Tool offsets using spindle nose ?

[BillB]

Wanted to find out if there are other options for setting up tool offsets? Can you use the spindle nose as the datum for setting up your tool offsets? Probe the spindle nose with the tool setter, then all offsets are just measured from the spindle nose? I have a Tormach 1100M and this is how Tormach dose offsets, It's just so much easier to think about and it would be great to only think about 1 method for both controls VS 2 since I will be using 2 machines.

[suntravel]

If you set the Spindel nose at Z reference, the offsets for the tools are the distance from spindle nose to tool tip.

Uwe

[BillB]

If you set the Spindel nose at Z reference, the offsets for the tools are the distance from spindle nose to tool tip.

Uwe

Perfect. Is there any reason this would be a bad idea in CNC12? I mean the ref point could be anywhere in Z right?

[suntravel]

Yes you can set Z-Ref where you want.

For pre measuring tools outside the machine, you must have a fixture for measuring the tools in the holder and this calibrated to the distance from the spindle nose of your machine.

For me it is less trouble simply using Toolsetter and 3D probe on the machine.

Uwe

[cnc_smith]

Your Question : Can you use the spindle nose as the datum for setting up your tool offsets? (and Probe offset) I use the spindle nose here at the Centroid shop in Curwensville. The measurement will be the length of the tool just above rings. I test different probes here and I found that is the best way because if you change the probe length all you have to do is re-measure the probe not remeasure all your tools. I set the spindle nose off of a TT-1. You can use any tool touch off. For measuring the probe plug the probe instead of the tool touch off.

[Nigelo]

As an alternative, you can use Z home as your reference point so that all tools will have an offset calculated from this point. It saves a dedicated ref tool but does need accurate repeatable homing.

As an aside, Swissi's Probe App will analyse the repeatability of your homing for you

[suntravel]

For using Z home as reference set P#3 to 2 or 6

Uwe