Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Share your source for the Belsen VFD cable...

The stranded power wire here is what I prefer https://www.mcmaster.com/robotic-cable/ ... lex-cable/ You can by it in 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 foot lengths.

geckocycles wrote: ↑Sun Sep 13, 2020 12:27 pm I have to figure out how to make the table move to a spot that is easier to make tool changes when needed.

Also I am not fond of setting Z0 every time I change tools like my friend does and suggested. I forgot twice and remembered in time. Just need more time on the machine on many levels.

THe Pendant should be here tomorrow.

When you get more familiar with the software and the VCP you can simply add a button to your VCP for your "tool change location". I added one to my VCP and a quick press of the button moves the machine to where I need it for tool changes.

As for the zeroing of each tool you can also, in the future, add a M6 macro for tool changes that will measure tools for you off a fixed tool height probe. It'll all come together soon just be patient.

Here's my VCP with a custom PARK, TOOL CHANGE POSITION and RESET HOME button in yellow in the upper right of my VCP. I also have a AUTO Z0 button for single tool jobs. Any multiple tool job uses the M6 macro and it measures tools for me.

martyscncgarage wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:09 pm Share your source for the Belsen VFD cable...

I am not sure it is the same cable brand but I thought Belden was a good enough substitute. I just remember it was going to cost me $80 or more from Automation. I paid $46 something delivered for 10'.

The cable is .58" OD

https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/bel ... cable.html

Shipping cost me $16.50

ShawnM wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:44 pm

geckocycles wrote: ↑Sun Sep 13, 2020 12:27 pm I have to figure out how to make the table move to a spot that is easier to make tool changes when needed.

Also I am not fond of setting Z0 every time I change tools like my friend does and suggested. I forgot twice and remembered in time. Just need more time on the machine on many levels.

THe Pendant should be here tomorrow.

When you get more familiar with the software and the VCP you can simply add a button to your VCP for your "tool change location". I added one to my VCP and a quick press of the button moves the machine to where I need it for tool changes.

As for the zeroing of each tool you can also, in the future, add a M6 macro for tool changes that will measure tools for you off a fixed tool height probe. It'll all come together soon just be patient.

Here's my VCP with a custom PARK, TOOL CHANGE POSITION and RESET HOME button in yellow in the upper right of my VCP. I also have a AUTO Z0 button for single tool jobs. Any multiple tool job uses the M6 macro and it measures tools for me.

6090 VCP.PNG

Thanks for the tips.
I don't see myself buying a auto tool height probe anytime soon. I doubt I will be making much money with this. Aren't they like $600?

geckocycles wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:15 pm Thanks for the tips.
I don't see myself buying a auto tool height probe anytime soon. I doubt I will be making much money with this. Aren't they like $600?

You can make both the movable and fixed tool touch off plates yourself. They both can be the "conductive" type and both are wired to the same input on the acorn. I made mine for under $10 in materials. Best $10 I've spent on my machine and it saves me SOOOO much time during tool changes. Many of my parts that I cut have between 3 to 5 tool changes and having these tool touch plates is a must have.

The pendant just came in and had it working fine in no time. Why can't everything be so PNP? Although I have to say I just got a new wireless router and setup was painless. I hope it is more stable than the other two 10 yr old ones I have.

Got it from Arturo

ShawnM wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:39 pm

geckocycles wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:15 pm Thanks for the tips.
I don't see myself buying a auto tool height probe anytime soon. I doubt I will be making much money with this. Aren't they like $600?

You can make both the movable and fixed tool touch off plates yourself. They both can be the "conductive" type and both are wired to the same input on the acorn. I made mine for under $10 in materials. Best $10 I've spent on my machine and it saves me SOOOO much time during tool changes. Many of my parts that I cut have between 3 to 5 tool changes and having these tool touch plates is a must have.

Well that's different. Do you have more info to share? I'm searching YouTubes now.

geckocycles wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 5:31 pm

ShawnM wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:39 pm

geckocycles wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:15 pm Thanks for the tips.
I don't see myself buying a auto tool height probe anytime soon. I doubt I will be making much money with this. Aren't they like $600?

You can make both the movable and fixed tool touch off plates yourself. They both can be the "conductive" type and both are wired to the same input on the acorn. I made mine for under $10 in materials. Best $10 I've spent on my machine and it saves me SOOOO much time during tool changes. Many of my parts that I cut have between 3 to 5 tool changes and having these tool touch plates is a must have.

Well that's different. Do you have more info to share? I'm searching YouTubes now.

For your mill, you might want a presetter with a bit of give. Some folks are having luck with these:
CNC Tool Setter,Automatic Tool Setting Gauge sensor Z axis Presetter Locator BNC https://ebay.us/rfB0Ng

I have not made a video but here's a link to one on Youtube that shows how it works. His movable touch plate is conductive and the second one is wireless touch probe (I believe) you can get on Amazon for about $56 dollars if you want one of this type. I don't trust wireless probes with batteries because batteries die. I think the one in the video can be bought as wired or wireless. You can do the same thing with two conductive plates for under $10 or make it as fancy and expensive as you want.

I have retrofit a machine for someone who bought a tool touch probe similar to the one on eBay that Marty posted. Be careful as some are normally closed and some are normally open. It's a bit harder to combine a N/O conductive plate and a N/C tool touch off probe on the same input. I modified a normally closed version to a conductive version in about 30 minutes and it gives you the "give" when it makes contact so as not to damage your bits. The one Marty posted also has an overtravel switch inside that can function as an "extra" emergency stop button as well.

These macros for tool changes are here on the forum for you to download and experiment with.

This video will however demonstrate how the concept works for "semi-automatic" tool changes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn05gec ... calSupport