Relearning lathe tool measurement

[lavrgs]

Not being an experienced lathe operator has kept me on a steep learning curve. I feel like I have a good handle on measuring tools manually. I would admit that I am not after micron precision. I use the Master tool method with T0101 being the master. It was set by making Z and X passes and measuring, as per the manual.
My current work flow for new tool offsets is to set T0101 position, Z and X, then change to the tool to be measured, set the DRO to the known diameter, keeping the tool loose in the holder, then push it to the known diameter and lock it down. I don't change X offsets in the table at this time. I could modify them after a test cut. I then go to the MDI page and do a T0X0X to verify the known diameter is shown. For Z, I will place the tool at the established Z0 then modify the offset in the table - once again I use MDI to update T0X0X so that Z equals zero. hopefully you're not as confused as I get...9-)

Now I have a probe set up and am not sure where to start. Do I need to remeasure the master tool? I do have Diameter and thickness of the probe tip set up in the parameters. I am not sure what to expect after the measurement; would I see the dimensions of the probe tip Z and X listed at the lower left of the table? Then must I set the 0101 offsets to zero?

[lavrgs]

OK My first observations.
I decided to measure the probe with tool 1. to set Z0 and X (0.6125)
- when I measure and touch the probe I am unable to move back until I disconnect the probe
- Because the axis of the probe is perpendicular to the spindle my parameter for thickness must be set to the diameter....P252
I
measured T0202 which is a drill
The proce3ss worked but the numbers are not correct I am about 0,08 off in Z but very close in X. I will re probe then put a known diameter in and check

[lavrgs]

Initial measurement of T0202 was very repeatable STDEV <0.001. Now to get to some empirical work.

I do want a macro that measures the tool then goes back to the start position and resets the offset to T0X0X. Is there a good starter macro

[lavrgs]

I verified the measurements I did yesterday. When I tested the location of T0202 drill it is ~ 0.080 off center. Z is about -0.01 off. My automatic tool measuring is not working.
I am not sure how to measure the master tool. Do I need to set the position of the probe in a parameter?

[lavrgs]

I am not sure how to measure the master tool. Do I need to set the position of the probe in a parameter?

THIS WAS A QUESTION ...

[glbreil]

Bill, I am pretty certain you would have to have a known tool (one that was set up manually) then when you touch it off your probe the numbers you get would be your probe location. Those numbers would become your X & Z references. Once those are correct when you touch off another tool it should give you correct offsets. As long as your probe location never changes those reference numbers should be the same, although taking advice from me on it might be like following a blind guy. Gary

[lavrgs]

Thanks for the reply Gary. I am still working on optimizing the probe arm - it's easy to remove although I may turn a screwed alignment pin and try one screw. I may have to make it adjustable in X so the probe aligns align with the spindle axis, Part of what I'm trying to find out. from the lathe cognoscenti

Since the question was open for so long I took the temporary connector off and started to solder a new bulkhead one in - bad timing since I had my eyes dilated I'll get back to it tomorrow.
I'd like to add a switch to toggle the detect line. On my mill I have a 3 position switch for tool touch off and probe with OFF in the middle and it works well.
On the lathe if I touch the probe I need to disconnect the cable >>although during a probing cycle it automatically backs away...maybe another parameter change?

[glbreil]

I am definitely not the best guy to answer these questions, but I don’t think the probe has to be in any special location in relation to X, you just have to know how much offset it has.

I have a switch on my probe instead of a jumper in the connector, it works ok, you just have to remember to turn it on or your tool won’t stop when the probe trips.

As far as repeatability if you could put two nice fitting pins you would only need one bolt to hold it on and it should be repeatable with in a 1/2 thousandth or so. That is sort of how the Renishaw removable probes work, but they have molded inserts instead of pins. Gary

[suntravel]

You must use a square tip for the probe if mounted vertical and the sides must be perfect aligned to X and Z
In Setup Part set X and Z with T0101 (skim cuts)
In Tool Setup set X Diam and Z on the probe with T0101
Measure T0101, it should be 0 in X and Z offset
Measure all other tools with the probe

Happy Turning

Uwe

[lavrgs]

Thanks Uwe. I’ll steal your ideas for the square piece. Looks like it’s going to be about a week to collect partss etc.
I have a Fusion question. I’m using the rough grooving task and it is putting the groove 1/2 width too far in. Intercom does fine. I have zero set on the side away from the spindle…