#SortIT, Problem Solving and Usage Guide (SortIT.co.za)

We’ve already gone through the process of setting up and levelling our wasteboard of your CNC Router. Everything is flat and ready, or so you’d think. But before we can start cutting, we need to set up our tools. Here’s the process for setting tool locations on your EasyRoute ATC Router Tool Holder.

Step 1: Home the Machine

Regardless of your current position, start by powering up the machine. It will ask you to go to the home position, just press OK. The machine will move into position and use sensors to ensure it’s perfectly homed.

At this stage, you might see some negative values on the screen. Don’t panic, those just show where the X, Y, and Z were last set.

To calibrate the first tool, press Shift + 8. You should now see 0 0 0 with a small star above the values. That star is important because it means you’re at the absolute home position, based on the machine’s mechanical limits. Any movement from here is referenced from that true position.

Step 2: Move to the Tool Holder

With the machine homed, wake up the coordinate system by ensuring the little red indicator lights are on. Now, jog the machine over to your tool holder, close enough to work but not too far.

Line up so that the tool collet is positioned directly in the centre. Start inserting the tool holder gently. If it feels too tight, your X-axis alignment is probably off. Ideally, it should have some resistance but still be movable by hand.

For ISO-standard holders, align the flat section at the back. Many holders have a small marker there, use it as a reference point. Move in slowly using a jog step of 0.1 mm to avoid damage. Once it feels snug but not locked tight, you’re in the right position.

Step 3: Record the Coordinates

Take a photo of your coordinate values. This is crucial because these numbers tell the CNC exactly where the tool is located.

⚠️ Warning: If you don’t see the little stars next to your coordinates, don’t save them or you’ll risk crashing the machine.

Step 4: Enter the Coordinates into the Controller

Now, go into your machine’s settings and navigate to:
Operation Parameters → Tool Change (#15)

Here, you’ll see a setting for Tool Positioning. Select Tool #1 (or whichever tool you’re calibrating) and replace the default values with the coordinates from your photo.

For example:

X: 253.342 → Enter as 253 342
Y: 3280.016 → Enter as 32 80 16
Z: (your up-and-down value) → Enter exactly as shown.
Confirm each entry by pressing OK.

Step 5: Test the Tool Change

Switch back to absolute positioning with Shift + 8, then carefully move the machine out of the holder. Give yourself clearance, and then test.

Command the CNC to return Tool #1, then pick up Tool #3. If it swaps cleanly, congratulations, you nailed it. If not, you might be shopping for new tool holders.

Step 6: Repeat for All Tools

Once the first tool is done, repeat the same process for every tool in your rack, whether that’s four, eight, or more. The method doesn’t change, and you’ll get consistent results every time.

Next Step: Setting Z-height for all your tools. This is just as important as tool positioning, so stay tuned for that process.

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