[mkc2]

Hi Rory

Yes guides are top and bottom, you should be able to see in this thread on the pictures.

Cheers. Michael

[mkc2]

Hi guys

Went shopping at bunnings and found the perfect zero touch plate for $13.
Will call into jaycar tomorrow and pick up some curly cable.
Pictures to follow for this mod.
Stay tuned !


Michael

[mkc2]

Here is the mod for touch plate and video testing.
I also glued a piece of PVC to insulate the bottom as its all metal.
The top plate is spring loaded so if your z axis doesn't stop you got split seconds to hit e/stop.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJnjKVW57jk&feature=player_detailpage]cnc touch plate - YouTube[/ame]

enjoy Michael

[rnm85]

I've seen these before but don't quite understand how they work. I know its to do with aligning your tool bit to the material to be cut or something along those lines?

[mkc2]

Its to set the zero height of the material the easy way.
When you hit the zero probe button on you Mach screen the spindle comes down slowly and when it just touches the plate, it will offset the thickness of the plate and set the zero for the material height.

Hope that helps. Michael

[rnm85]

Its to set the zero height of the material the easy way.
When you hit the zero probe button on you Mach screen the spindle comes down slowly and when it just touches the plate, it will offset the thickness of the plate and set the zero for the material height.

Hope that helps. Michael

So the plate isn't fixed on the machine it is movable to sit on whatever material you are going to cut?

[mkc2]

Yes that is correct.
This way you don't have to try and see when the mill end is touching the material or if you go down to hard you can mark the surface, if it's nice shiny aluminum.

[rnm85]

Ahhh I see! All is clear now. Thanks for your help! I've got to get my machine running first before I start thinking about improvements! I'm sure what you've showed here will help a lot when it comes time! Thanks for your help.

[mkc2]

MorloU8
Not sure what you mean, but the thread is about everything I've done with this cnc router.

Regards Michael

[mkc2]

Glad I could help, I wasn't out to make this touch plate, I just saw it on the shelf and my mind started racing around until the light bulb popped up on my head.
I love it! 10 minute job all done, now I will get another one for a permanent tool change offset height.

Enjoy Michael

[MecAut]

Hey mate.
Congratulations for your idea! (your touch plate is awesome!)

[HorridHenry]

Hey mate.
Congratulations for your idea! (your touch plate is awesome!)

How do you know he's still around?

[mkc2]

Still around, just got so many other hobbies.
Rc tricopter, quad copter and now stormtrooper armor build.

Cheers Michael

[rnm85]

Do you remember what your touch plate button was actually supposed to be so I know what to look for at Bunnings or elsewhere? And also how did you set it up with Mach3? I understand there is some coding that has to be changed or entered?

Thanks!

Rory

[mkc2]

It's the base for a door stopper at bunnings, I'm using a Mach3 screen set that i bought for the touch plate and tool change.

[mkc2]

Hi all
I'm still floating around in the background, been busy with all my hobbies.
Been helping my brother lately with his HM46 cnc milling machine.

[mkc2]

Picked up a 3D printer, a lot cleaner making bits then the CNC machine!!

[baskarz]

That is one nice machine you've built there!
great work mate!

[mkc2]

That is one nice machine you've built there!
great work mate!

Thanks Baskarz

[mkc2]

Well I have been busy building other things and the latest is a Vacuum Forming Machine.