Need Help!- Touch probes 101!

[diyengineer]

I would like to purchase a touch probe fairly soon for my cnc machine using mach 3.

I found the "touch probe" plugin for mach below: It does state "may not work with newer versions of mach". I have the newest version..
ArtSoft USA - Plugins

So basically im asking who has a really good affordable touch probe that uses mach 3? Also what do you use to convert the points to a solid model.

I have solidworks 2011, and access to solidcam and mastercam, along with cambam.

I may need a short "101" intro on how this whole operation works.

Deskcnc probe:
Desk CNC from IMService

cnc4pc.com probe:
CNC4PC

Shark Probe:
CNC Shark Touch Probe - Rockler Woodworking Tools

The shark probe is the most expensive but when used with there software it converts and smooths the entire model to a .stl and then claims it can immediately cut when it just probed. Sounds awesome but $600 for probe and software is $$$$.

Anyways, let me know! I would like to be able to "reverse engineer" some parts and also use it to just setup up jigs, zero x,y,z on work pieces, etc.

[diyengineer]

DeskCNC TP-100 Is roughly $325
Probe - TP100 Probe

cnc4pc.com probe $125
CNC4PC

Shark $299
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=22582

I could almost buy 3 of the cnc4pc probes for the price of one Tp-100, or shark. Same quality?

[broussard]

Originally Posted by diyengineer I would like to purchase a touch probe fairly soon for my cnc machine using mach 3. I found the "touch probe" plugin for mach below: It does state "may not work with newer versions of mach". I have the newest version.. ArtSoft USA - Plugins So basically im asking who has a really good affordable touch probe that uses mach 3? Also what do you use to convert the points to a solid model. I have solidworks 2011, and access to solidcam and mastercam, along with cambam. I may need a short "101" intro on how this whole operation works. Deskcnc probe: Desk CNC from IMService cnc4pc.com probe: CNC4PC Shark Probe: CNC Shark Touch Probe - Rockler Woodworking Tools The shark probe is the most expensive but when used with there software it converts and smooths the entire model to a .stl and then claims it can immediately cut when it just probed. Sounds awesome but $600 for probe and software is $$$$. Anyways, let me know! I would like to be able to "reverse engineer" some parts and also use it to just setup up jigs, zero x,y,z on work pieces, etc.

you can find probes on e-bay for around 225.00 ea

[broussard]

Originally Posted by broussard you can find probes on e-bay for around 225.00 ea

you can find them at http://cgi.ebay.com/TOOL-PRESETTER-C...N-TOUCH-PROBE-

[diyengineer]

Thank you! The link expired but i searched, tool setter and touch probe and found it.

So @ $225 dollars what is the advantage of that unit compared to the the cnc4pc.com unit at almost half the price? Possibly a bit more quality materials, and engineering?

[vicrider]

Originally Posted by diyengineer Thank you! The link expired but i searched, tool setter and touch probe and found it. So @ $225 dollars what is the advantage of that unit compared to the the cnc4pc.com unit at almost half the price? Possibly a bit more quality materials, and engineering?

You might look at this one. $125 + shipping.

Vicrider

[skrubol]

Assuming the DeskCNC and the Ebay are the same, or at least have interchangeable parts, getting replacement/different size probes for it should be easier than for the CNC4PC one.
Plus, ruby tip is generally preferable.

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by vicrider You might look at this one. $125 + shipping. Vicrider

Vicrider,

That probe is the same probe that cnc4pc.com retails.

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by skrubol Assuming the DeskCNC and the Ebay are the same, or at least have interchangeable parts, getting replacement/different size probes for it should be easier than for the CNC4PC one. Plus, ruby tip is generally preferable.

Very true. Whats the deal with the ruby tip?

[daniellyall]

Touch probes for sale
aminear@wyomingwireless.com
$125
has any got one of these are they any good

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by daniellyall Touch probes for sale aminear@wyomingwireless.com $125 has any got one of these are they any good

I just purchased one, but from his retailer cnc4pc.com
Havent used it yet, but its well made.

[David Bord]

Check out the Tormach passive probe. I just purchased one and it's very good for the money IMHO. I have no affiliation but a happy customer

David