Gary,
> I think this doesn't even have to be mounted. It could simply be a little
> device you place on the table whenever needed, though it wouldn't be quite
> as fast as a prox switch. I just found this while poking around the net:
>
>
> http://www.industrialhobbies.com/howto/production_notes/height_gauge/height_gauge_pt1.htm
>
> I'll just need a parallel block, a height gauge, a little block for the
> gauge tip, and some epoxy.
>
This looks like an easy thing to make.
Just make sure the top surface is a perfect level, if it's not then the
height will change with different diameter cutters.
A friend made a probe that measures the height, connected this to the probe
input and added a zeroing macro to his machine.
His height gauge is just a simple industrial switch based on a micro switch,
it's accurate within about 2/100 mm.
I decided to go for a design using the Renishaw patent, see link for an
exploded view, but I'm too busy finishing the milling machine to finish it.
(http://www.myvoice.nl/freesmachine/photo.php?name=nul-steller-explode&img=6)
I think a slotted optical switch will be good enough.
I'll be using two height gauges, one to determine the top of my workpiece
and one to measure the offset between the different mills.
I envision a automatic procedure where G-code macros are used to
automatically correct the tool offset after each change:
1. insert the first mill
2. set x,y,z = 0,0,0 to the top left of my workpiece
3. move the milling spindle to the center of my height gauge (which
I'll place close to my workpiece)
4. start the program which will then:
5. determine the tool offset for the current mill
6. run and stop for a tool change
7. a manual tool change
8. move to the height gauge, determine the new tool offset and
calculate the new Z=0 (or program the tool length)
This will have to do until enough money flows in to buy an automatic tool
changer :-)
Regards,
Rob
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