- Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:20 pm
#439
actually here's a better idea. A planer guage can be set under the tool. when its just moving under the tool with the slightest bit of friction, set z0.0, remove the guage carefully, and measure it with calipers or micrometers, then set that as your z-offest.
another way using the fowler block or 1-2-3 block uses these steps.
1.with the spindle OFF you slowly jog the spindle down til you're close to the height of the block. DO NOT HAVE THE BLOCK UNDER THE SPINDLE TO BEGIN WITH.
2. With the block clear of the tool, bring the tool down just a lil past the top of the block or close to it as possible.
3. Slowly and very gently press the block and try to slide it under the tool. if it goes under, pull the block away and and slowly move the spindle down a little more (0.010" increments if possible) until the block does not go. If the block initially does not go, slowly raise the spindle up (in 0.010" increments) until the block clears under it.
4. Repeat step 3, but do it in 0.001" increments until the block clears under the tool (you should feel a lil bit of resistance, like it is just touching/rubbing barely).
5.If you feel the need to repeat step 4 to double check, do so now, its honestly a process based on touch and comfort, but its extremely accurate.
6. set z0.0 when comfortable with your settings, and measure the block and plug in the number as your z-offeset.
7. If you're using a 1-2-3 block, you should be set to within 0.001"-0.002". using the fowler block, it may have you raise or lower the the tool a lil to set it off, the important thing is that you DO NOT actually raise/lower the tool while the block is under it. This could cause a crash and damage the tool, the block, the spindle, and could hurt you badly.
the planer guage is the best method, I feel, for ease of use. the other two methods however would give you a more accurate reading on high precision machinery.