Remote Operated Multi-machine Tool Toucher

A method for measuring a tool height of a tool within a collet using a tool toucher, comprising:

• a) providing the tool toucher, the tool toucher comprising:
• a housing having an arm extending from a base, wherein a tool position determiner is engaged with the arm and configured for linear movement between a first distal end of the arm and a first side of the base;
• wherein the first side faces the tool position determiner and includes a collet receiver sized to receive a collet in a tool measuring configuration;
• wherein the tool position determiner comprises a probe configured to detect tool height data, the tool height data being the height of a tool positioned within a collet seated within the collet receiver;
• a receiver configured to be operably connected to a milling machine and to wirelessly transmit the tool height data to the milling machine;
• wherein the receiver is in wireless communication with a wireless transceiver of the housing;
• a first system configured to linearly move the tool position determiner between an initial position and a lower position, wherein the tool position determiner is configured to stop movement upon detection of the tool via the probe;
• b) initiating a program that causes the tool position determiner to move relative to the tool;
• c) recording tool height data of the tool;
• d) transmitting the tool height data to the receiver.