My bit zero shifts the zero a bit every time I use it. I have my stock mounted it four SMW mod vises. If I leave the stock in the same position and simply use the bitzero to zero my position. It indiscriminately adjusts my xy zero one way or another.
Please let us know step-by-step how you are probing.
I’ve always had good results which are quite repeatable when probing as described at:
I squared up my stock, then I probed the front left corner of the stock. After probing, I made a cut around the perimeter. The cut was the same size as the stock. Each time I did this, it would cut more off on side or another. I changed endmills to probe and I even used a 1/4’ dowel. Nothing I did gave me consistent results. As far as the Z axis is concerned, it fluctuates .008" every time. My bit setter is mounted on a 3/4" aluminum plate, because I thought it was the MDF. I’m using a HDM.
Hopefully @Luke or @wmoy or someone else with an HDM can advise.
I’ll admit that on a couple of occasions I’ve taped a BitZero in place, and on one occasion contemplated securing it with a clamp…
Are there any other options out there? Maybe a probe that inserts into the spindle.
I honestly don’t want to move my workpiece until I can get more reliable results.
The Nomad initially used a traditional edge finder, but the spindle speed was a concern.
There is a mechanical option:
but it requires a 3/8" collet (which now that I think on it, is available for the Makita RT0701/0700, and by extension the Carbide Compact Router)
Or there are electronic probes which mount in the spindle:
I might give that a shot, thank you.
Will I have to offset the zero for tool diameter?
If using a BitZero (and if need be selecting the correct tool)? No.
If working up some other mechanism for probing? Probably.
Google edge Finder, 1/4" Dia. Shank. I found a few that were 1/4 shank and cheaper that would fit a 1/4 collet. You would have to manually subtract half of the diameter of the end of your edge finder from the axis you are zeroing. Ive used them a ton on a manual mill. Thankfully I dont need that kind of accuracy on my cnc router.
Fisher Machine Model 250 1/4" Single End Edge Finder this one is $15 plus shipping.
Note that when sourcing such an edge finder it will be necessary to find one which works at the speeds which the spindle will be turning.
You are correct William. I didn’t think that through. Some of these probably wouldn’t last long with high RPM’s!
I ended up purchasing the Phillips Precision edge finder. It honestly works great! Thank you for the recommendation!
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