Abstract: A method and system for aggregate programming a computer numerical control (CNC) machine that includes (a) shifting a control point from an aggregate base point to a center tip of a tool being programmed, thereby enabling tool length and diameter adjustment along with C-axis aggregate rotation during a machine activity. The shifting includes (i) activating a tilted work plane (TWP); and (ii) shifting the control point to the tip of the tool using a tool length compensation. The system and method also include (b) implementing an activity on the CNC machine using the shifted control point and C-axis aggregate rotation. In some cases, activating the TWP comprises using a special machine control code such as g-code G68.2. In some cases, shifting the control point to the tip of the tool using a tool length compensation comprises using a special machine control code such as g-code G43.

Abstract: A method and system for aggregate programming a computer numerical control (CNC) machine that includes (a) shifting a control point from an aggregate base point to a center tip of a tool being programmed, thereby enabling tool length and diameter adjustment along with C-axis aggregate rotation during a machine activity. The shifting includes (i) activating a tilted work plane (TWP); and (ii) shifting the control point to the tip of the tool using a tool length compensation. The system and method also include (b) implementing an activity on the CNC machine using the shifted control point and C-axis aggregate rotation. In some cases, activating the TWP comprises using a special machine control code such as g-code G68.2. In some cases, shifting the control point to the tip of the tool using a tool length compensation comprises using a special machine control code such as g-code G43.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machining center for performing work on a workpiece including a plurality of magazines holding a plurality of tools, each magazine positioned a first distance from an adjacent magazine, a plurality of spindles equal to the number of magazines and movable relative to one another independent of the positions of the magazines, the spindles movable apart from one another in a tool loading position to accommodate large magazine sizes and movable toward one another in a working position to allow the tools to work close together to minimize waste, and a table for supporting a workpiece.

Abstract: A routing machine including a plurality of worktables for supporting at least a first workpiece and a second workpiece, a hold down assembly, and a toolhead assembly for machining the first workpiece on one of the worktables and then machining the second workpiece on another of the worktables. The hold down assembly traverses the worktables with the toolhead assembly to retain the first workpiece on the one worktable and then retain the second workpiece on the other of the worktables such that the first workpiece on the one worktable can be removed and replaced with a new workpiece while the toolhead assembly machines the second workpiece on the other table. A method of machining parts with the routing machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A routing machine including a plurality of worktables for supporting at least a first workpiece and a second workpiece, a hold down assembly, and a toolhead assembly for machining the first workpiece on one of the worktables and then machining the second workpiece on another of the worktables. The hold down assembly traverses the worktables with the toolhead assembly to retain the first workpiece on the one worktable and then retain the second workpiece on the other of the worktables such that the first workpiece on the one worktable can be removed and replaced with a new workpiece while the toolhead assembly machines the second workpiece on the other table. A method of machining parts with the routing machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tension reducer for a tension controller for use on a power tool such as an inverted router. The router has a drive motor, a motor driven pulley, a router bit-carrying spindle moveable between a lowered inoperative position and an raised cutting position, a drive belt for transferring rotational motion from the motor driven pulley to the spindle, and a drive belt tension control apparatus. The drive belt tension control apparatus includes a mount for mounting the motor driven pulley in continuously variable spaced-apart relation to the spindle during operation of the router and a pressure source for exerting a predetermined pressure on the motor driven pulley and thereby a predetermined tension on the drive belt during operation of the router for rotating the spindle. A tension reducer reduces the tension on the spindle during movement of the spindle between its lowered inoperative position and raised cutting positions for preventing tension-induced hesitation in the movement of the spindle.

Abstract: An inverted router characterized by having a drive motor, a motor driven pulley, a spindle drive pulley and a drive belt for transferring power from the motor driven pulley to the spindle and drive belt tension control apparatus. The drive belt tension control apparatus comprises a mounting plate for mounting the motor driven pulley in variable spaced-apart relation to the spindle drive pulley and a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly for exerting a predetermined pressure on the motor drive pulley and thereby a predetermined tension on the drive belt.