Hello, I am new to the CNC world I have been playing with my shapeoko 3 for about 2 weeks now. I have yet to use the bitzero I got with the machine when I purchased it secondhand. Unfortunately my machine did not come with a bit setter though. I am wondering if I can use the bit zero to set my XY and z instead of manually doing it like I have been the last few weeks everyday lol. My question is can I just insert my cutting in mill and have it set XY and z through that since I don’t have a bit setter to have it go back to after I change from the probing piece that goes in the collet ? Or what are my options? Thank you everyone!
Yes, you can just directly use the BitZero w/ a tool — but this will vary depending on how the cutting flute geometry interacts with the body of the unit.
The ideal is to have both, so that the BitSetter can manage the tool change for the Z.
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Can you explain that a little bit deeper? I’m just having a hard time understanding if it touches the bit zero with the tip of the bit and I run it it would be fine but are you saying if I changed the end mill and didn’t reset it again it would cause problems? Just trying to wrap my head around it to learn it better lol
Each time you change the bit it needs to be remeasured to ensure it correctly applies the cut dimension in the tool path.
If you use an endmill for the X/Y zero you have to be careful and ensure the bit does not touch off the side of the bit zero between flutes on the end mill. It has to touch the outer part of the cutting flute to get an accurate measurement. The touch probe is solid so its orientation to the side of the bitzero does not matter as it would with a fluted bit.
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Okay, so if I do my whole thing with a O-flute bit set with bitzero and then finish that toolpath and change the bit and toolpath to a v-carve to give that same part some chamfers I would just do the same process set with the bit setter and be okay? I’m sorry I’m still learning
If your finishing up a project with the v bit all you would need to do is reset the z zero with the new tool. X and Y will not change.
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Would I just do a manuel z zero? Or reuse the bitzero to set z? Thanks everyone again
Either way works. If you do that manually be sure to click Z Zero in Carbide Motion so it knows you reset Z zero. If you have a version 1 BitZero be sure to set it on the top of the stock and not let it overhang off the side like when you set all three axis. I don’t have the version 2 BitZero, I can’t advise on setting only Z with it.
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