I purchased a slightly used Shapeoko 4 XXL and it is missing the probes for the BitZero v2. Is there something I can use in place of that to get the same results? Or can I order just the probes?
Any precision ground rod will work — such is readily available as tool blanks from machining supply houses or even Amazon. Some folks have even just chucked up a long drill bit and cut off the drill portion…
You’ll want it to be ferrous/magnetic (so the magnet will stick) and I found it worthwhile to order a short length (which didn’t need to be cut/deburred).
If you can’t find something which suits, let us know at support@carbide3d.com and we’ll see what we can dig out.
Is there a specific diameter needed or just a standard 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch?
One of each is handy when setting XY with BitZero V2 depending on bit size of choice for your project.
Ideally you would use a probing pin of the same diameter as-is needed for the collet of the tool which you will be using.
That said, diameter (so long as it’s concentric) doesn’t matter.
When I’m lazy I’ll often use an 8mm probing pin (since it doesn’t need a collet on my spindle setup) because the 1/4" and 1/8" collets already have tools in them.
Could I use a threaded rode that is 1/4 inch until I can get a tool blank?
Rather than a commodity thing like that, I’d just use the 1/4" tool (so long as it doesn’t have a non-conductive coating).
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When you are referring to the 1/4 inch tool, what are you referring to?
Whichever 1/4" tool you will first be using.
The probing pins are provided to make up for the possibility that flute geometry will interfere with an accurate probe operation — so long as it’s reasonably deep (and not single flute) the probing usually works as expected.
ok, thanks. Will give that a try for now. Appreciate the assistance. Just trying to wrap my head around all the things I need to be aware of and the terminology.
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For terminology see:
and the balance of that site and:
should cover what one needs to be aware of.
If you want more book-like material, I did write up a bit at:
This is what I bought six years ago… HHIP 4103-0250 Replacement Pin Gage, P-1 (-0.0002) Tolerance, 0.25": Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
But as Will also mentioned, you have options.
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I use the shank portion of a 1/4" end mill I broke years ago. I also have the 1/8" version. 
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I have used a broken bit that was next to my machine that fit the collet I had in.
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Mike,
It will come in time. I read for hours picking up the words used for this new hobby. Then I made mistakes and read some more. If you make a mistake, someone had also done it. (me twice) Search the Forum, if it still is clear as mud, ask for help.
Scrap wood and Amazon cheap bits.
Have fun
Thanks for all the information and kind words.
