How to zero z axis to surface plate

[waynep]

Good Morning,

I saw a project on Vectric I want to try (Paish pump) and downloaded the project. The file says to zero the Z axis to bottom of material. This is probably a simple task but NOT for me. Any Help and thoughts are appreciated.

 

[breezy]

Wayne,

The file says to zero the Z axis to bottom of material. This is probably a simple task but NOT for me.

Quick answer.

Depends on what equipment you have for zeroing any axis.

• Touch plate
  
• Probe
  
• None
  

Assuming the last condition and that the material is going to sitting flush on the bed of your machine

• Place tool you are going to use in the spindle
  
• Jog tool down until it just touches the bed - use a piece of paper and move it back & forth until tool holds it
  
• Set Z DRO to zero
  

You have now zeroed Z to the bottom of the material.

If you have either of the other two pieces of equipment then read up about them in the documentation and watch Peter's videos on probes & touch plates.

Regards,

Arie.