Keeping track of bits in Tool database

[GeneMpls]

I struggled with this for the first year. I have been using this
system for a few months and it works for me. All of my tools
have a number and a decimal. The number is for tool class and
the decimal is the individual tool. So if a 1/4"end mill is used
in a tool path- it is named (toolpathname) and then t[1.5 which
is in my tool holder in the 1 group in slot #5.
The tools are also on the wall beside the bot on mag strips so
they can be moved as nec. I hope I am explaining this clearly?

I anyone is interested and confused I will attempt to help. Thanks Gene

[Brian Harnett]

Wow you are way more organized than me, half the time I am sifting sawdust for the bit I need.

Great idea, I try to be neat just have a hard time keeping it that way

[Burkhardt]

Yeah, me too. I have the bits organized quite well (see below) but there is no logical link to my CAM database.

https://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#photo/106475956294679103466/5964486647058969617/5982297567341449618

[GeneMpls]

Did I mention that I am 68 and have... issues?

[scottp55]

Jeez Gene, I almost always know where the bit I need is---Anticipating the tool change-I stick it in my lap, so I'm usually Sitting on it:) Nice to be a Newbie with only a couple dozen bits! Mine are just in database by manufacturer in ascending size so I have a clue as to what color to look for when I open my drawer:)

[barrowj]

Does anyone know how to export the "Tool Database" in VCP ?

[scottp55]

Joe, While in VCP, open your database and you will see the "Export" button on the bottom. One thing though, I have a control computer that is fast enough to design on the fly with, so constantly measuring new bits and dialing them in. At first I was exporting all mish-mash and my settings were getting mixed up. Now I export only from the control computer as that is always the most recent and up to date.
Hope this helps,
scott

[myxpykalix]

I love the sign...tool change time is like a scavenger hunt for me!:eek:

[barrowj]

Thanks Scott, however I have done this and my idea was to print it off to keep with me when I am running the file. The database is of course not ascii so unless I can find the right program to read it I will just have to do a snip (screen print) and print that out. I can't always remember what tool has what number assigned to it and that is the most confusing part. I need to get better organized.

[scottp55]

Joe, Any of these help you?
http://forum.vectric.com/search.php?keywords=print+tool+database&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=posts&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

[adrianm]

I modified my Post Processor so that it displays the expected Tool Name and Tool Number in the SB3 message window. I find it much easier to see it that way than relying on the comments in the code in the main window. Especially as I run in Easy mode these days and never see the code scrolling past!

The variables &ToolName and &Tool are used in the MTC routines and are displayed when you use that as well.

For the MTC routines to work though you have to be sure each different tool has different numbers which is why I added the display to the PP so I wouldn't get caught out when I first started using the MTC.

The code I use in the HEADER section is below and I have similar code in the NEW_SEGMENT and TOOLCHANGE sections.


"Print [34]HEADER[34]"
"Print [34]Toolpath Name = [TOOLPATH_NAME][34]"
"Print [34]Toolpath Notes = [TOOLPATH_NOTES][34]"
"Print [34]Tool Number = [T][34]"
"Print [34]Tool Name = [TOOLNAME][34]"
"Print [34]Tool Notes = [TOOL_NOTES][34]"
"Print [34]Cut Feed Rate = [FC] mm/min[34]"
"Print [34]Plunge Rate = [FP] mm/min[34]"
"Print [34]Spindle Speed = [S] r.p.m[34]"
"Print"
"&PWZorigin = [Z_ORIGIN]"
"&PWMaterial = [ZLENGTH]"
"&ToolName = [34][TOOLNAME][34]"
"&Tool = [T]"