Does the XYZ Probe Plus find zero by probing the edges of the fixture or the hole? If I place the probe plate on a corner of my work piece it probes the edges of the fixture then tries to center the cutting bit in the hole. Which one is considered zero? The reason I ask is if I use a three flute cutter, there isn't a way to find the center of the bit in x/y coordinates. How would the probe know what bit I have in the collet and at what rotation? After probing, the interface tells me it has measured the bit to a xxx mm diameter. It is often off. Does the Open Builds CAM software use this diameter for cutting or does it use the bit I chose in my set up (VCarve Pro). They would be different and one would give me an incorrect cut. Lastly: The XYZ probe doesn't want to stay on the corner of my work piece - mostly because of sort of stiff wires which push it around. I click "Probe" and quickly run to the router to hold it in place (I keep my laptop far away from the sawdust and chips). Have others found this a problem and what is their solution? Tape it down, I suppose. Sure would be nice to have "probe start" on the jog widget. Wink, Wink.
Probe with a precision dowel pin. Install endmill. Do Z probe. That sidesteps the flute issue entirely
Thanks Peter. So why probe the hole at all? Seems like probing the sides of the fixture should locate the work piece in X, Y and Z.
Correct, why would you do that? It's entirely optional, it's your your choice to include it if you have a need for it or not (no calipers, but need more precise endmill diameter for your CAM setup too - works bang on for most of the endmill here in the lab) If you don't have a need for it, don't use it: use XYZ Zero tab instead of Automatic tab in Wizard. You as operator pick which probing operation you want to use: Vs Always read the onscreen instructions
