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Using Multiple Bits - Question

Discussion in 'General Talk' started by Michael Cramer, Dec 6, 2020.

  1. Michael Cramer

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    Hello all. I am new to the CNC world and ive spent all day learning Fusion360 CAM and i think i have a basic understanding at this point. A question that i have is using 2 different bits during one project.

    Say i wanted to cut out a circle with a flat endmill on step 1, then use a Vbit to engrave a word above it, how do i tell the machine when to stop for a bit change? Is this in the software? or do i just physically pause the program? or do i have two completely seperate Gcode files? I hope this makes sense.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Christian James

    Christian James Journeyman
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    Just save the project as 2 separate g-code files. When the first file is finished, the router will return to the start position where you can then change the bit. Load up your second file, change the cutter bit, re-probe your Z axis height, then set Z zero and away you go.
     
  3. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
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    Michael Cramer likes this.
  4. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    If you are using the personal use license (as a hobby user) I'm afraid you will have to create separate g-code files for each tool.
    Alex
     
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  5. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
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    in which case you probably want to use this feature
     
  6. ADClark

    ADClark New
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    This may need to be a separate thread- but are there special considerations for using the XYZ Touch Probe Plus with the Fusion 360 Postprocessor (generally, or perhaps specific to an NC Program workflow)? A tool change would need the Z to be re-probed- I may be overlooking a button somewhere- can the probe be used for Z only?
     
  7. Michael Cramer

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    I was also wondering this
     
  8. ljvb

    ljvb Well-Known
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    I use F360.
    I basically export all the generated files, and between operations, I just rerun probe z in the OB control software, dont touch the x and y, and you will be fine.
     
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  9. ljvb

    ljvb Well-Known
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    And yes, flip the xyz probe upside down and in the drop down menu for the probe option, (bottom of that menu screen), select z probe, make sure the value matches the probe, and you are good to go
     
  10. Michael Cramer

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    Side question, I guess more of an F360 question, when you are using 2 types of tools in a program, what steps do you take to export them separately? I haven’t tried it yet and don’t want to mess it up. I made one program yesterday that used an engraving bit for an object and also text and it was exported as one program. Is it because I didn’t choose two different tools?
     
  11. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    Select which toolpath you wish to post process. You probably had both selected.
    Alex.
     
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  12. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Negative. Incorrect info. Select XYZ Probe Plus if thats what you have - use the tab at the top select the Z Zero operation to zero only Z, but dont change the probe type.

    The Z probe under probe type at the bottom that you refer to is our old Z only puck. That disables X, Y, Auto and XYZ probes.

    Perfectly the workflow we recommend!
     
    #12 Peter Van Der Walt, Dec 7, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2020
  13. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Probe button on main toolbar > Z Zero tab


    Or

    Click the down-arrow button next to the Z DRO - these axis specific context menus has shortcuts to functions like probing etc (each axis has a dropdown menu next to the DRO)
     
  14. ADClark

    ADClark New
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    This is what I needed to know, thank you everyone
     
  15. ljvb

    ljvb Well-Known
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    That would explain the problem I had.. and why I had to change the size... I usually use the xyz when I am using a corner for the initial probe.. but mid run, I had been using the old z probe with the correct size.. I guess it works.. but not the way to do it..

    so OP.. ignore my previous comment.
     
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  16. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Back in front of a computer: Screenshot I wanted to add yesterday:

    upload_2020-12-8_15-35-32.png
     
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