Realized yesterday I was doing my tool offsets all wrong for years

So I've been running a Haas VF-2 for about 6 years now, and I always set my tool offsets by touching the tool off the top of the part. Then this old timer from the shop next door saw me doing it and asked why I don't just use the edge finder and a 1-2-3 block. I told him that's for setups, not offsets. He laughed and showed me his method where he touches off a known gauge block on the table, then subtracts the block height. I tried it on a job yesterday running 316 stainless parts for a medical device client, and my Z depths came out dead nuts perfect on the first part. No more tweaking offsets mid-run. Has anyone else been doing it the long way too?

3 comments

3 Comments

sean_barnes241d ago

The block method is honestly one of those things that makes you wonder why nobody tells you about it sooner. It's like how people spend years struggling with a manual can opener before someone shows them the electric one, you know? Once you see it, you can't unsee it. And it's not just machining, it's the same with anything where people cling to the old way because that's how they were taught. The whole "I've been doing it wrong for years" moment is just part of learning the trade, really.

quinnm771d ago

Didn't you use a Haimer or anything to check your Z heights after setting them that way? I learned on a manual mill so I always used the block method and it saves so much headache on repeat jobs.

emmamason1d ago

Gotta say @quinnm77, that block method is basically the same as using feeler gauges to set spark plug gaps on an old car. It just works every time and you don't need fancy tools to get it right. Saves so much hassle when you're doing repeat jobs.