Can you use a .bat to sync, copy the newest file both ways, between directories? What would that look like?

OK Makino dudes, is the mi method what most of you use to stage last tool to T0? Has an easier method been implemented? My machine will be here in less than 2 weeks and I'm trying to put the finishing touches on this mpmaster post. I should mention that I have the mi method implemented and working. [ 08-25-2008, 03:20 PM: Message edited by: ShefferCNC ]

Larry, I hope this explains things. The whole cycle is a little scarry at first but if you overide the rapids and single block it you will trust it in no time. quote: To use this program, the setup person loads all the tools to be measured into the machine. Then, just like doing it manually, they place a block on the table to be used as a reference point in Z (the top surface of the work holding setup is commonly used). They then position the machine in X/Y so that the spindle nose (no tool in spindle) is above the block. When the program is excuted, the operator will be asked to touch the spindle nose to the block. Just as when measuring tool lengths manually, the operator will place the machine in manual mode, use jog to quickly position the spindle nose close to the block, and then cautiously touch the block using the handwheel to "measure" the spindle position. When this is done, they will place the machine back in automatic mode and press cycle start. The control will record this position in Z as the current program zero point (just like the operator does when manually presetting the Z axis display to zero) and then automatically move the machine to its tool change position. Tool number one will be placed in the spindle and the machine will stop again. The operator places the mode switch back to jog and cautiously touches the tool tip to the block. When this is done, they place the mode switch back to automatic and press cycle start. The length of tool is automatically stored in offset number one! This process is repeated for each tool until the last tool length is measured. This technique dramatically simplifies the tool length measuring process for the operator and eliminates tool offset entry mistakes.

Helical bore is a much easier way to go, I use this extensivly and love it.

I just got a preview of the MAS5A beta last week. It adds alot of features. Jeff Wilmes from Makino has asked us to be a beta site, anyone else using the beta currently?

Thanks Tom, but I was looking for something other than the overpriced original Kurt jaws, guess I should have said that before

I'm looking for a new supplier of hardened Kurt step jaws, in 4", 6", & 8" sizes, anyone have a supplier they can recommend?

yes, or this... % O9100 (Program to touch off tool lengths) #3006=101 (TOUCH SPINDLE NOSE TO BLOCK) #5003=0 (Set current Z position as program Zero surface) G91 G01 Z1.5 F30. (Move away from block in Z) G91 G28 Z0 M19 (Move to tool change position) #101=1 (Counter for tool station number) N1 T#101 M06 (Place current tool in spindle) #3006=102 (TOUCH TOOL TIP TO BLOCK) #[2000 + #101]=#5003 (Set tool length compensation offset) G91 G01 Z1.5 F30. (Move away in Z) G91 G28 Z0 M19 (Move to tool change position) #101=#101 + 1 (Step tool station counter) GOTO 1 (Return to N1) %

I've used crushed dry ice in the past with pretty good results but I prefer to grind rubber when possible.

Absoutly. A must IMHO.

Thanks Alex

Machines don't "miss" code, usually the problem is in the communication getting the code to the machine, back in the day this was less than perfect and some info was lost from time to time. In 25 years I've never had a machine "miss" a code. This guy is using old skool techniques that just don't have any advantages that apply today.

X2mr2sp1 had the same issue. You have to careful what type of point you pick. It been discussed some here... Recent Thread

I had a Fire GL5200 and had many issues with MC. I would not go down that road again.

Larry, Sorry to say your kinda stuck. Your options are very limited with that control. Now if you had custom macro you could write something up that would copy the machine position values into the desired work offsets which would be a little better, but since its an O control thats not likely an available option either.

temporarily rename your directory then name it back after install?

I loaded all the docs on the ftp under X3 Docs

check in configuration to see that you are loading the correct machine for a new session

George, can you post a small piece of the code that is giving you a problem?

are these repeat jobs in which you already know, or can calculate the offsets offline ?

What control? What other options designed to work with look ahead are being considered? Divorce is expensive because its worth it and the same goes for machine tool options, but you need to choose the right combinations. Look ahead alone is not the cure all answer for higher feedrates while surfacing.

I use microsoft synctoy... SyncToy

click on the parameters of an operation to get this... in the lower right corner click on the Planes button to get this... in the lower left corner enter a work ofst number 1 thru 6. 1=G54 2=G55 3=G56 etc. make sure the center Tool Plane area has the name of the desired Tool Plane listed at the top, if not, click the small button to the left of the arrow button, in the tool plane area to get this... and then select the desired Tool Plane. Green check your way back out of all windows and repost.

uncheck these two boxes in system configuration. "Update Cplane and Tplane when changing Gview" and "Reset C-plane to Top in Iso Gview"

Toolman, just a thought but are you running dual monitors? could the box be hidden under something else on either screen? I know you see it in wire but stranger things have happened.