Auto Z Position with EMC2 and Axis?

Finding the material top is easy if you have a probe... is that what your trying to ask? I didn't read the whole thread...

John

Are you trying to find the top of the material with a probe? That is just a couple of lines of code...

John

NeilR wrote:

Yes John. As you know, im green at this so what "couple of lines of code" do you mean exactly. Thanks.

Ok. ASSUMING your probe is connected correctly and it is on your Z axis.

Move the probe into the XY position you wish to probe.
G38.2 Z-2 (Do a probe move with a limit of Z-2)

When the probe is tripped it will stop the axis. At that point I issue a

G91 (incremental move)

Then move my Z axis up the amout of travel it takes to trip from the time of contact. This puts my torch at Z0 Then I do a:

G92 Z0 (Set the Z coordinate offset so it is at Z0)

Lots of sparks for me, in your case lots of wood chips.

G0 Z to my safe position
G92.1 (cancel offsets and set zero)

In my case I have a floating torch head with a micro switch. Unless you have tooling that can be removed and replaced without changing the Z offset of that tool you can't do what I do exactly.

It would be a big help if you just spilled the beans and told what exactly you have/plan to do so we can stop guessing which solution you are seeking.

Regards
John

NeilR wrote:

Hi,
issue that I have of getting Z depth consistant EVERY time, especially during tool changes with my router,
Neil
www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36099

Neil,

How consistant does a router need to be in the Z?

The simple way to set tools that look like endmills is to have a known diameter pin. Place the pin next to the tool and move the tool low enough so the pin will not roll under the bit. move the bit up using .001" jog moves until the pin just rolls under the bit. You know know exactly within .001 the distance from the bit to the work. Just do a tool offset at that point and enter in the diameter of the pin in the offset box. Takes a couple of seconds... once you do it a time or three and no chance for damaging your bit.

John