Tool Descriptions when changing tools

Machines (Elite Series)
1

I don’t have an ATC but I do use the Onefinity tool setter. When I create a program that uses multiple tools and it gets to the M6 command it pops up a message saying to change to tool #x and then pulls the description from the table in the Masso controller.

Since I use 14 dozen different cutters, keeping them all numbered and knowing what’s what seems overwhelming at best. Not to mention the numbering scheme would have to match in the Masso, in VCarve, and in Fusion since I use both to program.

Does anyone know if it’s possible to have the Masso pull the tool description from the gcode? It’s usually right there in a comment. This would be a really nice way to prevent my old brain from forgetting the exact order that tools need to run in for those times when there are several tool changes in a single program.

2

I have the same situation and same pending challenge of trying to get a consistent numbering scheme across vcarve, f360 and masso.

  1. Could we get the Masso to “tool set” even if the tool number didnt change? Carbide Motion runs a " change tool" and “tool setting” routine even if the tool numbers are the same. It is an extra step but not too much time consuming. Mind you i always have a gcode file per tool regardless of software: im forced to with f360 because i use the free variant, and i do in vcarve out of habit and i dont have ATC.

  2. if i do have to align all my tool numbers (before i upgraded to masso everything was T1 :grinning: ) does anyone have a tool numbering schema or is random good enough? I was thinking Flat 1-29, ball end 30-59, vbit 60-89, odd ones 90-99.