Updated probe with ALLIN1DC

[centroid467]

That diagram is pretty old. Probe Aux has since been assigned to TT DETECT.

You'd short that to COM when you want to use the TT. When using our TTs and cables, it gets shorted when the TT is plugged in to the bulkhead connector.

[lavrgs]

I've seen Uve's thread on his Probe arm...amazing work! Beefy! It could be used to lift the machine...viewtopic.php?t=10429&hilit=probe+arm

I'm considering a probe mount for the Hardinge CHNC, using the front surface of the part cutoff slide; it has an alignment block and several threaded holes. It is able to move up and down, but I could block ip in the up position -- the bracketry could be easily removed. Is the repeatability of the probe position critical? I expect it will be vertically aligned with the spindle center and off axis in X. I use the master tool method so any change in position ( I don't expect very much) can be reset by touching off again.
I have a Google album with some photos of the slide at the bottom along with a very basic concept.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vMvxCPTy2wFHMto87

[glbreil]

Hi Lavrgs, hope all is going well! Looks like a good mounting idea. Are you planning to use the slide to raise and lower the probe into position?

I am also wondering if you are finding the probe accurate enough to set the tools and go right to using them, or are you still having to take cuts and make adjustments?

Thanks Gary

[lavrgs]

The current plan is to use a base with slots to move it up and have shoulder screws to minimize motion. Plan B would be to block up the slide. There is a set screw that it bottoms out on and it can be locked.
I use a master tool arrangement so if the probe location changes too much I just remeasure everything. I have no idea about the accuracy of the probe - I've heard 0.003.
Now I'm measuring tools by hand. I've found that if part zeros are set, the offsets can be read off the DRO and entered in. For example I have a drill I want to change I have a couple choices set Z to Zero,making sure the offset is shown (Ex. T0202) move the drill in the holder to touch and tighten, or bring the tool to the zero face and the offset is shown in the DRO and enter that value into the offset table, not sure I explained it very well. For X I have a Hardinge tool that I put in the spindle - it has a 5/8 boss that slides into boring bar tool holder which I slide to align and then tighten. They do have an X offset but all tool positions with those blocks have the same X offset. My current strategy is to have the boring bar holder in even slots and turning tools in the odd slots - think that the items will not interfere...but I'm just starting. Yesterday I set up a multi part run with a manual bar puller, who was also the camera operator
Today I experimented with rigid tapping...on the nuts that had a through hole it worked well but I need to change the tap holder to a solid body. I also added a chamfer on the OD.

[glbreil]

Yeah I am doing the same manual setup process for tools, I just find that I hate having to change the collet to put in the Hardinge bar and then change it back for what I am actually cutting. I also have a Hardinge bar that has a flat that is centered on X for regular cutting tools that works pretty well with the manual setup.

Having the probe set permanently would be the best, right now I have to change collets to use my probe also, so even that is a pain.

Maybe you could make the probe swing up out of the way. I might experiment with that sometime.

[lavrgs]

My mockups, so far have been 3D printed although I started by gluing some scrap aluminum - quickly found I needed more flexibility .
I would not use the slide to move the probe out of the way - it seems to rest in the lower position. That would mean keeping the hydraulic pump on all the time. My current scheme to get the probe out of the way is A) slots in the mount B) put in a block to hold the slide up. However removing 1- 2 screws is an easy option. Removing 1 would allow it to pivot.
I have done the wiring to get the probe working but have not connected it, I should just bite the bullet and see what happens when I try to automatically measure...I expected to find a parameter to define the probe tip dimensions or location but I'll keep a hand on the EMO

Bill

[lavrgs]

I am trying to set up probing and when I go to the tool setup I don't see a probing option

[lavrgs]

BUMPING UP FOR SOME SUPPORT

I am trying to set up probing and when I go to the tool setup I don't see a probing option

[cncsnw]

F1/Setup
F2/Tool Setup
F2/Measure Tool
F5/Measure Offset X or F6/Measure Offset Z or F7/Measure Z and X

As long as you have a Pro license and a tool setter configured, then each of those three options should prompt you for whether you want to measure manually, or automatically, I think the third option is only available with a tool setter.

Also see Parameters 281, 282 and 283 in the manual; and section 5.12 in the manual.