Tip: How to Change the FTC Tool Change Location

[gtgmarine]

I use the FTC on my Stinger 1 on about 95% of my jobs but I was always annoyed by where the spindle would stop for the bit change - absolute 0,0.
I dropped more than one bit on the floor so I decided to change the location of the spindle so it was over my table.
If you want to do this too, it's easy - just follow these steps:

1. Open the G37Z.MAC file in your WinCNC folder
2. Make a backup before changing it so save a copy named G37Z.MAC.BAK or something similar
3. Insert the following two lines right before the "REMOVE DUST BOOT... " comment and right after the M5 command:
   [ Modified bit change location to x=5, y=2]
   g53x5y2
4. You can set the x and y values to whatever you want but with x=5 and y=2 the bit doesn't fall on the floor if I loosen the collet a little too much.
5. Save the file.

[keithrhyde]

That is one way to skin the cat, another is to use the Musclechuck which leave one hand free to hold on to the bit. I use them on my CNC and router table. Much easier to use than using two wrenches depth of bit in chuck. I have arthritis in both hands and turning an allen wrench with a handle is much better. IMHO FWIW

https://www.usroutertools.com/search...echuck&Submit=

[Smbobby]

I have both. I changed the location and I have the muslechuck. The down side of the chuck is that the spindle height is lowered a bit. Not a problem with 90% of what I do. It’s the pieces 1.5 and thicker that I remove the chuck

[Jim Becker]

My FTC bit change location is dead center of the bed on the X axis and about a foot back from the front on the Y axis. It was setup that way at the factory.

[sakle2k]

Thanks Pete, I'll use this. I have the Musclechuck too but would still find changing the default location helpful.

[Jim Becker]

I will add that when the Camaster tech was on the phone with me a few years ago enabling my FTC (machine shipped with it disabled), they asked where I would like the normal tool change position to be. We jogged to that point and that's the coordinates that were put into the WinCNC.ini file. Everyone works differently and having "that spot" where it's most convenient to the operator is a nice thing. BTW, I generally put an old, old folded hand towel on the machine bed under the spindle when I'm changing tooling. Some tools do like to "fall out" while being changed and that provides a soft landing.