A little bit of G code help please!

[sinnsvak]

When I want a small pause, I add a tool-change, without really changing anything. I can then jog it away and put in screws, when I hit run again it will go to position and continue.

[magicniner]

Daft question but why aren't you edge clamping the work and running a job to put in all the hold-down screw holes in one go first, then cutting your profiles?

[njhussey]

When I want a small pause, I add a tool-change, without really changing anything. I can then jog it away and put in screws, when I hit run again it will go to position and continue.

What code do you put in to do that? I put in M6 and it didn't flinch, just ran straight past it?!

Daft question but why aren't you edge clamping the work and running a job to put in all the hold-down screw holes in one go first, then cutting your profiles?

I do edge clamp it (see above pic, I use masking tape...) and do the drilling operation first...I want to know (being a complete noob) how to stop the code so I can put the screws in.

[jamesgates1000]

As someone has said above, an M0 is the best way to pause the program.

An example would be...
(this is based on fanuc/has g code but the format will be the same)

...
G83 Z-10 R3. Q3. G99 (drilling cycle)
X4. Y6. (hole position 1)
X44. Y46. (hole position 2)
G0 Z50. (rapid away from job in z)
X0. Y0. (rapid to home/change position)
M0 (program stop)
... Continue program

The M0 will pause the program until you press the green cycle start button again.

[njhussey]

As someone has said above, an M0 is the best way to pause the program.

An example would be...
(this is based on fanuc/has g code but the format will be the same)

...
G83 Z-10 R3. Q3. G99 (drilling cycle)
X4. Y6. (hole position 1)
X44. Y46. (hole position 2)
G0 Z50. (rapid away from job in z)
X0. Y0. (rapid to home/change position)
M0 (program stop)
... Continue program

The M0 will pause the program until you press the green cycle start button again.

Thanks James, I'll "air cut" a small program with this in and try M0! The list of G-code commands I have just says program stop and nothing about a re-start so I didn't want to use this, certainly not in anger.

[Lee Roberts]

Thanks James, I'll "air cut" a small program with this in and try M0! The list of G-code commands I have just says program stop and nothing about a re-start so I didn't want to use this, certainly not in anger.

Yeah that's what I thought as well, thats why i suggested instead the timed paused because my list did say programme will then resume, at least we know now :).

.Me

[magicniner]

(see above pic, I use masking tape...

I saw the tape and suggested clamping the edges because you were taping, not clamping the work.
Masking tape is specifically designed to be removable and doesn't offer much hold down capability in the face of a persistent force such as the lift from spiral flute milling or routing.
Swapping to a good commercial grade of gaffer tape and ensuring the tape runs down the vertical side of the work and contacts the spoil board at the edge of the work will give you a big improvement in hold,

- Nick

[njhussey]

I saw the tape and suggested clamping the edges because you were taping, not clamping the work.
Masking tape is specifically designed to be removable and doesn't offer much hold down capability in the face of a persistent force such as the lift from spiral flute milling or routing.
Swapping to a good commercial grade of gaffer tape and ensuring the tape runs down the vertical side of the work and contacts the spoil board at the edge of the work will give you a big improvement in hold,

- Nick

Hi Nick, plans are to make some ali clamp blocks a bit like inverted T nuts that will clamp the edges which will also mean that I can then machine multiple balsa strips in one go....however as with everything I'm running before I can walk.... I know, I'm heading for a fall! Will be catching up on everything over the Christmas period....

[JAZZCNC]

What code do you put in to do that? I put in M6 and it didn't flinch, just ran straight past it?!

Well then your problem is that you haven't turned on tool changes in General Config. See pic.



If the file your using is made up of two or more operations, whether that be 2 milling op's or Drill and then mill etc and each operation uses a different tool number then M6 will stop at the new tool and wait for cycle start.
If like in your case your using same tool for both Op's then still give a separate T number to the second tool and it will do what you want and you won't have to mess around inserting M codes etc. (You have to do this to trick your Cam Post processor into inserting M6 other wise it will see same tool number for both tools and leave M6 out because it thinks you don't need to change tools)

[njhussey]

Well then your problem is that you haven't turned on tool changes in General Config. See pic.



If the file your using is made up of two or more operations, whether that be 2 milling op's or Drill and then mill etc and each operation uses a different tool number then M6 will stop at the new tool and wait for cycle start.
If like in your case your using same tool for both Op's then still give a separate T number to the second tool and it will do what you want and you won't have to mess around inserting M codes etc. (You have to do this to trick your Cam Post processor into inserting M6 other wise it will see same tool number for both tools and leave M6 out because it thinks you don't need to change tools)

I've had a look into it and as you say you need to specify the different tools first i.e. T1=1, T2=2 and then It'll wait...if you just put M6 in there like an idiot that I am then of course it won't do anything as it doesn't see a different tool......