Setting X &Y with probe

[wmcghee]

Although I don't have my probe connected to my Shopbot yet, I am curious if anyone else uses their probe to set X and Y. It seems it would be simple, quick and very accurate. I didn't get the proximity switches so I am looking for an alternative that is simpler and more accurate and quicker than "eyeballing".

[Brady Watson]

Wayne,
You can use any number of switches to use as a homing device. They don't have to be the expensive (and sometimes tempermental) optical switches that SB sells. Search this forum...some use micro switches and some just use bolts against as stop. You can wire the switches the exact same way you would the SB limit switches.

I don't think that the probe method is worth the effort if you use the machine every day.

-Brady

[richards]

I use an X,Y probe based on the Z-Zero probe to set up the machine. The Z-Zero software routine can be easily modified for use with the X,Y Axis.

In any case, screwing a piece of aluminum to the X and Y side of a piece of scrap MDF and then using dowels to position the probe base was all that was necessary to build a reliable probe. A piece of a 1/4-inch drill rod could be chucked into the router as a actual probe - I use a commercially available 'center-finder' type of bit (1/4-inch on one end and 1/2-inch on the othe - the kind that you would use to check bearing run-out.); but, the whole process only takes about one minute.

Mike

[wmcghee]

I was thinking more of just putting the probe in the router and picking up the lower left hand corner for X and y. No aluminum or anything just touch off from the MDF. Is the probe( purchased from Shopbot) capable of this?

[beacon14]

Yes it will work. For most people having to change bits twice - once for the probe to zero, then again for cutting - is a show-stopper.
I used to do the same thing, with a metal strip against the holding fixture's fence, and a spiral bit in the router. The aluminum strip was also my z-zero plate. Probably will do it again sooner or later on the new machine, as soon as I have the need. The factory z-zero plate is too wide for that application.
What I do more often now, is use the prox switches to zero the tool to the table, then use the bit to machine the face of the fixture fence, and always put the fixture back on the table with screws in the same holes. Works great.

[fleinbach]

The prox swtiches worke great for zeroing the X/Y axis. The prob would probably work but why do it the hard way when the prox switches work perfectly. Not to mention the probe costs more then twice the prox switches.

[wmcghee]

Thanks for all of the input. I've still not hooked my probe up. I purchased the probe because I figured I could make my own z-zero plate and proximity switches. I know I have seen instructions on how to make both and what materials to use on here. I have done searches but have yet to find the info. Just to much to go through. If anyone knows where I can find this info please point me in the right direction.

[beacon14]

Here (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/26/3177.html) is a good one on prox switches.

Here (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/27/1662.html) is one on zero plates