changing bits

[moojo]

New questions..I promise in two years when of if I grasp this, I won't ask anymore silly questions. When you carving something and have to change the bit, why does everything just stop? How do I change the bit and just hit continue? Thanks

[dana_swift]

Molly, unless you have an automatic tool changer, you need to generate separate tool paths for each tool.

When the first cut completes, change the tool. First you must zzero the new bit as it is in a new position relative to the previous one, and the bot has no idea where. Then run the next file that has the instructions for the new bit.

X and Y stay defined, so their accuracy is unchanged. Part of the beauty of CNC.

Hope that helps-

D

[moojo]

Thanks Dana, I do know I have to hit the c2 for the depth each time I change it. And I'm guessing I have to save it in partworks for each bit, right? Hmmmmm seems like a lot of files.....

[Gary Campbell]

Molly...
You do have the option to use a manual tool change (MTC) post processor when you toolpath your cutting files. This will allow you to use multiple bits during a cutting file. ShopBot has been including these posts and the MTC files with the software. They may even have some documentation for this online, or in the software install package.

[moojo]

Thanks Gary...I made it through it. Saved six files. Just seems that if you saved the whole thing, the machine would stop, a message would come up to change the bit, and then hit continue. But I'm really not smart enough to design the program, so I will go with the flow. But again, thanks for your input.

[ken_rychlik]

Are you using 6 different bits?

That should be the only reason for 6 files.

If you use the same bit for several purposes, you can save it as one file.

If you really have 6 different bits for the project, then you are correct.

If you are just starting out, I don't recommend going to the manual tool change post processor yet. It can get pretty involved and you need some time on the machine first.

[moojo]

No.....3 different bits, but I didn't know how to save the three together. I did have them together in the layout, but just saved each file.

[ken_rychlik]

put a check in each box of the same bit and it should save all three together.

When you put a check in a different box that has a different bit in the toolpath, then it will tell you you have been bad and not let you do it.

You do have all tool paths in the box on the top right don't you?

[moojo]

I do have all the tool paths in the top right corner, but I am home now, had to quit. But thank you so much, I will look tomorrow and see if there is boxes I can check. I really appreciate all the help, I can do this (hopefully)

[ken_rychlik]

If you have a fairly new machine and are using partworks, go visit the vectric site.

http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/support/vcpro_tutorials.htm

Here is the video tutorials for Vcarve pro, which is the same program as partworks.

This should help you a lot.

[Gary Campbell]

Molly...
If you are a very new user, Kenneth gives good advice. It is best to get comfortable and experienced with the machine prior to doing toolchanges during an active file.

That said, should you care to do this, from the design and toolpath side of things, all you need to do is assign a unique tool number to each bit and select the toolchange post processor for the drop down list. (see pic below)

once your file is saved, then you will be able to cut with a bit until its cutting is complete, change the bit, rezero and continue. This will be the case for all bits in the combined toolpath for the file.

[ken_rychlik]

Did you check the box just under the toolpaths that says ouput all checked toolpaths to one file? Maybe Gary can make you a picture for that one. I don't know how he does that. lol

[dana_swift]

Molly, I strongly suggest while the machine is new, you try cutting things with a single bit. There is much to learn, and as you can see already the learning curve goes a long way.

Shopbots can be plug and play, but Shopbot operators aren't.

My strongest caution in changing bits in a manual tool change file, is you are one button away from starting the router while you have the wrenches on the collet. An inadvertent start could cost you body parts. We only get one set.

Another strong caution, is dont make anything at first you are looking to sell for cash. That puts pressure on you to try things you may well regret. If you are cutting air, pink foam, and scrap wood you can get in control of the situation and proceed with knowledge and safety.

You might look around the forum for someone in your area who has been using a shopbot for a while. Have them check out your machine and show you how they would run it. It will save you far more than the pizza you might supply. A good friend could result also!

The forum provides much evidence that we all love our machines and like to see people join the group. Go to Shopbot camps. You will learn tons, and meet many of the people you have visited with here on the forum.

Welcome, now: be safe, ask questions, and watch how an amazing machine might change your life.

---

I am curious- what are you planning to make with your bot?

D

[Gary Campbell]

Dana...
Current machines ship with a safety lockout that is connected to the collet wrench to allow manual tool changes during a cutting file. The Toolchange_Inch... postP and MTC folder of files are both distributed and supported by ShopBot.

There has been a lot of work done by the crew at SB to enable manual toolchanges for single head users. You are correct, its probably best not to try this during the early weeks, but it is an allowed, supported, maybe even promoted feature of the newer machines.

[dana_swift]

Gary- glad to hear they have the lockout. I use the separate file method myself, its easy and much harder to have an accident. In addition, I can zzero, or whatever I need to do before continuing, it can be the next day for that matter.

The biggest safety problem in my shop is having me in it...

D

[moojo]

Thanks Ken...That is an awesome site. I'm sure somone told me about it a couple months ago, but when I looked at it, it seemed to be in a different language. I get it a little better now. It will help me!!! Thanks so much :)