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At what point do I change the tool when there are multiple tool paths?

Hi - I’ve set up a job in Vcarve pro, where most of the area can be cleared with the 1/8 end mill. The software then allows me To set up an additional tool path, with a smaller endmill for the purpose of clearing out the additional material.

when I run this job using the ooznest web browser interface, at what stage will I be able to change the endmill?

does the job pause for instance between toolpaths? Is there a clear point for me to change the tool?

I hope that that is clear.

Thank you

Will

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Hi Will,

When you save your toolpaths the software will create separate files for each different tool that you specify. You will run each file individually within the web control interface. When one is complete you change your tool (remember to redo Z ) then run next file. When creating your job it’s a good idea to rename toolpaths to include the tool name to avoid confusion. Eg. Profile V60deg or pocket 6.35 etc. I don’t use imperial sizing as / symbols may cause problems. I call my 1/4” end mill 6.35mm. No disrespect but sounds like you really need to check out some basic cnc tutorials on the net.

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Thank you Tezza.

Believe me, I’ve checked out many tutorials on the net. Some of it is ace; some of it isn’t. As you and the Ooznest team are acutely aware: I am indeed very new to CNC. So far, I haven’t quite found the answer I was looking for.

Having since had a chance to play around a little more with VCarve, I can see that the availability of multiple toolpaths can be saved as a variety of GCodes or as one GCode. In turn, I see now that my question wasn’t as clear as it could have been.

I was interested to know what would happen in the case of me saving multiple toolpaths to one GCode - especially when there are different tools for each tool path.

If I were to upload a GCode made up of different toolpaths, does the Machine just plough through each tool path - or does it pause at any point - thereby giving me the chance to change the tool if needs be?

I hope that that sets out my question a bit better

Thank you

Will

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Vcarve will put different toolpaths with the SAME tool into one file and therefore all these paths will cut without pausing. However if vcarve detects that you are using different tools , eg 1/4 & 1/8, then it will create a file for each tool in the toolpaths and will stop at the end of each file for a tool change to be made. Vcarve will not create a single file with multiple tools, this is only possible on cnc machines that have automatic tool changers and these machines are usually industrial and very expensive.

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@terryjan Thanks for answering Will's questions, I think you have covered everything.

Robert

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Author avatar Will Durcan will be eternally grateful.
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