Has anyone found a source for a 3-d probe (not just a 2-d edge finder).
I have a maxnc probe ( based on a PC board), I was wondering if there is something a little better out there.

(I am aware of the build-it-yourself websites, at this point in time I am looking for a rrofessionally built unit for the home cnc'er)

For the price, you can't beat the Heidenhain KT130, it is an accessory to a Heidenhain DRO, but you can buy it separately, I think the current price is under $1k.
But the words 'Professionally built' and 'Cheap' do not usually go together.
This is a professional unit, and very accurate.
It requires a 5vdc supply but you can condition it to 24v with an extra transistor.
Al.

www.cadcamcadcam.com

www.cadcamcadcam.com
Thanks, this is more in my price range.

Would anyone know if it is based on the PC board design or something a little better?

The web site says "5 way mechanical contact ", which I don't understand the signifiicance of.

Any comments by actual users is welcome, as is other product suggestions.

I'll have one here about the 19th. I'll let you know how it works.

Mike

Mike, how did it work for you?

-Jeff

Probe worked fine.

Support lacked a bunch.

I have the whole package but did not have the time or money to set up another complete machine to digitize with, so I used my new probe with my Mach3. Ran a few test and had a crash. I contacted, or rather should I say I tried to contact, the seller for replacement parts and my ph calls and emails went unanswered for over two weeks. Finally I sent an email with pics of the parts I needed along with an email about my dissatifaction with their support. They answered this one by saying the probe would have to be sent back to the manuf for a rebuild. They wouldn't or couldn't, I don't know which, give me a price. Needless to say by this time I was upset and told them that if that had told me this info, what by now was three weeks earlier, I could have had the probe back and in used by now but due to their lack of concern I was still not able to use the probe. I told them I would fix it myself.

I took it to a machine shop and had one part straightened and another trimmed. I then proceeded to probe a very complicated gunstock and am waiting for the 3d model to be finished now. I know I have lost a little accuracy but it was close enough for me. I am so upset with the company I want to sell the whole package at a discount of course! Problem is I don't know if they will transfer the software download priveleges.

Mike

And the probe was how much $39 or less....

And the probe was how much $39 or less....

Looks like $275 + software, if he bought DeskCNC with it.
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=14

Hi Mike!

That sucks. I already have DeskCNC. I'm not super thrilled with it, but it is allowing me to get jobs done.


-Jeff

ger21....thanks....I took a quick glance and only noticed the price of the probe......

5way NC contact switch.....hmmmm...must have the circumference broken into 4 quadrants and the 5th is the dead on vertical position....guess turmite could fill us on the details since he had one apart....

ViperTx that is the only way I can figure it as a 5 way switch. To me it is a switch!:rolleyes: I don't really see how it could be a 5 way since any movement of the switch in any direction breaks contact and opens the circuit.

Now that I think of it, 3 contact legs, plus true vertical movement would only be 4 way, unless of course you think like me, and then it's just a switch!:D

Mike