Tool table

If you're running more than one tool, you need a tool table. It stores the offset and nose radius for each tool — so when you switch tools, the controller knows exactly where the new tool tip is without re-measuring.

Set up your tools once, and the FluidBoard remembers them — even across power cycles, thanks to state persistence.

How it works

Each tool has offsets for all axes (X, Y, Z, A, B, C) and a nose radius. When you call a tool change (M6), the controller applies the stored offsets automatically. This is standard on industrial lathes and mills, and it means no more re-touching tools every time you power on.

Setting tool offsets

Touch-off method (recommended)

The easiest way: jog the tool to a known surface, then tell the controller "this tool tip is right here":

T1 M6               ; Load tool 1
G10 L10 P1 X0 Z0    ; Set tool 1 offset so current position = X0 Z0

Do this for each tool against the same reference surface, and all your offsets are consistent.

Direct entry

If you know the exact offsets (from a tool presetter or previous measurement):

G10 L1 P1 X60.212 Z0 R0.4      ; Tool 1: X=60.212, Z=0, nose radius=0.4mm
G10 L1 P3 X61.908 Z-0.5 R0     ; Tool 3: X=61.908, Z=-0.5

Using tools in a program

T1 M6               ; Select and load tool 1 (applies offsets)
G43 H1              ; Apply tool length offset
G1 Z-30 X20 F0.15   ; Cut with tool 1

T3 M6               ; Switch to tool 3
G43 H3              ; Apply tool 3 offsets
G1 Z-30 X20 F0.15   ; Cut with tool 3

G49                  ; Cancel tool length offset when done

Tool table commands

Manage the tool table from the console:

File format

The tool table is stored as a YAML file. You can also edit it directly:

tool1:
  name: "SCLCR 1010"
  x: 60.212
  z: 0
  radius: 0.4

tool3:
  name: "SDNCN Threading"
  x: 61.908
  z: -0.5
  radius: 0

turret:
  position1: 1
  position2: 3
  position3: 5

G-code reference

Next steps

With your tool table set up, you can use cutter radius compensation to program part geometry directly, or set up an automatic tool changer for hands-free operation.