. .

Thread: M6 tool change

  1. #1
    I'm fairly new to CNC machines so therefore easily bamboozled

    Until fairly recently tool changing hasn't been an issue as I've not required it. However I've branched out into more complicated items and that's where I've hit a problem.

    I have made a program, using Cut 2D and Mach 3 on the machine. It has put in a M6 code as a part of the sequence. Unfortunately the CNC doesn't obey it or if it does it's only like a hesitation.

    How do I get it to raise up clear of the work and return to a (Y = 0) where I can change the tool. (All done manually)

    Below is a prime example of what is not happening from a 3mm end mill to an engraving tool.

    N1110G1X377.638Y12.500Z-2.000
    N1120G1X377.638Y25.500Z-2.000
    N1130G1X335.638Y25.500Z-2.000
    N1140G1X335.638Y12.500Z-2.000
    N1150G00X335.638Y12.500Z6.000
    N1160T2M6
    N1170 (Engraving - 20 Deg Tip 0.02 - 0.25 inches)
    N1180G43H2
    N1190S5000M03
    (Cubby)
    ()
    N1220G00X138.319Y118.559Z6.000
    N1230G1X138.319Y118.559Z-3.000F254.0
    N1240G1X138.212Y119.178Z-3.000F1016.0
    N1250G1X138.121Y119.804Z-3.000
    N1260G1X138.046Y120.438Z-3.000

    Hope I've made it clear

    Can anyone help (In layman terms please)

    Bob

  2. #2
    It could be a Mach3 setting

    Look in Config - General Configuration - Tool Change and see if 'Ignore Tool Change' is set on.

  3. #3
    m_c's Avatar
    Lives in East Lothian, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 3 Days Ago Forum Superstar, has done so much to help others, they deserve a medal. Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 2,908. Received thanks 360 times, giving thanks to others 8 times.
    Mach 3 has various tool change settings.
    It's been years since I've used Mach3, however IIRC even if it's not set to ignore toolchanges (as Cropwell has suggested), you'll still have to have suitable M6start / M6end macros so Mach3 does what you'd like it to do.

    For a quick fix, you could just swap the M6 for an M00 (I can't remember if Mach3 supports M00 - Optional Stop), which will stop the machine, or split the file into separate files and run them sequentially.
    Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.

  4. #4
    There are M6start and M6end macros which come as standard. If you want to move the X,Y,Z to a certain point then you will have to put that in the M6start, or just jog up and across to your tool change position. M6end will reposition the tool, but I do not remember if it switches the spindle back on.

    I tend to split the Gcode into 1 file per tool.

    Cheers,

    Rob-T

  5. #5
    Hi Bob,

    Chances are that Mach is set to "Ignore tool change" like as been mentioned. Change it to "Stop Spindle wait for cycle start" not to "Auto tool changer"

    Then what happens is that the motion stops at last commanded position before the M6 command then the spindle will stop. You can then Jog away to any place you like to change the tool. Then jog back and reset new Z height for new tool length. After set Z height push cycle start and the spindle will restart and motion will resume at next commanded position.

    If you want to machine to move to a tool change location then the M6 start macro will need to be modified.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. FOR SALE: 4 quick change tool holders
    By jonnydeen in forum Items For Sale
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 15-06-2022, 09:44 PM
  2. Mach 3 Tool Change Location Help?
    By Premiumcamper in forum Artsoft Mach (3 & 4)
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 26-03-2021, 09:25 AM
  3. Manual Tool Change
    By Kev2960 in forum General Discussion
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 24-10-2017, 10:11 AM
  4. Ignoring tool change
    By dudz in forum Machine Discussion
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 15-02-2014, 06:34 PM
  5. Mach3 Tool Change Position
    By Mad Professor in forum Artsoft Mach (3 & 4)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 15-07-2013, 06:54 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •