Hello, let me preface this with I have lots of experience with the Buildbotics version of the OnefinityCNC, and a basic working knowledge of the Masso controller as I’ve only recently upgraded to the Elite. So I’ve gone from only defining a tool in VCarve, to setting a tool number in VCarve & Masso, and now I’m graduating up to also setting a tool slot with an ATC.
But I’m missing something fundamental about tool changes. Let me give an example:
Lets say I have 10 tool holders and 10 different tools configured in Masso. Tools 1-10, set to Slots 1-10. In this example I’ve also setup the VCarve database with the matching tool numbers.
Okay, currently Tool 1 is a 1/4 EM and is in the spindle and the Masso controller correctly shows me “Tool: 1, [tool name]” on the F2/F3 screens. I understand if I create a vcarve job and use tool 3, the ATC will automatically drop off the current Tool 1, and pickup Tool 3 when running the job. Or I could run the T3M6 mdi command and it will do the same thing.
Here is where I’m lost. What is the proper procedure when I want to switch to a tool that is not one of the 10? Lets say I have a 1-1/2" end mill for surfacing set as tool 20 in the Masso & Vcarve and I want to surface something? I could manually change the tool with the MTC button, but the Masso would still show Tool 1 was loaded. And if I load a job from vcarve set to tool 20 I get a flashing “Alarm Tool Error.”
So again, what is the proper procedure for switching to a tool that is NOT one of those 10? And I guess back again after that job is finished??
On f1, where it says tool changer, switch that to manual tool change, and assign a location (mine is middle X, high Z front Y). Then do t11m6 it’ll go there change the tool using the button and run your gcode.
Here’s where it gets tricky, change it back to a tool that has a dedicated tool slot assignment before changing to a tool changer logic or else you’ll get this
The problem in the above listed was it had a tool loaded (according to masso), but masso didn’t know where to drop it off, I’m assuming it’ll be the same for picking up, but the message would read slightly different.
Okay, if I follow that the order of operations is something like:
In Masso switch from Automatic to Manual tool changing
Issue a t#m6 command matching the non-slotted tool
manually change to that tool
Run job
Issue a t#m6 command for a slotted tool
manually change to that tool
Change back to Automatic tool changing
I halfway expected it was something like that. My hopes were I didn’t know some built-in Masso command that performed no action but just tool the system what tool was in the spindle/router. Like hey Masso, I know you think you have T3 loaded, but I know better, you actually have T20 loaded, so be chill.
I guess that would only reduce the above by two steps, so not a big deal. Thanks for the info Chris!
Here is my additional question. With an ATC the gcode will contain the tool changes. I use Fusion 360 cad & cam. If I set a manual tool change the M5 command is entered in the gcode and the system moves the spindle to G53 Z0 X0 (I added a Y0 for convenience). The gcode has the new tool (Txx, the manual tool to put in the spindle) in the code.
The issue was when I first ran the program the spindle stopped and went to Z0 X0 and before I could do the manual tool change the system started again with the wrong tool and gouged the workpeice.
Why did it restart? I would have to tell it to restart or enter a start command to have the program restart, correct?
What is the restart command or button?
My experience - I programmed and operated a Haas CNC lathe, dual spindle with a turret with live tooling for 5 years so I am not a novice (except to the OneFinity). With the lathe, after an M5 we would have to hit cycle start to continue the program. Usually after changing and touching off the new manual tool.
Can you post the snipit of gcode where this occurred
I can’t explain what happened because it doesn’t make sense.
If you were programmed for manual tool change, that would make sense, but you would also have to hit the cycle start button for it to move into the workpiece and make a piece of firewood.
When you load your gcode, does it just start, or do you have to start it?
Which version of masso are you using? It’s on the very top and starts with “5.”