Setting ref tool heights

[Beechdrvr]

Quick question:
1. Just buried an endmill. When setting the new tool height offset, do I need to load the ref tool and take a new Z Ref Ht using the WCS that my job is using, then load the new endmill height offset?

2. If that is the way I do it, will this new ZRef Ht affect the previous tools that were loaded when the Zaxis was zeroed from the Home position.

So basically, T1-T10 where ht offset using a Z value from the home position.
Now T6 is new and the offset was derived from the difference between the ref tool and the T6 offset using the job WCS.
Loaded it and buried the second T6 endmill in a row. What am I not understanding? I miss something in the manual?

Thanks in advance,
Doug

[mick41zxr]

You need to set a reference height to start with, then all offsets/tool lengths are referenced from the position.
I use the opposite end off a carbide tool in a tool holder set aside for reference. You can also use Z-home as a reference position.
The reference height is set to tool 0. It is done in machine co-ordinates.
Check Centroids you tube, Kieth has a couple of video's on the procedure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJcq_G8yRdc
Regards,
Michael

[Beechdrvr]

Thanks,
I did all that but if you snap a tool mid job do you again have to redo every tool because you used the ZRef from job WCS?
I understand that the Ref tool sets the offsets for the other tools. This is the first time I’ve changed out a tool mid job.

[mick41zxr]

I set my ref tool and all following offsets in tool library from a fresh start & home so that I ensure my tool library is clean, however it shouldn't matter as the macro uses WCS.
I swap tools mid job all the time using TTS style holders. Are you using milling style tool holders or have a router setup where you have to set tool heights every time?
If its router style you will need one of the modified M6 macros that use a touch plate every change.

[Beechdrvr]

I’m using TTS holders. I’m unfamiliar with using macros. I always thought that I could just replace the tool, come down on a reference surface and register the offset. Maybe not.

[mick41zxr]

Ok,
Have you set your reference height & set all your tool offsets prior to starting your job?
Once you have built your tool library you should be able to set Z0 by telling CNC12 what tool is in the spindle.
Also are you using a tool setter or a gauge block. This height also needs to be set into CNC12.
A quick photo of your setup would help.

[cnckeith]

these questions are answered in the mill training video.. here.. viewtopic.php?f=61&t=2118

[Beechdrvr]

I rewatched the videos and am using the same process. Heights are set off a 1-2-3 block on the table of my bench mill. My library was all done as it’s been described and has worked well. This is my first replacement of a tool though so my Z indications may be screwed up because it’s registering Part Z and not Home Z. I hope I’m making sense here. What I didn’t use was “Tool Check” when doing the tool replacement. Going to try this morning.
I understand the Ref Tool theory, my question though is if the original heights where measured from the home position (top of my mill column), then when I replace the tool mid-job, my Z values would then be skewed since I’m at registering Part Zero.
Thanks again for the responses. Every little bit helps here.
Doug

[cnckeith]

general advice.
-The tool measuring Reference position is not WCS Z0
-Tool height values are the difference in length between the reference tool and the tools themselves.
-WCS Z0 has nothing to do with measuring a tool height.
- After measuring tools against reference tool, any new tools or remeasure an existing tool can be performed without remeasuring all the tools, simply reset the reference position (if necessary) and measure the new tool/ or replacement tool.
- Setting WCS Z0 is the last thing you do before running a job.
- When starting job or using a tool for the first time.. ALWAYS observe the DRO Z position being displayed and then look at the tip of the tool...and ask yourself..."does the distance of the tip of the tool to WCS Z0 match what is on the DRO?" if not, you set the tool up wrong, or you set WCS Z0 wrong.

[Beechdrvr]

Thank you Keith. You’re right. Couldn’t see the forest through the trees here. Good idea proofing the tool against zero.
I appreciate your patience with getting me out of the weeds here as well as everyone else’s comments.