Getting Started with Tool Tables in PathPilot

A couple months back we introduced our new PathPilot control software. Getting Started with Tool Tables is the first of several upcoming tutorials on how to use PathPilot. In this video, Controls Engineer, Daniel Rogge, demonstrates three different techniques on how to set tool offsets. He uses the Digital Height Gauge (PN 31761), the machine tool itself, and the Electronic Tool Setter (PN 31875).
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[@TomZelickman]

This video is a great way to show just how easy it is to set up tooling for the machine and is probably one of the most informative videos I have seen to date. If I was on the fence about buying, videos like this sure make it easier to make the decision. Great job, Dan and team. Sincerely, Tom Z

[@xplodemoto]

This was a very good video, no BS. Had my attention the whole way through-keep making vids that stick to your fur!

[@SaschaDude]

Great and informative video guys. Even after taking your useful workshop this video is a good review for me on the options to zero off. Keep the useful videos coming!

[@tormachinc]

Sascha D Thanks for the comment! We just posted the companion video on work offsets. That can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHasgqJunJmFjLM

[@argentosebastian]

Hi Dan, there is a way to save the tool offset info to a flash drive. I use a share machine and somebody might use and change the offsets. Instead of having to verified the offset would be great if I can upload my info to the controller. Thanks

[@josephgerads9057]

I have 2, 1100s so decided to install PathPilot on one of the mills. Really a great system. The ETS makes short work of loading the 120+ tool holders. The digitizing probe set up you have is just awesome, to find centers for diameter's and rectangles is a real time saver. Is there a going to be a "teach" conversational like in Mach3?

[@tormachinc]

Joseph Gerads Thanks for the suggestion, but we don't have any immediate plans to add this. Happy to hear you like PathPilot though.

[@CR3DT]

Does it matter what work offset is active when setting the tool offsets?

[@ronanrogers4127]

You look a bit like Steve Buscemi...helpful video, thanks

[@owensparks5013]

Nice job. Please excuse the newbie question, (I'm looking into your machines coming from UCCNC and stepcraft machines.) Assuming we have an 1100(m or mx) with ATC, is the offset applied automatically by path-pilot on the tool change or do we need our gcode to have an M6 followed by an apply offset command? Thanks Owen S.

[@tormachinc]

Yes, PathPilot will apply the offset automatically with the M6. If you need any more info, please reach out to our technical support team at [e-mail]

[@owensparks5013]

Tormach Inc. Much obliged. O.S.

[@MikeHenry362]

Could you do a similar video on toll setting for the turret?

[@tormachinc]

+Mike Henry Great minds think alike, we are planning on doing more videos on the turret very soon.

[@nsboost]

So.. thinking about buying g your little 440 to break into machine metals. Very experienced 3D printer. Run a business that started off those plastic extruding machines. What is the learning curve going to be like for someone like myself? I just need to see some sort of reasonable ROI. The 440 won’t meet all of my needs, but could get me started and experience in the field potentially growing into a much larger machine with more capability and more production

[@tormachinc]

To get a better handle on your needs, it might be best to open a support ticket and one of our pre-sales engineers can answer all your questions. tormach.com/how-to-submit-a-support-ticket

[@andyvan5692]

fantastic video, and one to show us how to convert and 'program' in metric language, AT LONG LAST !!!

[@CristianCvitanic]

Hi Dan, thanks for the informative video. However, I don't get why tool length seems to be more relevant than tool diameter. While you go through different precise methods for measuring length, you just use the nominal diameter of the tool instead of measuring that as well. Shouldn't the machine also need a precise diameter for compensating cuts radially ? Thanks in advance for your help !

[@tormachinc]

Tool diameter is important, but that is determined by your project, the material, the tooling, and all the work is done beforehand in your CAD/CAM program. Here, since the tooling is placed in different sized toolholding, the machine needs to know the height of the tool - with the workholding. The diameter is already determined by the type of tool you chose. You should note that the tool table diameter information is only used during conversational programming, or if you included tool compensation in your g-code.

[@CristianCvitanic]

Thanks for your reply ! I see what you say, regarding tool length... however, if I set up work in CAD/CAM software, I need the "real" tool to have the exact same diameter as the tool specified in the program; and it seems to me that we have to "trust" the nominal size of the tool, as per its specs. What happens then, with tools like the fly cutter, if we change the type of insert ?

[@tormachinc]

The size of an insert may change a little if you change the type, so you may want to re-measure the tool after replacing. In most cases, you wouldn't have to unless there was a lot of wear on the insert removed, or if you are very concerned about the cutting specs. Also, most CAM software allows you to readjust the tool sizing, you'd just have to reload the new g-code.

[@wrxboy2003]

how do you clear out the whole tool library and use a specific one per part/job... cant seem to find an answer.. ie: I just picked up an 1100mx and the previous owner has tools entered in... I can seem to clear them out..

[@tormachinc]

To clear out each individual line on the PathPilot tool library you need to press the Enter key for your new information to be saved. If you don't press the enter key it will revert to the previous information.

[@makun16]

I'm curious why there aren't wear offsets in pathpilot. Or maybe I overlooked something.

[@tormachinc]

PathPilot for lathes has tip wear compensation. Path Pilot for the mill does not. You can program wear offset in your CAD/CAM programs using the 41 and 42 commands. Wear offsets has been discussed for inclusion in PathPilot, and if enough people fill out the PathPilot Feature Request form (click on the link below), we may include it in future releases. Thanks for you comment! www.tormach.com/pathpilot-bugreport.html

[@dillonlagrange]

Rolling paper?

[@happyreeds]

I am much more interested in seeing how the machine works, please show us more workpieces and shows how they are made....

[@Jianju69]

There is no "heighth", only "height".

[@happyreeds]

The Tormach is a small mill, I am very interested I buying one because it seems to be capable of doing great deeds but to be sure of that I want to see as many workpieces made on the Tormach as possible....programming is not so interesting

[@tormachinc]

Lou Reeds Thank you for your interest in Tormach. I encourage you to take a look at some of our other videos (Steel and Aluminum Cutting Demonstrations) to see our mills in action. Also, take a look at videos on NYC CNC and John Grimsmo's KZbin channels, as they have many cutting videos.

[@jlippencott1]

Don't you think it would be important to mention that your tool offsets need to be referenced to the workpiece? The tools only care where the coordinates of the workpiece are located. The vise or the machine table is irrelevant to the settings. Their locations are useless information for this process and can be confusing to people that are new to CNC.

[@justinwalker8364]

Tool offsets are used - no matter where the work is. Once you’re making a cut would then deal with setting zero for xyz. Personally I appreciate a video that doesn’t combine the two. Because these offsets are there no matter where you’re cutting.

[@jarisipilainen3875]

why CNC machibes use inches its so non acurate i cant even think how use tool offset if i need correct less than 0.0001. with G21 can do down as 0.001mm what is 0.000039inch. oh yes that is measures i work lol

[@brianhamilton6123]

unless you are doing nano, I see no reason to ever goto 5 decimal places, it's overkill and costly, basic GD&T