Tool Change Question

[rickbw]

I have a "stupid" Newbie question.... I have not attempted to cut any files that have multiple tool requirements, but before I do, I figured I'd ask :)

Do you have to save seperate SBP files for each tool and then run them seperately (I believe this is how one of the tutorials explains it) or does the Shopbot stop and allow you to change tools and then startup again?

Thanks in advance.

[knight_toolworks]

separate toolpaths.

[tmerrill]

Rick,

The Manual Tool Change post processors allow you to save all the toolpaths to one file even if they use different tools and/or feedrates.

I personally don't use them, so will let someone that does give you more detail.

Tim

[garyc]

Rick...
The ShopBot MTC (manual tool change) system, which is included with the newer versions of the software, will allow you to cut a file with multiple cutting tools. The file will pause, allow you to change bits, zero the bit, and then return to cutting with that bit.

Also, the newer control boxes all include a lockout for the spindle or router during the manual toolchange.

And, as Steve says, you can save each bit to a separate file.

[dlcw]

Hi newby Gary Campbell with only 1 post to his name. How you doing?

Rick - I use seperate files when creating toolpath files in Aspire/Partworks/VCarve. I know you aren't inquiring about it, but if/when you use ever use the ShopBot Link, it packs all the toolpaths in to 1 file and like Gary says, you will use the MTC (manual tool change) method of changing bits. If/when you get to that point, pipe up here and there are many people who can walk you through this process.

Welcome to the forum!

[myxpykalix]

Looks like Gary has a new job...good for you Gary:D

re:toolchanges. I have always saved each cut as a seperate toolpath and have really never saved files as a combined toolpath but it would seem to me that it would be smarter to have seperate toolpaths because there have been occasions where i have to stop and think..."did i already run that toolpath?" and having them seperate mightkeep that confusion down.

Plus if you think about it having seperate toolpaths only adds a couple of mouseclicks to the process, as all the other actions are the same. It would seem to me as a newbee it would be best to use seperate toolpaths but in the end it is probably just a matter of what works for you.:)

[cowboy1296]

so far the control software allows me to change the tools. when i am working properly and dont get in a hurry this works fine for me, but let my fat fingers hit the wrong key and it is time to cancel the run, back into the design computer to delete whatever tool paths have already run and then back to cutting.

but i am curious, why some would run multiple tool pathes instead of one right after another. is there a benefit to that?

[COBOB]

Gary, congratulations. That has to be a fun job. And congratulations to ShopBot too. They gained a huge bundle of knowledge with that move.

[benchmench]

Multiple toolpaths can speed up cutting parts, especially if your zero routine is somewhat automated with the zero plate fixed to the table. The software can determine the bit needed at each change and tell mistake-prone operators. Also, instead of many small files, you just have one big one.

You will also want to combine same bit tool paths whenever possible.

[knight_toolworks]

Rick...
The ShopBot MTC (manual tool change) system, which is included with the newer versions of the software, will allow you to cut a file with multiple cutting tools. The file will pause, allow you to change bits, zero the bit, and then return to cutting with that bit.

Also, the newer control boxes all include a lockout for the spindle or router during the manual toolchange.

And, as Steve says, you can save each bit to a separate file.
Well blow me down I did not know that. what models have the lockout?

[garyc]

Steve...
All models running the later versions of SB3 can use the feature.

All models with a control box have the lockout switch. They are easy to spot by looking for the key switch on the front of the control box. The key for this switch has the collet wrench attached with a lanyard. This ensures that the spindle/router wont start during a bit change. Safer whether you change bits during or between cutting files.

[harryball]

I very much prefer saving each tool as a separate toolpath. It seems safer to me but it also gives me a strong clue when I go to open a project that yes, different tools are needed. You'd be amazed how easy it is to forget you what you used on a job. When I go to open the job I see two toolpaths. Much harder to start with the wrong tool or end up missing a tool for the job.

It also makes updating and or running a single toolpath separate a little harder for me. I can run them one at a time in order or OUT OF ORDER. Perhaps while dodging debris flying from the bot I realize cutting paths 1243 is better than my original idea of 1234. Or maybe just for this case because a material defect or holddown change.

What I have done (and do) is create a master file that calls individual toolpaths. I can go edit a single tool path, swap that single file and the entire job runs as before. I don't have to be paranoid and re-verify every toolpath to make sure I didn't accidentally change a feed/speed. The master toolpath can also let me change feeds and speeds for each toolpath easier if I don't include speed control and move speeds in the postp. I often change a single toolpath speed or increasing depth or allowance slightly based on the material being cut. A master file makes that a breeze.

Neither way is better than the other, but that's my reasonsing for multiple files for manual bit changes.

/RB

[dlcw]

Another thing I like to do with Aspire/Partworks/Vcarve files is to name them in such a way that I know what it does. For example:

Vcarve - 050 - 60 deg.sbp
Cutout - 025 - comp.sbp
Rough 3D - 025 - ball.sbp

This naming tells me the type and size of bit to use. Works for me anyway.

[wberminio]

Question

What would be the safe procedure to do a manual toolchange with a spindle
w/o the new lock out featured control box ?

[gundog]

I added my spindle to my PRS after purchase so for me I have to manually turn on/off the spindle at tool change anyway and since I have no tool changer I can't see the advantage to having all the tool paths on one file. I create a folder and name it XYZ part date sheet 1, 2, 3 Etc then each tool path is saved in that folder for example .250 mill. When I make the drawings I save each tool path for example .250 profile .400 deep, .250 inside profile .465 deep, to a different layer and turn on just that layer and sellect all the vectors to that layer that will use the same toolpath by doing this it makes tool pathing a breeze and I can save all the .250 mill paths to the same file inside the proper file folder. I can also easily fix any toolpath that I did not like if I need to run more than one sheet. Most of the sheets I cut will have at least 8 tool changes and the files may have 20-30 layers.

You can go a step further if you like and include spindle speeds with the files name and you can also number the tool paths if you need one tool path to run before another just start the name with a number the software will automatically save them in order. I routinely run a dovetail path that the bit won't plunge so a drilled hole must come first as well as a cleanout profile so the dovetail bit is only cleaning the corners of the dovetail slot. If it is not done this way the plastic I cut has a tendency to reweld and ruin the part as well as making the machine skip steps and losing position in the middle of a sheet.

I can only see the advantage of saving the toolpaths to one file if you had a tool changer. My system works for me and makes it easy to train a new operator.

My new mill controller makes you make the toolpaths on one file or they have to be all setup as different parts. I like my Shopbot method better it defines the tools better because of how I get to name the files. My mill requires you give each part a part number no name and each tool also is assigned a number rather than a name.

Mike

[curtiss]

Gary,

Congrats on post #2 you seem to be catching on quickly here...:) Are you going to get a shirt with a Shopbot Logo or a "Bill Young hat" for your photo ???

Are all your old posts still available ? I would hope so...