The top field is the Tool Number field, and indicates any tool or spindle numbers that are to be used for the current cut.
The bottom field is the Tool Comment field, and indicates any comment you want placed in the code at the start of the cut. This field will also represent the tool in the 'Summary Report' in Router-CIM Automation if this option is selected.
Note: On some CNC machines, the 'Tool Comment' field will be what directs the machine to a particular tool instead of 'Tool Number'. Please refer to your post processor's Application Notes to determine what your particular CNC machine will need.
The main tool or spindle number, and any active spindles to use for the current cut are entered into this field as strings (in quotation marks).
Enter the main spindle as the first tool number in quotes, enter each other active spindle in quotes following the main spindle, separate with a space.
Example1: Tool Num/Comment: "1" "5" uses Main spindle #1 as the lead and spindle #5 will also be active.
Note: There must be a space between the tool calls.
Example 1
Example2: Tool Num/Comment: "1" uses Main spindle #1 and no other active spindles.
Example 2
Note: On some CNC machines, the 'Tool Number' field may require a different tool number call then what has been stated above. Please refer to your post processor's Application Notes to determine what your particular CNC machine will need.
Your router may use a different numbering scheme, but the tool number will be entered in the same way and in the same place. The correct tool numbers for your machine will be shown in the Application Notes for your post processor.
The tool comment parameter is simply a comment field that will generate a comment in the NC Code file prior to the tool change to the designated tool.
•You can place any syntax in this field you like up to 80 characters.
•Some machine tool controllers (like Fanuc) cannot represent lower case characters. So you should use capital letters in this parameter.
•The entire string placed in this parameter must be contained in quotation marks (" ").
•This field will also represent the tool in the 'Summary Report' in Router-CIM Automation if this option is selected.