Need Help!- Understanding 0 z axis?

[ssutton]

Hi,
My machine is just starting to breathe life but I am confused about several SIMPLE aspects of machine operation and need some assistance.

Using Mach3, I have configured one of my inputs on my G540 to be the Z limit. I can connect this input to a flat piece of .032 aluminum and jog my Z down until it touches the aluminum plate on top of my workpiece. At that point I can 0 the z axis, but it is not really 0 because it is .032 above the work surface. What do you do to correct this?

Thanks for the help, without this forum I would not have a machine at all.

Scott

[Fastest1]

Go to the main page on Mach 3. Then there is a page lableled "Offsets" open that screen and look under "Gage Block Height". Place the thickness of your touch plate in that dialog box, press enter, then as a precaution I always choose save settings under the "config" drop down at the top of the screen. It has an option "save settings". Hope it helps.

[Fastest1]

You can also go into the MDI box and enter G1 Z-.032 F1. This will make the Z go down the .032 at a feedrate of 1 unit per minute. Once the tool has arrived, reset Z zero. Though the tool setter/gage block is the way to go.

[ger21]

Ideally, you should have the plate wired to the probe input, and use an auto zero probing routine.

See the Aussie tool setter thread in the project log section. It's a sticky at the top.

[ger21]

Ideally, you should have the plate wired to the probe input, and use an auto zero probing routine.

See the Aussie tool setter thread in the project log section. It's a sticky at the top.