[CNCRob]

I was wondering if anyone knew how to configure the post processor so it knew where the machine is at in the home position so it would automaticly know where the top of the part is. Instead of jogging it down and setting the z-axis to zero manually. And also has anyone made a post processor just for CNCZeus. Thanks Robbie

[locost_cam]

Hi Robbie,

I assume you have home set as 0. You can get around this by using tool length offsets. In the tool setup box is an option for tool length offset. This value is added to the Z position when cutting. Measure the distance between the cutter at home position and the table. Subtract the material thickness then invert the number. For instance say the distance between the cutter and table is 3.45" and the material is 1" thick. The tool offset would be -2.25".

This could be done in the post but either way it assumes that your cutter is always the same length. If you change the cutter you have to change the offset. This is worth doing if you have a number of tool holders so each tool always goes into the machine at exacly the same position.

One disadvantage of this system is that it is not so easy to keep track of the machining. If the top of your work is 0 then it is easy to see at a glance how deep you are cutting. If home is 0 then you have to subtract the tool offset to see how deep you are cutting.

Les