How to load extra tools into the machine

Loading New Tools Into the Machine

Any tools needed to run a program that is not already loaded into tool locations 1 thru 6 must be loaded manually into the machine and may be stored in locations 7 and 8.  Any tool that hasn’t been supplied by think[box] staff must be checked for compatibility and appropriateness by the staff prior to use.

There are some tools preloaded into tool holders located on the wall by the CNC controller.  If used, please return them to the wall when finished.

To load a tool into a tool holder:

1. Find an empty tool holder and the collet appropriate for the shank diameter of the tool

2. Clip the collet into the collet nut so that the face of the collet is nearly flush with the face of the collet nut

3. Put the tool holder assembly in the tool clamping station

4. Slip the tool into the collet and use the wrench to tighten the collet nut

   • The tool should only be held by the cylindrical shank and not on the flutes of the tool, you may need to loosen the collet nut and pull the tool out slightly if it moves during the tightening process

To load a new tool into the machine:

Option 1: Load the tool into the tool cradle(s) manually

1. Place the tool holder into the appropriate cradle at the rear of the machine, paying special attention to place the grooves of the tool holder into the fingers so that the shoulder of the tool holder is flush with the top of the tool cradle. *NOTE* Never load a tool holder into the cradle of the currently active tool number (The active tool number can be found on the [Monitor] window of the machine controller).

2. Switch to [MDI] mode on the top of the controller screen

3. Go to the [Monitor] (F4)  screen along the bottom, you may need to use the << arrows to get back to the base menu

4. Go into [MDI Input] (F3)

5. Enter in the tool number you are trying to load (i.e. T3 - note it is case-sensitive)

6. Hit [OK] (F1)

7. Hit [CYCLE START]

   • The machine will go thru the tool change process, returning the tool currently loaded and retrieving the desired tool

Option 2: Load the tool directly into the spindle

1. Go to the [MAIN] screen by clicking the label on the right side of the screen

2. Click the [BRUSH] button to lift the brush mechanism

3. Being careful to only hold the tool below the angled portion, slide the tool up into the spindle opening and push the green button on the left side of the spindle to allow the tool be locked into the spindle

4. If a tool is loaded directly into the spindle, it is critical that the tool number on the monitor matches the tool number in the spindle. The easiest way to verify this is by going into [Monitor] (F4) and checking the tool number on the right side of the screen. The number next to the letter “T” is the tool number of the current tool machine thinks is in the spindle. If the two don't match, use this procedure to change the controller settings to accept the desired tool number.