Ability to change Tool length offset reference?

[ThickChips]

Hi guys,

 

I am wondering if there is a way to change where my tool length offset is referenced from on the tool itself? 

I have some custom-built (from WF geometry) hole-making tools. They are counter-bore type tools and the critical depth of the hole is at the counterbore, rather than the bottom of the tool. Instead of measuring each tool and hoping for the best, I would rather just have the operator touch-off the tool from the counterbore shoulder.

Nowhere in MCAM's tool editor can I find anything related to referencing this. Quite a trivial request. Possible?

 

 

Thanks 

 

[RaiderX]

I would consider drawing custom tools with pilot bellow zero. dont know off hand if that will give you the result you are looking for but worth a try.

 

[AHarrison1]

Touch off the tool and add whatever the the pilot length is.

This will help avoid any potential mishaps like having your retract or clearance height being too low.

[cruzila]

sOUNDS LIKE A RECIPIE FOR DISASTER....

[gms1]

I do tons of oddball tools that mastercam doesn't handle on a daily basis. When I make my tool list i will note with details on how to pickup tools if needed.

[ThickChips]

4 hours ago, RaiderX said:

I would consider drawing custom tools with pilot bellow zero. dont know off hand if that will give you the result you are looking for but worth a try.

 

Good point, i think that actually is the solution. Although should be more intuitive than that. I find the custom tool functionality very poor. Thanks

 

2 hours ago, altamontmfg said:

sOUNDS LIKE A RECIPIE FOR DISASTER....

Sounds like a recipe for success. Many tools in machining processes are not touched off at "typical" points on the tool (aka bottom of the tool, side of the tool).... "Oh darn it! The tool mfg made the grooving insert narrower this time - SCRAP".  Valve seat depths in engines, touched off from the valve seat shoulder. Silly to do it otherwise. 

[Craig-B]

On 3/17/2022 at 2:24 PM, RaiderX said:

I would consider drawing custom tools with pilot bellow zero. don't know off hand if that will give you the result you are looking for but worth a try.

 

This works well, I have used this method in the past. 

[AMCNitro]

48 minutes ago, Craig-B said:

This works well, I have used this method in the past. 

Ive always wondered if this could be done.

[crazy^millman]

26 minutes ago, AMCNitro said:

Ive always wondered if this could be done.

I have done it for 20 years with no issues.

[john316]

5 hours ago, AMCNitro said:

Ive always wondered if this could be done.

 

4 hours ago, crazy^millman said:

I have done it for 20 years with no issues.

Same here.

How many times have you programmed a chamfer tool to the tip and they used one with a flat and went too deep. Without specifying the programmed point THAT is a recipe for disaster. 

[AMCNitro]

5 hours ago, crazy^millman said:

I have done it for 20 years with no issues.

 

23 minutes ago, john316 said:

 

Same here.

How many times have you programmed a chamfer tool to the tip and they used one with a flat and went too deep. Without specifying the programmed point THAT is a recipe for disaster. 

You guys have done a much larger variety of jobs than me.  That's why this forum is amazing, the amount of experience is staggering.