[Mr.Chips]

Hey I'm ready to cut but want to drill a hole through my work table.

When you use the Wizards in Mach 3 such as circle cut and hole drill, do you position the Z axis down and just kiss the surface to be cut then press the Zero axis button and then Press Start??

Thanks

[jhowelb]

I always use either paper (maybe even a cigarette paper) or a shim stock and come down till I detect friction and then punch a Z+ dimension equal to the measured thickness of the "feeler gauge".

Just for safety sake I usually punch in a step jog value and jog Z up, reset zero and try a "dry run" and then jog back down then "GO".

[Mr.Chips]

I always use either paper (maybe even a cigarette paper) or a shim stock and come down till I detect friction and then punch a Z+ dimension equal to the measured thickness of the "feeler gauge".

Just for safety sake I usually punch in a step jog value and jog Z up, reset zero and try a "dry run" and then jog back down then "GO".

Sounds like that is a Yes, jog down until I touch the paper, then Zero the "Z" and key in +0.004" for the paper Correct? You didn't mention Zero the "Z" but I think you implied it.
Hey you are dealing with a rookie here. He He

Thanks

[jhowelb]

Actually, when you key in a value, that sets zero. No need to first zero then key in the value. If you do a dry run remember all the resetting you gotta do to bring everything back into compliance.

Wish I could put "hands on" to demo exactly what I'm saying.

Cheers!!

PS: I routinely bring all axis close to zeros and reference all to home before I set ANYTHING! That prevents the machine from doing something crazy!