Restarting a Locked-Up CNC
If you interrupt a CNC router while it's returning a tool to the holder, it might freeze up on you. Here's what to do. January 21, 2007
Question
I switched my control switch to jog as the router was returning a tool to the tool holder. It stopped about 1" short and I can't make it continue. I'm not experienced enough to experiment - what should I do? The machine is an Anderson Exxact Plus.
Forum Responses
(CNC Forum)
From contributor W:
Anytime I've seen something like that, I manually unload the tool, restart the machine, reinsert the tool and carry on. On the Biesse Rover that I run I can tell the head what tool is loaded, so for me I remove the tool manually, put it back in the toolchanger, go to the PC and tell the router it has no tool loaded, then restart and home.
From contributor E:
Sometimes you can shut down the machine and manually push the head out of the way (make sure that there are no obstructions if you are near the tool holder). Re-start your machine and re-home.
From contributor A:
Do you have a carousel or arm type tool changer? On our Shoda machine we have an arm type tool changer. When someone would accidentally press feed hold or interrupt the arm while it was swinging, it would stop at an angle. I then have to go inside and crank the arm back to its resting position and restart the machine. On our Biesse and Homag machines, we have a button which should move or rotate the tool changer to its home position. You should first call Anderson - I'm sure they can help you. One time I requested some information regarding a used Anderson machine and they were very helpful.
From contributor C:
Easy fix. Manually remove the tool. The carousel needs to be pushed into the 'home' position so the little sensor light goes on. I think that's what contributor E is saying. Also, it is moved by a magnet in an air cylinder that may have misaligned with the carousel unit. Look at that. I can't remember the fix for that, but it's very simple.
From contributor D:
Hit the jog button for the tool changer, while still in jog mode.
From the original questioner:
Thanks to all of you! Up and running.
From contributor C:
So what did you do to fix it?
From the original questioner:
Exactly like contributor D said.
