Maxing out Z axis....

[SAR Monro]

I'm trying to route slots the length of 4x4 posts for some installs. The issue is when zeroing to the plate, I only have about half an inch before the dust collection hits the gantry and it tool stops.

There has to be a simple way of doing this that I'm not figuring out. Any suggestions?

[gc3]

change safe z height

[SAR Monro]

Tried that. Changed it to .5, it still hit because the zero routine goes higher regardless. Should I just bag the zero plate, put the bit on the 4x4, tell it that is zero and proceed? If these end up .49 or .55 deep, it's not critical.

[gc3]

change safe z height in z zero routine or z zero off table

[tom_fiddler]

change safe z height in z zero routine or z zero off table

^^^^ This^^^
I have a project where I only have .200" above the part.
I had to beat through the ZZero file and change it to .100"

[paul_z]

Matt,

Like Gene said, I'd z zero off the table.

There may be another problem. Check your Z travel to make sure you can raise the bottom of the collet to at least 7 1/4 inches. That's 3 5/8 of exposed bit and another 3 5/8 to clear the material.

Paul Z

[Joe Porter]

You can leave your bit loose in the collet and well up the shank. Then move over your work and loosen the collet nut until the bit drops to the work and zero your Z. Then snug your collet and raise slightly and move away and finish tightening and then go from there...joe