Auto tool setting

[midy]

Is anyone else using this model for auto tool setting on the lathe? What are the general opinion of it please?

[suntravel]

I am using it, works ok for the low price tag.

Uwe

[ShawnM]

I am also using one, I have the latest version 6, TP06C with the small, 2mm stylus I use on my router. I use it to probe holes in aircraft instrument panels and it works very well for the price tag as Uwe pointed out. Here's a short video link of it in use.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MMMJvEwny2iVpr21A

[IPGregory]

I have the V6 as well but not installed yet. Good to know it works Ok as I got this one based on a Link Uwe posted in another post.

[suntravel]

I also have a TopCom probe and the Centroid KP3

Best precision is with KP3, and the KP3 stays rock solid on center, the cheap ones needs adjustment of runout quite often.

Uwe

[midy]

Yes, when I use mine- it does need 'dialling in' each time really. Still for fifty quid, it's not bad.

Are we thinking the T6 is better/more accurate?

[ShawnM]

For my router and what I do it's plenty accurate. May not be as accurate as a $800 probe but I didn't expect it to be. I measured a hole with a digital caliper that was 2.064" and then probed it and Acorn said it was 2.0681" so for me that's more than "close enough". I'm not even sure which one is more accurate but the instrument called for a 2.06" hole. If you need more accuracy then that costs more, right?

I have only calibrated it once but I'm very careful with it and I keep it in the padded box it came in. Could I dial in in better, maybe, but why?

I looked at the Topcon one as I have his tool touch offs but it's made from FRP material, the TP06C is metal and well built for the cost. Again, you get what you pay for.

[suntravel]

Diameter measurement is easy, but how exact is the center of a bore or edge?

I often have both with TopCom and TP06 >0,1mm run out after some use, that is not ok for me. So if I need a precision position, first check run out and readjust.

KP3 dialed in 0,005mm stays in my use almost forever 0,005 so I can use it and trust the measured position.

Uwe

[Muzzer]

The OP was asking about tool length offset on lathes. It felt to me that the most consistent method was to use a reference tool (tool #1 in my case) to set the reference X and Z, then measure the new tool(s) relative to that. This way, the effect of runout is minimised (assuming you don't move the spindle) - and of course it's pretty much how tool length offsets are defined.

Ultimately, once you have touched off on the workpiece and acquired the actual diameter / length, the requirement is for the other tools to be dialled in correctly relative to each other so things don't go west after tool changes.

[suntravel]

Yes for the lathe runout only with OD tools after setting X Diam. is not so important, but it hits you with ID Tools...

Anyway mounting in a chuck will with a good quality chuck be 0,02mm out of round, with a cheap one easy >0,06mm

Best is to mount the toolsetter always in the same position.

Uwe