I need information about a tool set block. I have seen only one in operation. The one I'm speaking of is, a block of Alum. with a wire attached to it and set to ground point. When setting the Z axis the tool is joged to meet it, and when it does, the tool and the axis stops so that the tool is at the same height as all the rest. Is there a real simple way to make one or is it a buy only accessory??

You should be able to make one pretty easy if you can do some milling to get a flat surface and the desired height. The premise behind the block is that the block is grounded and you have a positive voltage hooked up to the bit. When the bit contacts the block, you get current flow and it acts like a limit switch. Works well for zeroing the Z-Axis.

Its kinda rough but something similar to this Google SketchUp drawing?

Thanks Rance but I can not open that file. I do not support an skp file . Covert it to pdf if you can or dxf.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DOBxt9MIbFo
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36099

Maybe you would be interested in something like this:

http://www.shars.com/products/view/1927/Precision_Magnetic_Z_Axis_Setter

CR.

Thanks Rance but I can not open that file.

Speedre, you can get the viewer at http://sketchup.google.com/gsu6/download.html . You can also see it here http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=acpgya&s=3 .

However, George's KISS solution seems MUCH better.

Rance

Thank You all. The information will be well used.

The premise behind the block is that the block is grounded and you have a positive voltage hooked up to the bit. When the bit contacts the block, you get current flow and it acts like a limit switch. Works well for zeroing the Z-Axis.

In fact it needs to be the other way around.

The block or touch plate is connected to an input that is "high"

Then when it is grounded or touches the tool it brings the input low and signals the control software (Mach3 in my case)

Some setups may need a ground hooked to the tool via an alligator clip.

Others will have a good ground through the spindle and machine.

More info at this link,

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36099

Greg