On Sat, 23 Aug 2003 09:05:38 -0400, you wrote:
There's a limit as to what you can do in software for safety?
Not when the world is full of litigious Americans ;)
If my OD tool is in a groove (or behind a shoulder,) i must do X+
before I go to TC. If the tool is inside a bore, i must go Z+ first,
to clear the hole, before I rapid to TC.
I am aware of that, I'd already assumed you would withdraw the tool
from the stock - the problem can arise with Mach2's compound moves.
Once it's done the withdraw, say from a groove, it will do a compound
XZ move to the next G0 position - it may well take your tool tip
through the stock.
The other ways round it is to code separate X & Z moves on their own
lines, or make a series of compound moves to safe positions.
No need if a Safe X is in operation, tool will always withdraw outside
the stock max diameter before moving (if set right;)
Boring is a very different situation, an X- move is needed to clear
the tool tip from the cut (not enough to hit the other side of the
bore) then a Z+ to clear the tool from the bore - All that should be
catered for in your Gcode. You can't cater for everything.
For indexing, you need a safe X and Z both.
But to optimize a job, and index close to the work,
it must be possible to index anywhere. It's the user's
responsibility to be sure there's enough room.
For tool work and hobby, safe index is a good idea,
but don't make it mandatory.
Nobody suggested it be mandatory, just as it is in mill - a user
setting box or boxes- if you care to ignore it - fine.
--
Steve Blackmore
