Just in the closing stages of retrofitting my Lathe. I have been setting up the tool table with  X and Z offsets and tip radius but I am unsure of how the Tip Direction should be. As an example if I have a PCLNL tool in my turret should I enter 85degrees for the Tip Direction or would it be 95 degrees or possibly something else?
Hood

Hi Hood,

this is how the tool tip works.

Graham.

Thanks for the reply Graham but afraid I dont really follow. Not long in from work so maybe I just need to have a cup of tea and look again

Hood

I was at work when I saw your post, so time was short.

If you look at the 'V' shape created by the divisions then they look like the point of a tip, the 'V' created by 8 and 3 would be a normal o/d turning tool.

So :-

O/D moving right to left is direction 3
                 left to right                 4
I/D             right to left                 2
                 left to right                 1
O/D using a button tool                 8
I/D     "         "        "                    6

Is that more understandable 

Graham.

Yes thanks Graham, think my problem was I thought it was looking for a number in degrees rather than a code.

Hood

By the way, they only have an effect when you use tool comp. Also they can be a pain to use, if you go down a bore with something like :-

G00 X27. Z1.
G01 G41 Z0 F.15
X25. Z-1.
Z-25.
G00 Z1.
G40

Then the tip will smash and scrap the part as you have changed direction the tool jumps to the other side of the line and digs into the bore.

This method is safer.

G00 X27. Z1.
G01 G41 Z0 F.15
X25. Z-1.
Z-25.
X23.
G00 G40 Z1.

Also, NEVER do grooving using tool comp.

Graham.

Ha ha, thanks Graham, looks like I am going to have a load of broken tools just shortly

Hood

 

Graham.

Hi, Graham

Is this for an Aft tool post ?

Thanks, Chip

Hi Chip,

On an industrial machine it makes no difference which tool post as everything is rotated around the centre line in the software.

Front tool post tools cut on top, rear tools cut underneath.

As for mach3, not 100% sure as I have not tried it, but I will and report back.

Graham.