source for inexpensive 3-d probe?

[cncuser1]

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)

[Al_The_Man]

For the price, you can't beat the Heidenhain , 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.

[ger21]

www.cadcamcadcam.com

[cncuser1]

Originally Posted by ger21 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.

[turmite]

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

Mike

[InspirationTool]

Mike, how did it work for you?

-Jeff

[turmite]

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

[ViperTX]

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

[ger21]

Originally Posted by ViperTX And the probe was how much $39 or less....

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

[InspirationTool]

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

[ViperTX]

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....

[turmite]

ViperTx that is the only way I can figure it as a 5 way switch. To me it is a switch! 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!

Mike