Re: Auto tool changers

Alan,

Sounds like you're most of the way already...

Yes, M06 and Txx. Most good programmers will list the "T" word at
least a few blocks ahead of the M06, so the toolchange turret
can "get ready"(rotate; talking 'bout mills here) so as to have the
next tool in position for a quicker tool change when the M06 actually
initiates the physical change to the new tool.

But you have to be careful. Some controls will switch the offsets
used WHEN the "T" word is read. Bad, very bad. Same old, same old;
know your control! (Offsets "should" switch with the "D" and "H"
words. (Some older controls use different letter addresses for
diameter and height offset values)

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...> wrote:
> Hi Ballendo,
>
> No problem! I HAVE variables and subroutines. CNCpro does, I
believe,
> and perhaps TurboCNC will. And I can also just write a canned
routine
> for a tool changer. Is there a std. Gcode for a tool change? Or
does
> one just use the M6 and Tnn Mcode to request the change?
>
> ballendo wrote:
> >
> > Alan,
> >
> > Piece of cake. If you have a REAL control like EMC, with access to
> > vars (variables) and system variables, it's even easier and the
> > result is better. But even with just vars, it's do-able.
> >
> > The "way" is to use expressions, vars and subs.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > Ballendo
> >
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...>
wrote:
> > > Bill,
> > > How about just using the 4th axis to control a stepper on the
tool
> > > changer? I wonder if there is a way to specify a "canned
cycle" to
> > run
> > > the TC?
> > >
> > > Alan KM6VV
> > >