3D Touch Probe / Edge Finder - A Low Cost Probe?

[JohnHaine]

Relieved to say that it turned up today.

Phew! Was afraid I'd persuaded you to buy a pup!

[Leadhead]

Actually John, thank you. It looks a nice piece of kit.

[dazp1976]

Just got mine today. 12 days from ordering.
Looks good. Can't test it out for a little while yet though.

[Leadhead]

Have you folks seen the Craty CNC software for Mach3 & UCCNC. I have had it for a while and it is well worth a look.
In particular the compensation for eccentricity in the probe and the point cloud programming which I have used to good effect.
Quite inexpensive as I recall. I have no connection, other than a satisfied customer.

[JohnHaine]

http://www.craftycnc.com/

Thanks! Looks very interesting, I think I'll download the trial version and give it a go.

[Leadhead]

John - You may have to search through his youtube vids. Google what you require as youtube index does not always find them all.

[Muzzer]

In particular the compensation for eccentricity in the probe....

Are you aware that these probes have adjustment for eliminating eccentricity (as most do)? In this case, they have 4 radial grub screws that can be used to shift the tip in X and Y. You need a dial gauge (DTI) with light tip force, then adjust the screws until there is no runout / eccentricity when you rotate the probe. You should only need to do this if (when!) you have a crash and need to replace or straighten the tip although a periodic check is sensible.

The Renishaw probes use a different system, with a ball bearing pivot under the base and 4 axial screws but to the same effect.

The trigger point for most of these probes varies slightly according to the orientation of the probe, due to the 3 internal pivots. So it's a good idea to orientate the probe in the same direction each time you use it, for consistency. That's a different issue to eccentricity.

[Leadhead]

Have owned many probes in my lifetime. If this one remains constant over time I will be overjoyed.
(Incidentally do you check the runout of your collet chuck before setting the probe. That can be an eye opener in itself!!)
I have spindle jigs to maintain orientation ranging from scratched lines to mechanical dowel slots.
Looking forward to exercising the new one.
Hope the experience sharing will will continue.

[Muzzer]

I don't use a collet chuck to mount and remount my Renishaw probe on the mill - it came with its own pukka ISO40 holder. For my lathe, this DIYO probe will be used for tool touchoff, mounted in a fixture, so eccentricity won't be an issue - it just needs to stay fixed in position. Perhaps when I've completed it I will post pics / vid!