So, brand new and first time CNC router here. Im still working out the numerous bugs but I can already see that setting the Z height is going to be an issue for me. So far im not real happy with the touch plate that came with my machine. it seems to trigger the z good but once in awhile it seems to try and touch off with to much Z- force, it chipped a carbide on my spoil board cutter luckily it is an insert bit so not a huge deal but something I dont want to keep repeating. Im not sure if there is a way to adjust the down force or not in mach3 script but im somewhat old fashioned when it comes to some things and was thinking I might just go with a dial type z setter but that opens another can of worms mostly speed and efficiency. I see the the benifit to the electronic touch plate for speed and efficiency but seems to lack accuracy and consistency. Since I couldnt swing the ATC price. I have to manually change each bit 4.5kw spindle with er32 collet. I started to wonder what could be the next best thing to getting ATC type performance from a manual change spindle.
First I found these split steel depth rings that clamp to the bit so you can maintain a constant stick out and not have to re-zero each time but every video I saw this was used on smaller router powered machines so I was concerned it might not work as well on a spindle machine plus I was concerned about introducing balance/wobble issues since I dont see a way the collars could be balanced well. Then I found some plastic ones that get pressed on that would help with the balance/wobble concern but it looks like you have to buy them with the collar already pressed on but they only seem to be for smaller bits 1/8 and 1/4 shaft.
Then I found some tool holders like these. While I understand I will be loosing some z height which isnt a big issue for this application. Otherwise it seems like the better option. Theoretically I should be able to buy one for each of the common bits I will need to swap and chuck the bits in the holder with a consistent stick out measured from the shoulder of the tool holder then just loosen the ER32 spindle nut and insert the holder and bit combo being sure that the shoulder of the tool holder is touching the ER32 collet. Zero my Z once and not have to worry about z setting anymore. Am I missing something as to why I might not want to do this? Is there a better way? Should I keep at the eclectic z setter? Is there a better aftermarket auto z setter I should be looking at? Does anyone have a good solution to z setting each bit change? Sorry I know its a lot of ?'s
First I found these split steel depth rings that clamp to the bit so you can maintain a constant stick out and not have to re-zero each time but every video I saw this was used on smaller router powered machines so I was concerned it might not work as well on a spindle machine plus I was concerned about introducing balance/wobble issues since I dont see a way the collars could be balanced well. Then I found some plastic ones that get pressed on that would help with the balance/wobble concern but it looks like you have to buy them with the collar already pressed on but they only seem to be for smaller bits 1/8 and 1/4 shaft.
Then I found some tool holders like these. While I understand I will be loosing some z height which isnt a big issue for this application. Otherwise it seems like the better option. Theoretically I should be able to buy one for each of the common bits I will need to swap and chuck the bits in the holder with a consistent stick out measured from the shoulder of the tool holder then just loosen the ER32 spindle nut and insert the holder and bit combo being sure that the shoulder of the tool holder is touching the ER32 collet. Zero my Z once and not have to worry about z setting anymore. Am I missing something as to why I might not want to do this? Is there a better way? Should I keep at the eclectic z setter? Is there a better aftermarket auto z setter I should be looking at? Does anyone have a good solution to z setting each bit change? Sorry I know its a lot of ?'s