So I'm more used to running CNC Mills and Lathes in the metal working world. Normally we use G54, G55, work offsets for multiple parts and use tool length offsets to adjust for the difference in Z height between tools. Is there a particular reason you use work offsets instead of tool length offsets to account for the length of the tool?
I would do 2 things to help me to avoid mistakes. The first it to put the g55 and g56 (or whatever is relevant ) into the cut files themselves. This avoids my having to remember to press the button. Then I would add that offset command to the file names . This is a reminder to me that the given offset must be set before using this file.
Thanks for explaining that. I was wondering what those buttons on my program did. Personally not useful since it is really dependent on getting the tools in the spindle the same way every time and I don't have that ability on my machine. This was still good to know though.
Interesting to see what those G buttons are used for ! I probably missed it but in case I didn't, could you make a video or even just detail on your cncfaq website what all the different buttons in UCCNC are used for ? I get it for the different axes and basics, but I'm quickly confused just with home all and zero all for example :) Thanks for your time ! And thank you for all the great videos
What if I have a router as a spindle? There’s no way I’m gonna get the tool into the collet the same height every time. I remember seeing the tool and die makers at work setting tools into collets with an indicator to insure proper tool height. Could I possibly use a block on the table to set tool height? I’m using Mach3.
Have you done something special to equalize the surface of you support? (sorry I don't know how to say, I mean "surface" the base support so your surfacing is a plan)
I am using 1/2" HDPE with a vacuum pod under it. I can not share the info on the vacuum pod because it is a prototype from a company that will be releasing this solution on Kickstarter in OCT
I don't get the point: you use the first material as a reference to mesure zeros, then you switch for your real work piece? And for you vacuum table: you said you cut ~0.015"... So I imagine you built it also and you built a new one later if you need it? Or do you buy it?
When I made the video I already cut all the signs, so I had one extra blank of the same thickness as the signs so I could illustrate touching off the tools. The real process would have been to 1) put the blank on the machine - set my zeros for XY and Z and drill holes on back for alignment pins 2) Flip it over and V Carve everything. - I used G57 for the V bit 3) Take off and paint black the entire top (all areas that were v carved) 4) put back on the vac fixture to remove the top surface (black) - G55 - to revel the white PVC and all V carvings are left black 5) run profile cutout - G56 - to cut the final shape. I made the vacuum fixture - I will make a video on how I did that soon. Since I had to make 30 signs it was worth the few minutes to make the vac fixture. Plus using a vac fixture saves a LOT of material - without it, I would need to clamp or screw so I would have more waste material to make room for clamping. I cut into the vac fixture 0.015" OUTSIDE the rubber cord. So I am cutting OUTSIDE the vacuum area. If I ever needed to make signs this shape again, I could use that fixture indefinitely. Hope this better explains...
Does Stepcraft software support real Tool Offsets? (not work offsets). What about tool changes? we see M1/2/3 etc in the panel but still you had separate .nc files for each tool, which can be frustrating and lead to errors in some workflows.
Yes we fully support automatic tool changes and we have macros for auto touch off and tool offset storage. All you need is one nc file that you add M6 commands via your CAM software and our system will take care of the rest. Here is a video that shows it ruclips.net/video/pCMdPF39Uts/видео.html
Thank you Greg. Yes I have it set to cut about 0.015" into the vacuum fixture to ensure a good bottom cut and in case there is any deviation in the material. The cord on the vacuum fixture is just inside that outer profile cut so it maintains vacuum.
@@StepcraftInc Thanks Eric, I was wondering, because I don't use a vacuum table on my machine, but I'm thinking about it. I'm just wondering how you get around that. If you're cutting different profiles all the time, don't you run the risk of ruining it, or losing vacuum pressure from all the grooves. Or do you always have to make sure your profile is always outside the vacuum area as you did?
@@gregraso728 There are two types of vacuum that you can use - high volume and high pressure. High volume would be where you use a vacuum pump that moves a lot of air through a vac grid. You can suck air through a spoilboard like MDF. High pressure would be where you made a dedicated fixture (like I did in this project)
@@StepcraftInc Thanks I would use the high pressure as you did. I've been teaching at a vocational school at night and they have a large machine with a high volume vacuum system. I get a little nervous that the work piece is going to move. I just started watching your videos this week, and I've learned and enjoyed them Thank you for your help. Keep the videos coming.
Yes it will work with all tool changers. Sometimes it’s. It necessary to reset the whole tool rack so I prefer to do this. Yes all G buttons work the same way
Wade, please email me info@stepcraft.us. We are here and are processing quotes every day. I need to know how you requested it so I can make sure the system is working
Nope, tool length offsets are different from work offsets, using work offsets is a workaround for machines that don't have tool length offsets .. but that is not what work offsets are intended for.
So I'm more used to running CNC Mills and Lathes in the metal working world. Normally we use G54, G55, work offsets for multiple parts and use tool length offsets to adjust for the difference in Z height between tools. Is there a particular reason you use work offsets instead of tool length offsets to account for the length of the tool?
Nice one. Those new Q-Series machines are looking pretty slick!
Give us a shout, we would love to talk to you about them info@stepcraft.us
I would do 2 things to help me to avoid mistakes. The first it to put the g55 and g56 (or whatever is relevant ) into the cut files themselves. This avoids my having to remember to press the button. Then I would add that offset command to the file names . This is a reminder to me that the given offset must be set before using this file.
Thanks for explaining that. I was wondering what those buttons on my program did. Personally not useful since it is really dependent on getting the tools in the spindle the same way every time and I don't have that ability on my machine. This was still good to know though.
Interesting to see what those G buttons are used for ! I probably missed it but in case I didn't, could you make a video or even just detail on your cncfaq website what all the different buttons in UCCNC are used for ? I get it for the different axes and basics, but I'm quickly confused just with home all and zero all for example :) Thanks for your time ! And thank you for all the great videos
We will be working on some new UCCNC videos this month
Please keep more videos coming
We plan on it! Thank you
I wish you would show the making of the tool paths for this video.
I will. That will be a separate video. More in depth.
What if I have a router as a spindle? There’s no way I’m gonna get the tool into the collet the same height every time. I remember seeing the tool and die makers at work setting tools into collets with an indicator to insure proper tool height. Could I possibly use a block on the table to set tool height? I’m using Mach3.
you would use a tool length sensor. Each time you change the tool you need to re-zero your Z axis and then you should be fine
Hi, what material were you machining for the sign?
Hello,
I want to ask what kind of Spindle are in use? Is this offical from Stepcraft?
Yes that is a Stepcraft ATC-2200 2.2Kw Automatic tool changer spindle.
You could use M6 tool change request in one program - easier. Program would pause and ask for manual tool change and change G59 automatically.
Yes you can set the job up that way as well. This machine also has an ATC on it, so there is no need to manually do it
Have you done something special to equalize the surface of you support? (sorry I don't know how to say, I mean "surface" the base support so your surfacing is a plan)
I am using 1/2" HDPE with a vacuum pod under it. I can not share the info on the vacuum pod because it is a prototype from a company that will be releasing this solution on Kickstarter in OCT
Like this video 👍🏽, but the brush makes me blind.
I don't get the point: you use the first material as a reference to mesure zeros, then you switch for your real work piece?
And for you vacuum table: you said you cut ~0.015"... So I imagine you built it also and you built a new one later if you need it? Or do you buy it?
When I made the video I already cut all the signs, so I had one extra blank of the same thickness as the signs so I could illustrate touching off the tools. The real process would have been to 1) put the blank on the machine - set my zeros for XY and Z and drill holes on back for alignment pins 2) Flip it over and V Carve everything. - I used G57 for the V bit 3) Take off and paint black the entire top (all areas that were v carved) 4) put back on the vac fixture to remove the top surface (black) - G55 - to revel the white PVC and all V carvings are left black 5) run profile cutout - G56 - to cut the final shape.
I made the vacuum fixture - I will make a video on how I did that soon. Since I had to make 30 signs it was worth the few minutes to make the vac fixture. Plus using a vac fixture saves a LOT of material - without it, I would need to clamp or screw so I would have more waste material to make room for clamping. I cut into the vac fixture 0.015" OUTSIDE the rubber cord. So I am cutting OUTSIDE the vacuum area. If I ever needed to make signs this shape again, I could use that fixture indefinitely. Hope this better explains...
@@StepcraftInc Thanks you! Waiting to see info about the vacuum support!!! :)
Does Stepcraft software support real Tool Offsets? (not work offsets). What about tool changes? we see M1/2/3 etc in the panel but still you had separate .nc files for each tool, which can be frustrating and lead to errors in some workflows.
Yes we fully support automatic tool changes and we have macros for auto touch off and tool offset storage. All you need is one nc file that you add M6 commands via your CAM software and our system will take care of the rest. Here is a video that shows it ruclips.net/video/pCMdPF39Uts/видео.html
another informative video! do you cut into your vacuum table?
Thank you Greg. Yes I have it set to cut about 0.015" into the vacuum fixture to ensure a good bottom cut and in case there is any deviation in the material. The cord on the vacuum fixture is just inside that outer profile cut so it maintains vacuum.
@@StepcraftInc Thanks Eric, I was wondering, because I don't use a vacuum table on my machine, but I'm thinking about it. I'm just wondering how you get around that. If you're cutting different profiles all the time, don't you run the risk of ruining it, or losing vacuum pressure from all the grooves. Or do you always have to make sure your profile is always outside the vacuum area as you did?
@@gregraso728 There are two types of vacuum that you can use - high volume and high pressure. High volume would be where you use a vacuum pump that moves a lot of air through a vac grid. You can suck air through a spoilboard like MDF. High pressure would be where you made a dedicated fixture (like I did in this project)
@@StepcraftInc Thanks I would use the high pressure as you did. I've been teaching at a vocational school at night and they have a large machine with a high volume vacuum system. I get a little nervous that the work piece is going to move. I just started watching your videos this week, and I've learned and enjoyed them Thank you for your help. Keep the videos coming.
@@gregraso728 i'd be happy to help you if you want. Email info@stepcraft.us. I will work on some videos for this too
Does this work for the tool changer on the D840 ? And I only see G54 to G57 and do all four of them do the same thing?
Yes it will work with all tool changers. Sometimes it’s. It necessary to reset the whole tool rack so I prefer to do this. Yes all G buttons work the same way
Right now I just use them as quick change because they get stuck and wouldn’t release from spindle .
@@joekrieg3152 Please talk to our support department so we can help you resolve this problem. support@stepcraft.us
Are you guys in business anymore? I've requested 2 quotes now with no response.
Wade, please email me info@stepcraft.us. We are here and are processing quotes every day. I need to know how you requested it so I can make sure the system is working
Nope, tool length offsets are different from work offsets, using work offsets is a workaround for machines that don't have tool length offsets .. but that is not what work offsets are intended for.
Failed Stipcroft I do not recommend buying it only advertising
don't buy stepcraft cnc its not worth the money spended 4000 dollar on a worthless cnc dont spend your money on stepcraft cnc