cam created) that involves a tool change, the system ( either the code or Mach3) is turning off tool offset entirely. What this looks like is when a z move is commanded the machine acts like it is going to the max z position. When I look at Mach screen, tool offset button has been turned off by something.
I have discussed the issue with BobCad support and they have looked at the code produced from their program and say that it is not happening from their code. I sent a copy of that program with a previous post on thi same forum.
I have looked at my Mach settings but cannot figure out why this us happening. By the way I am using the Mach post processor w/o act.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Greg