Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Finding Z zero for CNC

What I am doing, is a process of setting up a "portable" home switch in
series with my normal limit/home switches.

This switch will be set to some "known" Z distance, mostly Z=0, and then
when I do a tool change, I will simply home the tool to this switch.

Of course, it will mean setting the switch accurately to begin with, and I
am working on this one. I am toying with the idea of setting it up with
either a height gage or using the visual method like you for my tool 1
(usually a center drill) and then setting the limit switch by setting the
tool to 0 and then setting the limit switch (with a separate power supply
and led) to the proper height.

This is a work in progress and I have tested the idea with a switch held in
the vice. Now, I am making the fixture to hold the switch and make it
adjustable. I started this project as I realized that it was not practical
to "measure" the tool offset especially when you are putting drills into a
chuck, etc. A side benefit is that with my mill/drill, I can switch to T0
and run the quill up to a known height to have access to the draw bar and
maximum clearance to allow the necessary tool change and not have to raise
head and loose my registration.





At 06:54 PM 5/2/2004, you wrote:

> Though I would ask since I'm still learning. How are you accurately
>setting zero for Z. I drive down and us a visual method, with a light
>behind the cutter and wait till I can not see a gap between the cutter and
>the material. But still wind up being just a hair off and would like to
>get it perfect for multi tool programs. Thanks.
>

Bubba

OLDER THAN DIRT
Country Bubba
(Actually the inventor of Country and Bubba)
In God We Trust

axtein@...
LaGrange, GA

http://ns1.dicomm.net/~axtein/dro


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