On a tool change - How do I identify a new stock point once the stock has been removed?

[whoknows361]

Hi all.  Thanks in advance for your feedback and thoughts.  

I'm trying to cut a lamp fixture with many curves.  

The first operation (3d adaptive clearing) uses a flat endmill to remove the stock on the Z axis (where my box point is), and cuts the design.  I want to add the next operation to smooth it out with a ball nose - hence a tool change - but my original box point has now been cut out with the stock in the first operation.   

I was thinking I could start a new setup and identify a new location for the box point - but there are no 90 degree corners I can use to set my probe.  

I'm asking: 

1) how do you set up the next operation for a tool change - without a 90 degree reference point on the piece to probe Z.  

2) If you just can't do it - what do you do to work around this issue?   

3) Is there anything I'm missing? 

Thanks so much, 
JP

[jscott6SWZG · Accepted solution]

If just z needs resetting.

check the z level of the face in the simulation.

lets say it is -5mm below the original stock surface.

change tools the zero the z on the new surface.

then jog up 5mm and reset z this is the original stock level.

If you don’t reset xy then that should still be set

[programming2C78B]

that's why most people reference off the table for their z0 for surfacing projects. 

[whoknows361]

Thank you both for your replies - both perfect solutions.  I'm newer to this - and am quickly learning.  Both options make perfect sense - and I appreciate you taking the time to respond.   

Much appreciated. 

J

[whoknows361]

While thinking about it further  - how would I reference it off the table if the table is not in design - with the assumption that the stock is not sitting directly on the table - but piece of MDF as a waste board.  

In this type of solution, would I have to include the waste board, dimensions and orientation in the design? 

Thanks, 

J

[programming2C78B]

No, you just program it to be the bottom of your stock and touch your tools off of whatever it is your part is sitting on. That MDF waste board IS your table.

Orientation is always in your design.