Turning - Safe Z , Tool-change best practice?

[Anonymous]

I am trying to zero in on the best way to set tool change positions from within the CAD system prior to post. I have thought about editing the post processor but that really wont give much flexibility for different set-ups and time savings. The closest function I have found to setting a good, definable reference position for tool changes is the "safe Z" setting within the set-up. However it looks the the drill function does not recognize the safe Z position to rapid to after the drilling cycle is completed.   

Has anyone found a good option or workflow to set your tool change locations?

Thank you for your input,

Post: Generic Haas Lathe

Machine: Haas SL-20 (pre-next gen control)

[randyT9V9C]

I assume your attempting to define a location clear of the work without doing a full return home? What about adding a property variable to your post processor that defines G28/G53 return point when populated? You then could define the location when post processing. Something like G28 G91 X0.0 Z-6.0 or G53 X0.0 Z-6.0 should work to save you 6 inches of return movement every tool change. On my machine, because the turret is clear of he work/spindle I often simply return to the X home without retracting the Z.

The safe Z values in the operation are for the movements during that operation... not tool changes.

[Anonymous]

That variable in post option is an excellent idea. That is exactly what I am trying to accomplish. Normally the simple X0 move is enough clearance to make a tool change unless there is a long drill, then there is a very scary rapid move that could rapid right through the chuck as the end of the drill is far beyond the work plane after the tool change. In the past I have just added some code at the machine to give long tools extra clearance prior to the tool change, but constantly adding or modifying programs is surly going to bite me one of these times. Thank you for your input, I will check into editing the post.