Method 3: Use imaginary reference tool for X, normal tool for Z
For CNC11 v3.06 and earlier, CNC10, or CNC7
This method is probably the most convenient for most users.
Pros:
Don't need to touch stock to set X Reference
Don't need to change X axis part zero
Can move Z axis part zero without remeasuring tools
Cons:
Must set Z axis part zero for every job
X offset values can be hard to visualize
Preparation (one-time)
This procedure will set the X position that is displayed on the
DRO while the carriage is at home
to a suitable value. If we did not do this, the spindle would
want to wind up to maximum speed whenever we went to or from home
for a tool change with constant surface speed mode active.
The X Position value you set in step (3) below should be a round number,
somewhere close to the maximum swing of your lathe (e.g. 8", 16", 30", etc.).
Press TOOL CHECK to move the carriage to home.
Go to X axis Part Setup (F1/Setup, F1/Part, F8/X axis).
Enter Position=maximum swing, Tool=0, Set All WCS=Yes.
Press F10 to set.
Operation (for each job)
Load all the tools into their tool holders.
Put the first tool in the tool post (or index the turret as needed).
Put a piece of stock of known diameter in the chuck or collet.
Go to Z axis Part Setup (F1/Setup, F1/Part).
Jog the tool in to touch the end of the stock.
Enter Position=0.0, Tool=0 (regardless of the actual tool number).
Press F10/Set to set Z zero here.
Without moving the tool, go to the Offset Library (ESC, F2/Tool, F1/Offsets).
With any Z Offset highlighted, press F1 to set Z Reference.
Press F10/Set to set Z Reference here.
With the tool still touching the surface, highlight its Z Offset
and press F2/Measure. The resulting offset measurement should
be 0.0 (this is the Z reference tool, so it has no Z offset).
Now jog around to touch an outside diameter.
If the stock runs true, just touch the tool to the stock.
If the stock does not run true, use the jog keys to take light
turning cuts until it does run true, then, without moving the
X axis from the final cut position, mic the resulting diameter.
With any X Offset highlighted, press F1 to set X Reference Diameter.
Type the stock diameter into the box and press F10.
Highlight the X Offset for this tool and press F2/Measure.
For each remaining tool:
Load the tool.
Highlight the X Offset for that tool number.
Jog to touch off on the outside diameter.
Press F2 to measure the X Offset.
Highlight the Z Offset for that tool number.
Jog to touch off on the end of the stock.
Press F2 to measure the Z Offset.
Press F10 to save the measured offsets.
If you have to replace one tool
If the surfaces you used before are still available:
Go to the Offset Library.
Load and measure the new tool off the same surfaces you used before.
If the surface you used before is no longer available (moved or cut away):
Go to the Offset Library.
Load the tool you used as the reference tool before.
Jog it around to touch a new Z face (any Z face).
With a Z offset highlighted, press F1 and set a new Z Reference here.
Load the new tool and measure its Z Offset using that same new face.
Mic any available diameter.
Highlight the X Offset.
Press F1 to set X Reference.
Type in the measured diameter and press F10.
Jog to touch the new tool to that diameter.
Press F2 to measure the X Offset.
Press F10 to save the measured offsets.
To use these same tools on a part of a different length
