I've now split the code - the M6Start drops the knee 50mm to make tool change easier when going from short to long, the M6End then does the calculations and sends the knee where it needs to go.

It's conservatively set at 400mm/min at present, i couldn't see the point of working the bevel gears too hard, time is not my enemy on machines.

glad to read, that i was able to set the "correct Trigger". 

Thomas

glad to read, that i was able to set the "correct Trigger". 

Thomas

Not as glad as i am

That line was there when i started so i presumed it was some sort of vital Mach jiggery-pokery and left it there - proves what they say about presumption

I measure all my tools in a height-setter which feeds the result straight back to Mach TT, all...

would be interested, how you do this, could you please describe.

Thank you Thomas

Ooh, thats a way back, pretty certain its in this thread though.

I have an encoder, a basic linear way(nylon block in channel) the encoder connects to a 2.5mm pitch belt in a loop, along the loop is connected an angle bracket facing an R8 socket.

The encoder is connected to an ENC module for the CSMIO, Mach3 has a macropump macro that looks at the input from this encoder and displays it on my screen-set, real-time. The screen has a "Zero" button and a "Set" button. The angle is lowered onto the socket on the setter, zero is pressed and the tool fitted, angle is lowered onto the tool tip and "Set" is pressed - this copies the encoder DRO to the tool table and then shows the table so you can give it a name etc.

Takes seconds to do, you can load tools in the middle of code if you forgot one or break one etc. The actual "height" displayed is irrelevant, its in an R8 socket which always locates on a set part of the taper just as the spindle does, the Haimer probe i use for TOM setting is also measured and entered - all my work is relative to this "tool".

The only cost was for the ENC module, the rest is all junk-box bits. It was a fun project basically, but quite useful.

thank you fore the Information,
Looks like to be my next Little Project, after the retrofit of my TongIl TNV40 is finished.

Thomas

5min video of a simple part run-through on the mill. Uses 6 tools: centre, 8mm drill, 5.4mm drill, 10mm mill, chamfer, M6 tap.

Its only air-cutting - the Z zero is 50mm above bed just for video. No fine tuning has been done yet, the bed drops 50mm to change tools but may get away with less etc.
Seems to work very nicely I think

https://youtu.be/5YkC6-ewrHE

Since doing the video I have upped the main spindle to 4000rpm/133Hz on the VFD, opinion seems to be that it'll be ok at that as its not too far above original speed.
Surprisingly, at that speed, the power meter shows it takes 48% or 1.4Hp just to run the fan and turn the spindle!
Might be worth taking the fixed fan off and fitting a pancake fan on top.

Looks great Dave! You will have to start another
project. I really like following your mods.
olf20 / Bob

LOL, not much left to modify now

I do have a plan on the back-burner for an ATC on the mill but its a way off yet.

I want to make another control panel for the mill - the one made is nice and ergonomic with its slant keyboard etc but it makes a great chip collector   Need a vertical KB i think.

Or chip control!!!!!!
Try one of the rubber roll up keyboard they are immune to chips.


Mike