Part placement

[david_white]

If I want to cut my part in a diferent location on the table (I know i can go into the code and change it but i just cant figure it out) When I change the start location in the code the tool will move to that location and then go home and start to cut the part in the old location. Hope I explaned this OK.
Thanks Dave

[brucehiggins]

Move to the location you want, then use the FP command. In the form that comes up enter the filename of your part file and enter "2" for the offset. That will cut your part as if the current X,Y location is 0,0.

[knight_toolworks]

it's best to zero then go to where you want to cut write the measurements down and z2. this way if something goes wrong you can get right back to the 0,0 without an issue. don't ask me how I learned this lesson (G)

[knight_toolworks]

you can also put the offset into the toolpath when you create it. but that may mean extra moves or more jogs.

[gpari]

Just be careful when changing your zero location on the table, you need to be sure that there is enough room on the table for your file


When cutting multiple sheets of the same file, I usually set my end of file home to 120,0 so it's easier to unload and load sheets. Sometimes I forget to change the setting and if I happen to run a 2d offset on a file that uses 120,0 as home. You guessed it, the gantry goes screaming off at 20ips towards my neighbors building. I'm usually fast enough with the stop button, and it's only hit the stops once, but boy did it make a ruckess. Gantry jumped the rails, face turned red as everyone in the shop turned then promptly pointed and laughed.

Apparently there is some limit check routine in the control software, but I haven't taken the time to set it up right.

Like Bruce, I just send the gantry to where I want the new 0,0 to be and run the file with "2d offset".

Gabe

[knight_toolworks]

the table limits really only work if you use home for the 0,0 so I never bother with them.

[myxpykalix]

I think i do it similar to Steve K.
What i do is place my part where i want it on the table.
I usually have my 0,0 in the center of the material.
So do a C3 and find my 0,0 in the lower left corner of the table.
Then I move the gantry to my center on my material.
I take note writing down my x,y coordinates.
Then I zero my x,y.
Now your zero is at the center of your material and as long as you don't move the material if you lose your coordinates you simply do another C3 then move your x,y to the coordinates you previously wrote down and you are back to your center zero point.
You could do the same for the lower left corner, I choose to do the center.

[ed_lang]

In the fill in sheet, there is a selection to do just what you want. It is called 2D offset. Zero your machine to the lower left corner in the morning so the machine knows where the real 0,0 is and leave it. Then move or measure you temp 0,0 point for this part. Jog or move the machine to that point you just measured. Then no not re-zero the machine, just tell it 2D offset in the fill in sheet. The machine will use the current position for the 0,0 for this cut only. Then the machine still knows where the real 0,0 is and all is well.

Give it a try by air cutting some file then moving your machine to another place on the table and try the 2D offset. You will see that the machine will cut the same part where you had the machine setting. Then move the machine home by JH or MH and it will return to the real 0,0 of the table.

99% of my files are run this way as they are not full sheets of 4'X8' material or they are solid wood and I place them where I want them.

For example, I just cut a 22" X 14" oval out of PVC for a sign shop. They gave me a scrap they had. I put it on the machine at about 36" in X and 6" in Y. I drew the oval in PartWorks and toolpathed it using the lover left of the part as 0,0 (I could have used the center like John does but I choose not to). Next I moved the machine to the lower left corner of the material by typing J2 36,6. This put the center of the router bit on the lower left corner of the material I want to cut. I then ran my file and selected 2D offset in the fill in sheet. The oval cut and the machine returned to the lower left of the PVC scrap when finished. I then typed JH to take the machine back to the real 0,0 and get the gantry out of the way. The part was picked up and handed to the customer. My machine is stilled zeroed and ready for the next cut. I do not have to do multiple X Y home routines each day.

Hope all of this helps.