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Thread: Touch probes 101!

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    Silver Member diyengineer's Avatar
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    Touch probes 101!

    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.


  2. #2
    Silver Member diyengineer's Avatar
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    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?


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    Registered broussard's Avatar
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    touch probe

    Quote Originally Posted by diyengineer View Post
    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


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    Registered broussard's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by broussard View Post
    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-


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    Silver Member diyengineer's Avatar
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    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?


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    Quote Originally Posted by diyengineer View Post
    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


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    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.


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    Silver Member diyengineer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vicrider View Post
    You might look at this one. $125 + shipping.

    Vicrider
    Vicrider,

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


  • #9
    Silver Member diyengineer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by skrubol View Post
    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?


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


  • #11
    Silver Member diyengineer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by daniellyall View Post
    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.


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    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


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