lathe offsets

[rangerboy347]

just a quick question when i do offsets and set reference x and z do i have to do every tool i have? so if i get a new tool i have to do every tool again? could i use a probe to find center tool?
joe

[cnckeith]

just a quick question when i do offsets and set reference x and z do i have to do every tool i have? < set reference, measure all your tools.>> so if i get a new tool i have to do every tool again? < reset reference if necessary and measure just the new tool>>> could i use a probe to find center tool? < not sure what you mean..>>
joe

https://youtu.be/4Ik3gFMh8kU

https://youtu.be/4Ik3gFMh8kU

[DocsMachine]

just a quick question when i do offsets and set reference x and z do i have to do every tool i have?

-Yes.

Tool #1 (by default, anyway) is what's known as the reference tool. You use this to manually turn a new surface on a piece of stock, and enter the dimensions of that surface (face or body) in order to establish a reference.

If the new surface is exactly 1.000" in diameter and you enter that, the computer therefore "knows" both where the spindle centerline is (.500" from the tool tip's current position) and of course where the tip of the tool is. (.500" from the spindle centerline.)

Now, the rest of the tools are offset from that reference tool. The "offset" of tool #1 is virtually always 0.000/0.000- that is, there is no offset. The REST of the tools are "measured" and however much longer or shorter they are, is entered into the tool library as an offset.

And you need to set and enter this data for every tool you're using, assuming you're using some sort of quick-change arrangement where dropping a new tool in places and re-places it repeatably.

so if i get a new tool i have to do every tool again?

-Only if you replace the reference tool. If you're simply adding a tool to the library, you'll just go through the procedure to add that new tool's offset to the library.

could i use a probe to find center tool?

-It is possible to use a probe, edge finder, indicator or other method to determine the tool setting/offset. The various methods each have their pros and cons, however, so you will want to do a little reading. Most are homebrew jobbies, and in many cases you might find just the one guy doing it that way. It might work for you, it might not.

I suggest getting familiar with the method in the manual first- it's not that difficult nor particularly time consuming. It's just a little fiddly, and you have to pay attention to the steps and the order in which they're taken.

Doc.