Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Finding Z zero for CNC

Scott A. Stephens 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.
>
>

I have some paper that I know is .005" thick. I put this under the
cutting tool
and bring it down very slowly until the paper is bound by the tool. Then I
set the Z axis to .005" This works very well for me.

If you use collets, tools will not seat repeatably. I use end mill
holders, and
often leave tools in them for a long time. I made up an R-8 taper socket
in a piece of steel, and use it as a poor man's tool presetter. I can
measure the
height of each tool, and reference that to a "master tool", which I usually
make the center drill. I can then enter the length offsets of the other
tools
as the difference between the center drill and the others, and enter this in
my tool table. It works quite well for me.

Jon