Question About Zeroing plate

[NickB]

Most of the jobs I do are pretty small and the jigs and hold down often interfere with getting the zeroing plate on the parts or in the bottom of a Jig.

Is the size of the zero plate important? Can I cut 4" off the flat end and not have a problem with Zeroing the Z axis.

I realize I'll have to be careful not to bend the plate. But does size matter?

[srwtlc]

As long as you don't change the thickness, you're fine.

[dlcw]

Most of the jobs I do are pretty small and the jigs and hold down often interfere with getting the zeroing plate on the parts or in the bottom of a Jig.

Is the size of the zero plate important? Can I cut 4" off the flat end and not have a problem with Zeroing the Z axis.

I realize I'll have to be careful not to bend the plate. But does size matter?

I did that about 4 years ago. Cut half the flat part off. Been working with no problems.

[ssflyer]

Keeps it from getting inadvertently bent as easily, too! :eek:

[lutchman]

as long as your wiring connections are good and the thickness does not change, you can have a 1" x 1" plate...

[phil_o]

I often use a piece of wood of equal thickness to the material I am cutting as a set up block for Z-zeroing. I set the block off to the side of the clamps, etc. and set the zero plate on top of it for Z-zeroing. This method is very helpful when doing 3D work where there are multiple bit changes and the original zero location has been removed by a previous cut.

Phil

[NickB]

Thanks all, Now where did I put that Hacksaw?

[ssflyer]

Thanks all, Now where did I put that Hacksaw?

What??!! You're not cutting it on the 'Bot? :D

[NickB]

Haven't cut any aluminum yet and my clamping techniques leave a lot to be desired.

I tend to hide behind thick plywood when I start to cut

[Brian Harnett]

You can make your own of any size just adjust the size in the zzero file if is thicker than stock, mine is standard 1/8 6063 aluminum in a few sizes.