I just purchased a Shapeoko XL as a new tool in my woodworking shop.
No experience with this technology but in my 7th decade going to give it a shot.
I purchased a touch probe from Big River Tools as this was a recommended accessory. I read where one of the upgrades was to use adhesive to attach a rare earth magnet to the alligator clip. Apparently I failed gluing in 1st grade as I could not get the magnet to stick.
My solution was to use a magnet cup for the 3/8" diameter rare earth magnets. The cup is usually held in wood with a flat head screw. I found that a 4-40 flathead bolt into a hole drilled in one of the alligator clip jaws worked quite well.
Thought I would share as I had not seen this method.
Not sure how to post photos on this forum or I would include a picture.
Yup, that is the way I installed mine. I suggest you use duck/Gorilla tape loop on the wire so you can clip the alligator to the wire right next to the probe so it is in your face when you set the probe so you don’t forget to attach the magnet to the collet/endmill when you probe.
I did this a while back. Make sure that the bit isn’t coated. I didn’t get good contact on one bit I use and even though magnet sticks, no electric contact…
I just put a 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/8 Inch Neodymium Rare Earth Block Magnet into the alligator clip jaws. It’s conductive and sticks well to the spindle nut; cheap solution that works well.
I have not encountered this issue with ZrN bits don’t know about ATiN. I usually put my magnet on the collet nut. If you have a Carbide 3D probe, it is a good idea to test continuity by manually touching the bit with probe to see if the light turns on.
