z zero plate

This forum is for general discussion regarding VCarve Pro
Post Reply
kclayton
Posts: 34
Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2016 3:35 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Mach 3

z zero plate

Post by kclayton »

Tired of using paper to get zero.
Is it worth buying a z zero plate from Amazon or Ebay?
Can anybody in the UK recommend one for use with Mach 3?

ger21
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1592
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2007 2:59 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Custom DIY
Location: Lake St Clair, MI, USA
Contact:

Re: z zero plate

Post by ger21 »

Most of us just use a small piece of aluminum bar.
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 14543
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
Location: Surrey, UK

Re: z zero plate

Post by Adrian »

They're just a bit of plate with a wire on so it's easy enough to make. Loads of videos and web pages on how to do it.

User avatar
newmexico
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 142
Joined: Thu Dec 10, 2015 1:31 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shopbot
Location: New Mexico
Contact:

Re: z zero plate

Post by newmexico »

We use the z zero plate for our Shopbot made CNC machines.
Why? Because we became tired of the "Alligator Clip."

Very accurate for our needs. We trust it thoroughly.

Mirion
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:30 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shopbot Buddy
Location: Frankenmuth, MI

Re: z zero plate

Post by Mirion »

[quote="newmexico"]We use the z zero plate for our Shopbot made CNC machines.
Why? Because we became tired of the "Alligator Clip."quote]

I have a z-zero plate that came with my Shopbot. Yes, it has an alligator clip. What is the brand name of the "z zero plate" you refer to?

User avatar
Leo
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 4082
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2007 3:02 am
Model of CNC Machine: 1300 x 1300 x 254 Chinese Made
Location: East Freetown, Ma.
Contact:

Re: z zero plate

Post by Leo »

I use tool touch at work all the time. They are spring controlled and no hard touch EVER. But they cost $5,000 to $25,000.

I don't trust a solid plate and a program to touch the tip of my brittle carbide tool to.

I WAS just touching the tool tip to the wood - no paper no shim. Ehh -- wood -- nothing critical. Cutting pockets and trying to match cutter tool length on different tools was not accurate.

To me - using paper is something I have done for decades and I got REALLY REALLY good at it, so, I didn't really need anything.

BUT - I still don't trust a plate. I am old school.

NOW - I have found this device that allows be to be within .001 or less and I an SURE of it. No guesswork - no alligator clips - no scripts - no programs -- just simplicity. It takes only seconds. Maybe a touch plate is 1-2 seconds faster, but I don't care. This is SIMPLE.

I know not everyone will like it, but even that is ok -- I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PWCY17Y/?c ... _lig_dp_it

Check it out.
Imagine the Possibilities of a Creative mind, combined with the functionality of CNC

User avatar
SteveNelson46
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 2282
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:43 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Camaster Stinger 1
Location: Tucson, Az.

Re: z zero plate

Post by SteveNelson46 »

I have a Camaster using Wincnc. One of their options is what they call FTC (fast tool change). It works really great. When a different tool is called for in the g-code it automatically runs a macro that allows the bit to be changed then moves the bit over the built in touch pad and measures the tool. The touch pad can be calibrated in another macro if needed. This probably isn't something that high productions shops would use but, they usually have automatic tool changers with pre-measured tools anyway.
Steve

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 14543
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
Location: Surrey, UK

Re: z zero plate

Post by Adrian »

I use an adjustable aluminium bolt as the touch off point. I've done it that way for years using it several times a week and I've yet to damage a bit in any way. It's all down to the reaction of the contact being made. With my configuration it's never been an issue but with my old machine there was too much of a delay between contact being made and the software reacting to it unless I slowed the approach to ridiculously slow levels.

User avatar
newmexico
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 142
Joined: Thu Dec 10, 2015 1:31 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shopbot
Location: New Mexico
Contact:

Re: z zero plate

Post by newmexico »

Was asked earlier about the plate we use.
It is the Precision Z-Zero Plate made and sold by shopbot.
Attachments
Precision z-zero plate from Shopbot
Precision z-zero plate from Shopbot

Jan.vanderlinden
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 594
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Xcarve
Location: Columbus Ohio

Re: z zero plate

Post by Jan.vanderlinden »

I have one of these and love it.
Dead nuts accurate.
https://triquetra-cnc.com/
“I've learned so much from my mistakes, I'm thinking of making a few more”

User avatar
Mike-S
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1123
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:45 am
Model of CNC Machine: Joe's Hybrid 4x4 (but 3x3)
Location: Hayesville, NC

Re: z zero plate

Post by Mike-S »

To me - using paper is something I have done for decades
I use a piece of aluminum beer can--0.004" is the same as a piece of copy paper.

User avatar
dwilli9013
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1237
Joined: Mon Sep 30, 2013 12:45 am
Model of CNC Machine: 3 axis Self Designed Self Built
Location: Machesney Park Illinois

Re: z zero plate

Post by dwilli9013 »

Mike-S wrote:
To me - using paper is something I have done for decades
I use a piece of aluminum beer can--0.004" is the same as a piece of copy paper.
Nice I like that take. Personally use carbon paper and have for years. But this sounds enticing. :lol: :lol: :lol:
D-Dub
Dwayne
Dwilli

User avatar
Mike-S
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1123
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:45 am
Model of CNC Machine: Joe's Hybrid 4x4 (but 3x3)
Location: Hayesville, NC

Re: z zero plate

Post by Mike-S »

But this sounds enticing.
You want to make sure you always use a fresh beer can......

User avatar
rscrawford
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1102
Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2011 6:49 pm
Model of CNC Machine: CAMaster Cobra 408 ATC, ShopSabre IS408
Location: Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Contact:

Re: z zero plate

Post by rscrawford »

Leo wrote:I use tool touch at work all the time. They are spring controlled and no hard touch EVER. But they cost $5,000 to $25,000.

I don't trust a solid plate and a program to touch the tip of my brittle carbide tool to.

I WAS just touching the tool tip to the wood - no paper no shim. Ehh -- wood -- nothing critical. Cutting pockets and trying to match cutter tool length on different tools was not accurate.

To me - using paper is something I have done for decades and I got REALLY REALLY good at it, so, I didn't really need anything.

BUT - I still don't trust a plate. I am old school.

NOW - I have found this device that allows be to be within .001 or less and I an SURE of it. No guesswork - no alligator clips - no scripts - no programs -- just simplicity. It takes only seconds. Maybe a touch plate is 1-2 seconds faster, but I don't care. This is SIMPLE.

I know not everyone will like it, but even that is ok -- I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PWCY17Y/?c ... _lig_dp_it

Check it out.
I just ordered this. This is right up my alley. I have a tool length measuring switch on my ATC machine, and I normally leave Z0 at the spoil board. But there are a few times where I want to zero to the same side of a double sized cut, so I need to zero off the material surface for one side. I use the paper method now, which works, but this little tool will be soooo much easier!! I'd never use a touch plate, for fear of ruining my carbide bits.
Russell Crawford
http://www.cherryleaf-rustle.com

Post Reply