HAAS Lathe probe end of stock to set part length

[GibbsMachineCorp]

Hello all. I'm looking for information about probes used on lathes. We have an older SL-20 and a new ST-20 both with tool setting probes. They both have bar feeders. What I'm looking for is a system to probe the end of the stock and update the work offset. We do a lot of long parts where I work the end close to the chuck and then push it out and cut it off. I have to re-set my work offset after I push it out to get an accurate length when I cut it off. I then need to work the second end which means loading it by hand in the chuck and re-setting the work offset again. I use the bar feeder as a stop but it's not nearly accurate enough. Just looking for any information you guys can offer up. Thanks in advance.

[Pilot Plant Supervisor]

We bought the Renishaw turret probe package with our TL-25BB. I'm no expert because I haven't actually used it yet, but when Renishaw came in and trained us, that was one of the things it would do. You would push your stock out with the bar feeder, then call up the Renishaw macro. The turret probe will bump the end of the part and update the work offset.

 I bought the probe to check venturi shaped bores with no flat areas to measure conventionally. This work went away before we had a chance to use the probe, so getting it up and running is on the back burner.

[Machineguy]

Bar puller !

[Machineguy]

Had issues getting the forum to work.

 

I had the same problem with a part that needed  2 bar feeds on my SL-10. That didn't work. The feeder is good for +/- .010. You need a bar puller that's mounted in the turent. It will pull the stock out to +/- .001. It work great. There are different grips you can use, or make your own

US Shoptools has them.

 I also have a pgm that I can put into any other program that makes it work. Only one issue is to put the puller in a station that will avoid the chuck when using other tools.

 

Machineguy

[GibbsMachineCorp]

Thanks for the info. Only question I have is with our collet system it pulls the bar back when it clamps. Will the puller hold it or will it pull back some?

[Machineguy]

No. It holds the material till the collet closes, then feeds in x+ to clear the material, then rapids home.

I have the smaller machine from Haas, so I'm real tight  on room to do these jobs

I had a deal on a Puma 2600sy. The company passed on it.

 

Machineguy

[Pilot Plant Supervisor]

Sounds like you need a Royal Acculength collet chuck or go back to the probe idea.

[GibbsMachineCorp]

Thanks guys. We're looking at all the options and so far the probe is looking like the best fit. HAAS quoted $4,000 for a Renishaw probe and installation.