CAT40 tool probe calibration tool

[fmari --MariTool-]

One of my customers recently mentioned that in order to calibrate his Table Probe he had to use an end mill holder with a gage pin. I guess it is also in the Renshaw manual. He said, “There has to be a better way”. I agreed and said I can make up something that has a 4" gage length with a nice slim neck going into a .3 diameter tip. You can keep this in your tool changer and use it to calibrate your tool probe. The gage length is exactly 4.0 Inches +-.0003 Inches. Hopefully this helps you guys out. This is why it is so important to know your customers and how they work.

My customer that gave me this idea is getting one for free just like I promised him.

 

[Rstewart]

I like it!

We may order one as well; whenever the next time is these tight asses let me buy something...

 

[[email protected]]

Nice response to customer demand Frank! Yet another reason I like "the little guys".

BUT...

Assuming someone who has a table probe also has a spindle probe, the actual tool lengths the table probe puts in the control are not critical. I use a tape measure to "calibrate" my table probe and it works just fine. Think about it... if all your tools AND your spindle probe are set on the table probe, does the actual length really matter? Answer: No.

 

[thesidetalker]

Nice response to customer demand Frank! Yet another reason I like "the little guys".

BUT...

Assuming someone who has a table probe also has a spindle probe, the actual tool lengths the table probe puts in the control are not critical. I use a tape measure to "calibrate" my table probe and it works just fine. Think about it... if all your tools AND your spindle probe are set on the table probe, does the actual length really matter? Answer: No.

Would be handy if you have multiple machines though. Calibrated all with the same tool, they'd all measure the same length using the setter on the table. How many people are using a presetter and OTS? Or swapping tools from machine to machine and punching in the length, instead of using the OTS? IDK. I guess it depends on the situation though.

One thing though - I also did my spindle probe that way for a while, but it is actually the incorrect way to calibrate it. There was just a thread about this not too long ago.

I have noticed mine can be off .001 or 2 but I haven't had a chance yet to go re-calibrate them the "right" way.

 

[dstryr]

Nice response to customer demand Frank! Yet another reason I like "the little guys".

BUT...

Assuming someone who has a table probe also has a spindle probe, the actual tool lengths the table probe puts in the control are not critical. I use a tape measure to "calibrate" my table probe and it works just fine. Think about it... if all your tools AND your spindle probe are set on the table probe, does the actual length really matter? Answer: No.

Just makes it a mess when using a 4th axis.

 

[fmari --MariTool-]

Yes Matt, the gage length does not matter. But at least now a shop can have a dedicated tool used for probe calibration. Not a gage pin in an endmill holder. The day will come when you need that end mill holder for a rush job and now you dont have anything to calibrate your probe.

 

[MK Proto]

I like the dedicated tool. Also makes calibrating probe across multiple machines easy and the same. They are also helpful in setting up a presetter for measuring face mills that seem to always be off a few thou on the Renishaw probe.

 

[[email protected]]

Good point on multiple machines guys. I've only got the one so never even thought about that.

 

[mkd]

I think it is a good idea. I might be more inclined to buy a dedicated holder if it could pull double duty as a test bar. I.e.: ground length for indicating spindle alignment.
Mazaks use a pre-measured tool to set fixture offset Z value.
Thermwood routers use an iso 30 taper at 2.5" gauge standard to calibrate their 5 axis heads. (HINT HINT)

 

[fmari --MariTool-]

I plan on making BT30 and also CAT50 in the future.

 

[thesidetalker]

So where do I buy one? Is it on the site? I can't find it.

 

[david n]

Right here:............................

Tool Holders, Collets and Machine Accessories - MariTool

 

[mkd]

I plan on making BT30 and also CAT50 in the future.

guy i know programs a okuma MU10000H. It takes HSK125. They basically buy the big holders to adapt to more pedestrian HSK63.
seeing how these go for $1200ea, maybe there's an angle for you.

 

[fmari --MariTool-]

Sorry guys item was still being created. It is available now. It is in our tool holders section under CAT40, then in the CAT40 Calibration section. Thanks for the info MKD.

 

[Perry Harrington]

The gage length is unimportant, especially if you have a HAAS

 

[thesidetalker]

Sorry guys item was still being created. It is available now. It is in our tool holders section under CAT40, then in the CAT40 Calibration section. Thanks for the info MKD.

Ahh ha. I see now.

Earlier when I was lookin it was only the test arbor. Thanks

 

[fmari --MariTool-]

We have BT30-TCP.3-3.0 in production. 3 Inch gage length. I think that will be the only gage length I will make. We will offer in standard and dual contact configuration.

 

[rlockwood]

shouldn't these be necked back, with both top and bottom ground to a specific length? Seems our lasers want to calibrate both top and bottom of the beam..

 

[cameraman]

We have BT30-TCP.3-3.0 in production. 3 Inch gage length. I think that will be the only gage length I will make. We will offer in standard and dual contact configuration.

View attachment 171276

If you don't mind me asking... What turning center are you using and also what grinding machines do you favor or run your work on?

Cheers,

Eric

 

[fmari --MariTool-]

They get necked back after hardening.

The turning center in the pick is a Hyundai Wia 1800TTSY. We also have some Doosan multitasking lathes and Miyano twin turret lathes. So far I am very pleased with Shigiya grinders. Very sturdy and accurate , simple and bulletproof design.

We are looking into getting another grinder. Dreaming about Studer but we will see.