Anyone know how I can do a tool chnage and keep the zero’s perfectly alligned? I need to change to a smaller bit to create center line engravings, and they cannot be off center
interested as well. using Fusion 360
So I tried this:
Create 2 g code files, one for each tool size but with them perfectly aligned to home.
My idea was to set home, run the first path, return to home, raise the Z, change the tool and re-home the Z. this ensured that the x/y would not move. then run the 2nd
Ran the first, all went good. clicked return to home. apparently Home was now a very different place, the machine plunged the bit and my bit broke lol.
Looks like “return to home” in UniversalGcodeSender doesn’t work. as my machine 0 was set up perfectly
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i’m using UGS as well. what about chilipepper ?
I use UGS as well and when it is finished the GCode it returns to X Y zero when the file is done. I then change the tool, zero the Z, and run my next set of code. It has worked great for me.
Another trick I have been doing is once I set up my X Y zeros, put in the tool and zero the Z I use the tool to make a small mark. That way if everything turns to $%^& I can take it back and try to eyeball it.
My X and Y zeros are usually right were the X and Y limit switches are set to.
Hope that helps.
I don’t know how Easel handles tool changes but I do know how it should. The program should have a tool change routine. When your Gcode gets to a tool change the machine should move to a tool change position and stop the spindle and tell you what tool should be loaded. Once the tool is loaded and you hit run again the machine should lower the Z to a touch plate and measure the tool length. Then and only then the program would move to where that tool needs to start the cut and continue until finished or the next tool change.
The other thing that Easel needs is fixtures or work offsets G54 G55 etc. Once the machine is homed or referenced then your material is located at one of the work offset positions. One corner of the material becomes 0,0 Al Gcode works in relation to this work offset 0,0 and you only home again if the machine looses steps.
Dave
in easel if you run the home sequence before starting a project it will return to that spot when it is finished. once its there just raise z switch out your tool and then lower z to the material to zero it out. start next project, hit confirm home and away you go
easel is a great tool but it kinda locks you into one ecosystem and limits you with your project complexity currently. i know the guys are working on improving it but can other grbl management software also take advantages of homing and limit switches?
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What are you using to zero your machine? The re-set zero just gives me an error and the return to zero returns to a seemingly random spot each time. The only way I can zero my machine is to unplug it, manually set zero, plug it in and UGS loads up the machine position as 0. I then do G92 X0 Y0 Z0 to make the workpiece zero the same and then run my program. pain in the arse!
I open UGS and use the manual controls to put it at zero initially. So I take the X axis to where it stops due to the limit switch, do the same the Y and then lower the Z to where I can just slide paper out from under it. I then hit the Reset Coordinates button and that is zero for that project.
I find a found a few issues with UGS in that if I have power to the motors on when I connect, unlock, and hit a manually control button it always tries to slam the Z axis either up or down. Now I just turn off the power supply, connect, unlock, wait about 10 seconds and then turn on the power and set zero manually. I realize it is far from perfect but for me it has been repeatable and using this method I have been able to change tools from rough to final cut with no issues.
I am running Windows 8.1 and UGS 1.04. 32 bit.
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Interesting. So your machine zero isn’t ever changed? As the reset zero function just changes the work piece
i thought you needed to set zero for the top of the work piece…
Yes it is on top of the work piece. Sorry I should have included that.
ah. ive been resetting x, y, z, reset z after i position the bit over the work piece… is that kinda the same thing?
ah. i’m using a newer version. 1.08 i believe. i’ll have to check when i’m at my workshop next -_-
Oh man that looks very different from the windows builds
No this is a Windows build. I am running Windows 8.1, 32 bit.
I’ll give it a shot
i’m also using it on linux btw