Anybody got any ideas?

I did a search but didn't find the answer. In setting up all of our different machines, it seems that the 'Properties' is reading from whatever the 'default' machine is set up in config. Most of the machine properties are slightly different (different tool numbering, add numbers, etc) In particular, I can't seem to get all the different "toolpath configuration" to stick. If I go to edit the MD file, it still shows up as I had originally set it. But when I go to use the MD file, X pulls the values from what is in the system config. If I change the default machine to the one I'm trying to use, then its correct. What's going on here? On a search, the closest topic I found was this. It seems though, this topic is still an unsolved problem. I also need to set up multiple users on the same stations, but I need to be sure that all of the config issues are worked out. I'm up to date on everything for X...

Thanks for the info Ron....

I tried this as well but I found that some of them won't delete. Also ran into problems with the X not working properly or shutting down in error when the "default" files were deleted or moved. So, instead, I left all of the machines in place, then created a sub-folder for the machines I wanted or created into this folder, then have X pointing to them in the config.

I've run old M1 & M2 systems that were that way, but because of the machine type. I can't recall any M32 controlled machines that didn't have a tool change arm (not to say that there wasn't any)..

quote: You will just have to add a T00 to the tool changer cycle in the post. Is T1M6, should be T1T00M6 ??? So, you're not using secondary tool calls?

Maple huh..... how about these from Hougen. In particular, the Annular cutters. I've used these in metal and plastics with great success,,... and it can rough/finish in one pass. Maybe they'll have and application for you...

These are indexables from Allied Machine. Will these work for you? Take a look at the TA drills, they come inch, metric, helix, no helix, different shanks, drill tip, flat bottom, and custom sized inserts as well.

So you're saying that the machine is using a custom macro on a G83 call instead of a machine canned cycle? Then check the program call for the G83 and see if it has a dwell built in it.

Shot in the dark here... Turn on your block skip if you have one, or delete "/G61". G61 is exact stop mode or position check ... although I wouldn't think it would do it "in cycle"...

quote: Dont use tool_typ, use the opcode method. +1 trev.... my bad...

Or you could add this.. I do something similar on posts for different reasons.... if tool_typ > 9, "G8", e$ else, "G9", e$ I haven't tried this in X yet. Should work as long as you're not trying to do some milling with a drill. Then just leave the G8 forced in the tap cycle. Although, if you drill with a chamfer mill (type 12), it will still output a G8....

On that same topic.... When I change the program number on the tool setting page, it doesn't change the output of the program number even though it shows the changed number. Shouldn't this become effective at that point? The only way to really change the program number is to go through the "edit common parameters" section and change the program number, then have to regen all the paths. Funny thing is that none of the tool paths show up dirty?? This turns into a more complicated problem when you have a bunch of transformed tool operations.

I use both posts that you describe but mine works properly in V9 or X. The only thing I can think of is are you changing/setting workoffsets (WCS) after you make toolpaths? The WCS won't write over the plane setting for offsets. Try this: On your existing toolpaths, shut off (uncheck) the workoffsets in the planes dialog and just use the WCS. It should output whatever offset you're using there provided that the cuts you are posting were actually taken in that tool/construction plane. Keep the geo simple to play with this at first. A little slow here..... John is up early today,... of course you are on the "other" coast... I'm at work

Gotcha, I see the dilemma now.... This would still cause a problem in the old files, but how about setting up the tool libraries as according to type of materials used? Actually, you could do this in V9 and earlier also. If you set up the material library accordingly, with the proper adjustments to your tool rates, would that minimize your "duplicate" tooling?

quote: I agree, I know you can spot drill with a chamfer tool but you can't chamfer with a spot drill. You can't???? Just trying to understand the need for having so many duplicate tooling. If I understand correctly, you're trying to minimize the amount of "programmer input" by presetting speed, feed, DOC, dwell, no dwell, coolant, no coolant, stepover, max length, etc, etc, .... for each type of cut?

Think those are cute.... check out some of these benchtop mills. And there are smaller cnc's out there....

I've ran these before for similar small parts and it was a lot of fun.... Tsugami Vertical And here's a "Baby Horizontal" just to spark an interest.... And there's always the Kitamura which always seems to be reliable....

Apparently it works better by hitting "Ctrl V" a few times ????

You may have some issues with X if you're trying to go from a V9 programmed part ( in the duplicate tooling anyway ). Maybe someone else here knows a work around. Personally, I don't see any reason to have duplicate tooling, but thats ok too. To answer some other stuff about X though.... If I understand this correctly, tooling can be localized to the file. This can be independant of the main "tool library". So, if someone else changes something in tool on file, it doesn't affect the main library info as long as the person doesn't save the tool to it. 2. You can control this through operation defaults for all types of cuts rather than creating a tool for particular cuts. 3. That can happen anywhere at any point. However, your point is taken. This will be an issue for you if your existing library won't work the way it has up to now. Maybe the post has to be modified to accept or "see" tools as tool numbers rather than type of tool??? Not sure...

Ernie.... As always....

BK, instead of having two tools (even though they are same), just use one tool. Have one 3/8 x 90 show in the tool list and use it to spot, chamfer or whatever. Having the two tools in your list is causing the tool change.

First place I'd look is on the tool parameter page, right below your feedrate inputs is button that says "force tool change". Uncheck it....

Seems like some will stay set, some won't like the setting for the line numbers. This (line numbers) is a reported bug and they're working on that one. If you like using Cimco, then just use that. I have X posting to a Cimco editor and still using that.

Check your post file.... maybe in the update it got changed (or the variable string is not constant) to not output helical arcs.... Also make sure 'linerize helixes' is UNCHECKED in the ramp contour dialog...