K2 Tool Touch Indicator

[tulsah]

Does anyone have any experience with the electronic tool setting / tool height touch indicator from K2? I have seen them on eBay for the past while, but they are not available through K2's website.

I am curious as to whether anyone using this unit can comment as to how well it can be integrated with a router and how well/easy it is to integrate with Mach3. Also, can anyone comment as to its accuracy and repeatability.

Thanks.

[hindocarina]

When I got my K2 router the salesman kind of pushed the tool height indicator on me. I got the feeling they had just developed it, and he wanted to sell units. I was (still am) new to CNC and didn't know what I needed, so I agreed to try it. I hooked it up and played with it for a few days. It could be my inexperience, but I decided that it was just as quick and easy (and as accurate) to set Z0 using a feeler strip against the workpiece. Even though my product requires 8 tool changes, I just couldn't see that using the indicator made things any quicker or easier, so I sent it back.

I love the K2 machine. I've been meaning to write a review but never seem to get around to it. My work is all 3D in extremely hard woods, and the machine has met every challenge.

Charlie

[George W. Bush]

i just received my K2 3925, but i didn't get any extras like the touch indicator. then i saw a youtube movie with some guy's DIY version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOBxt9MIbFo

i'd love to make something like that, but i'm too much of a noob to figure out the wiring by myself. could anybody point me in the right direction?

[hindocarina]

I am also interested in making such a tool. Greolt sent me this link and some other info


Another Aussie Auto Tool Zero Setter

I have the same machine as you, so shoot me an email if you want to compare notes.

Charlie

[George W. Bush]

ok thanks!

[Mike Stevenson]

I have a K2CNC router too. I agree hindocarina. The best way to set your Z's is with a gauge block off the top of your material. After you set your tool off the block you put the block height into the Mach3 software on the offsets page you click on "Set Tool Offset" and your ready to go.

[George W. Bush]

Originally Posted by Mike Stevenson I have a K2CNC router too. I agree hindocarina. The best way to set your Z's is with a gauge block off the top of your material. After you set your tool off the block you put the block height into the Mach3 software on the offsets page you click on "Set Tool Offset" and your ready to go.

thanks for the reply, Mike. hindocarina has helped me greatly with my final hurdle. many, many emails. we finally got our stuff working, haha .

[msg]

I bought the K2 Tool Height Indicator and can't get the program installed. I e-mailed K2 for some direction, but no response. I know how I could have made one myself, but indulged myself with this purchase. Bad decision on my part!
Save your money and make one for a couple of dollars.
MSG

[Greolt]

Just for your info,

The K2 touch off tool looks well made and I'm sure works exactly as intended.

However for a couple of bucks you can make your own.

And I mean one that has proven to be accurate, reliable and gentle on tools.

Hindocarina has obtained info straight form K2 tech people that confirms that the electrical hook up is very simple to their controller.

No special circuitry or alterations to the K2 controller board needed.

See link in post 5 for more info.

Greg

[lovebugjunkie]

I have had my CNC machine for about a month. I found Greolt’s posts and built the touch place and used the script and Mach3 tool window that he provided. Total cost…less than $10. My cnc router (Romaxx) came with a sound logic encoder board and the touch plate connects to one of the free “inputs” on it. Very easy to use option and always at hand, which is great for me. (I could misplace a MAC truck)