Mill Turn Tool Crib Tools List

Introduction

This topic explains the tool list seen in the center of the Mill Turn Tool Crib, and provides links to related topics.

The Tools List

The tools list in the center of the dialog box lists all tools in the tool crib that are in use or mounted. This list is an informational display that lists the tool number, head (tool device from machine), station, tool type, and tool label. You do not edit any values directly inside the tools list, but you select a tool in the list to make its parameters (that display below the list) available for editing. Selecting a tool in the tools list updates the device tree to show its location, and it also updates the preview window by highlighting the selected tool in yellow (if it is mounted).

Using the Tools List

Assigning Tools from the Tool List

When you open the tool crib from the CAM Wizard, you can select a tool in the tools list to assign it to the operation. The device tree automatically updates (syncs) to show where the tool is mounted. If the tool is under Loose tools, you can mount the tool before assigning it. After mounting the tool and modifying all parameters as needed, click to select a tool in the list, and click OK to assign the tool to the operation.

Important: -1 Tool Number: Mill Turn Jobs use a special convention in the tool crib for tools that are assigned, but have not been mounted. The tool number for an assigned tool that isn't mounted displays as -1 (negative one). You must mount all assigned tools before posting or simulating a Mill Turn program.

Filtering the Tools List

You can use the Tool Category list (in the lower-left corner of the tool crib) to filter what type of tools display in the tools list. Click a tool category to display only these tool types and make it easier to navigate the tools list.

Editing Tool Parameters and Mounting

Click to select a tool in the tools list.

The following actions occur when selecting a tool in the tools list:

The device tree automatically updates to show the tool's location in the tree.
The tool is highlighted in the preview window if it is already mounted. Otherwise the associated tool device displays in the preview window to show the available mounting stations.
Some or all parameters (tool numbering and mounting) become available for editing depending on whether or not the tool is already mounted.

If the tool is not yet mounted (meaning it is under Loose tools or on the tool Shelf), right-click the tool name and click Mount to select a mounting location.

Select the device, station, substation, and adapter tool mounting point (if applicable) in the Mounting Location dialog box, and click OK to mount the tool.
You can then define all parameters for the tool (tool numbering and mounting).

View the links at the end of this topic for more information on mounting and parameters.