Procedure for cutting two toolpaths

Hi,

if you use Estlcam you just create 2 different tools in the tool list and then create the toolpaths with the according tools:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l48CfiVdzyg

Your machine will automatically stop once a different tool is required and after changing you just resume the program.

Christian

Hi,

Select vectors only for 1.5mm endmill, create toolpath, save gcode. After that select vectors for 2.0mm, create toolpath and save code. Go ahead with miling 1.5mm and when finished change tool to 2.0mm. Now you need to find zero position for Z axis (tool length sensor is handy) and go with miling 2.0mm.

Uccnc will only except one toolpath at any one time right? so after i load the toolpath for the 2mm cut, does it matter where the x/y postion is?

You can load any gcode and X and Y positions remain the same (Z as well). Do not zero it! You need new X and Y positions only if you remove miling part from machine and put it back again. After loading new toolpath you only need new Z position because you changed the tool.

FaFiNoS

Hi,

UCCNC can handle files with more than one tool.
X/Y is not affected by tool changes - but Z will be because of different tool length.

Christian

Thanks, ill try that.

Yup -spot on - save two separate toolpaths with the same XY zero datum in the CAM side. Don't change UCCNC XY zero and change tool - zero Z and run program!

Make also sure that in your UCCNC profile you have changed the Configuration / General Settings so that it will stop the spindle and wait for Cycle start on tool change code M6 if you generate G-code that uses multiple tools in same file.

I think the default is "Ignore tool change code (M6)", so it will happily just go past all M6 codes, and will not stop and allow you to change tool.

And to generate multiple toolpaths using different tools to same file, you need to use some postprocessor that supports tool changes (I would assume "Mach2/3 ATC Arcs (mm)" might work).

Hello,
I just hit "Go to Zero" in UCCNC after changing the tool.
It worked great.