I'm at the stage in acquiring parts for my machine and need to know how many limit/home switches are needed for a 3 axis router. Am I right in assuming that I need 3 home switches and 3 limit switches?? The home switches tell the software where "home" or the start position is? and the limit switches are used to tell the software where the end point is for travel??
What kind of switches is everyone getting?? Simple push button switches that can be bought at Radioshack??

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062540&cp=&pg=7&kw=switches&parentPage=search

Thanks

anyone???

If you want to use your home switches as limits, you'll need 6 switches. You can also place your home switches in between your limits, in which case you'd need 9. I think most people go the 6 route. Something like these are used a lot.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049719&cp=2032058.2032230.2032278&pg=5&fbx=0&allCount=68&fbn=Price%2FUnder+%243.99&f=Brand%2F1000094%2F&fbc=1&fr=StorePrice%2FRSK%2F00000000%2F00000399&parentPage=family

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049718&cp=2032058.2032230.2032278&pg=5&fbx=0&allCount=68&fbn=Price%2FUnder+%243.99&f=Brand%2F1000094%2F&fbc=1&fr=StorePrice%2FRSK%2F00000000%2F00000399&parentPage=family

Or.... If using Mach 2 or 3, and "PC 2 Route" breakout board, one can use proximity switches... one per axis.

Check out Bob Campbell's website:

http://www.campbelldesigns.com/breakout-board.php.

for the PC 2 Route breakout board.

I use these inductive sensors from Automation Direct:

http://web6.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Inductive_Proximity_Sensors/12mm_Round_(AM-z-VM1-z-PMW_Series)/Standard_Sensing_Distance_(AM1_Series)/AM1-AN-1A

Pretty slick little items.

Mike

I'm using thre hobbycnc 3 axis board so I will setup the limit switches with this