Probing Process Clarification

[ejg3855]

I have a Bridgeport I've successfully converted to run on UCCNC.

My Z axis is the quill and works entirely in the -Z direction, G53 Z0 being all the way up.

I have a touch probe for setting tool heights in the tool heights dataset. Quick Change Collet allows me to keep the tools fixed.


I also use a basic electrical continuity probe for finding features on parts, simply Z height. I have a plastic tool with a metal center I connect a clamp too. With a known height. Do I enter this as the gauge height ?

The trouble I am having is the proper order of operations and what values I should be setting and seeing.

Example:

I have a 1/4" endmill that when I touch it off on the tool setter is a value of -4.500 ( I enter this into T4), then when I touch off the part (simple probe not with T4) I get a Z value of say -2.5.

Does UCCNC do the math for the Z heights differences between the tools and the gauge and where my Z heights are, or what is the best actions to take here? Im at a loss and tired of crashing my Z into the part.

Thanks

W

[cncdrive]

It depends on the probing macro code you will be using.

[ger21]

You need to be using G43, tool length offsets.

[CL_MotoTech]

Make sure you set Z0 with a tool that has a tool length offset in the tool table. I've made that mistake once or twice.