Question about setting Z zero in part/fixture origin (G54, etc.)

[mwbridgwater]

For many years, I've located the Z axis of my work coordinate origin by always keeping a sharp-pointed engraving bit in tool position #1 (It was used frequently, as well.) and touching this to the top of my workpiece as Z zero, along with having indicated-in the X and Y at that location, then all three axes were zeroed. H1 was always at a value of zero, then all the other tools had a length offset by the amount they were either shorter or longer than the engraver in #1 position. Pros or cons to this method?

After about 30 years away from one, I'm now getting used to working with a Fadal again, and things aren't quite so simple as what I've been using previously. It's gotten me to wondering, how is the Z zero set in your G54, etc? Or, do I only zero the X and Y, and then let each tool length offset (H__) just be whatever it is relative to the machine's home location (for Z) ?

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[sinha_nsit]

I use the same method as I find it simple.
A drawback of this method is that if the "master" tool (engraver in your case) wears out, the error would appear in the length offset of all the tools.

The master tool can be an indicator also.

[rodney247]

Yes for a FADAL only use the H_ which is from the machine home location. You would use the Z fixt offset say for the second fixture G55 or E2 like the difference in height of another vice say like .020 difference. all the length offsets will be a large negative number

[mwbridgwater]

Thanks, guys!