CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

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Diesel
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CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by Diesel »

Gents:

I'm helping a friend up in Minnesooooooota get his new LDR table going.

As the subject implies, I'm looking for the setting for the Z switch offset.
In Mach3, this is a handy macro and you can change the value and test the Z-axis switch offset very easily/quickly.

Where is this setting in CommandCNC?
Is this hard coded in the SheetCam post processor? Please say no...

Beers,

Matt/Andy
Custom LDR Motion Systems 5x10 table w/ rotary axis and scribe
Hypertherm Powermax85
Quincy 325 compressor
Ingersoll Rand D18IN refrigerated air dryer
Millermatic 251 MIG
Everlast PowerPro 256 TIG/stick/plasma w/ water cooler
dhelfter
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by dhelfter »

No. But it is in the configuration file for commandcnc.
It should not need to be changed. But if it does close commandcnc and open the configurator program. Click on axis then z the switch offset is at the bottom labeled home switch offset. It will be a negative number.
Thanks
Dan
Ldr
Diesel
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by Diesel »

Hi Dan:

OK - I'm a bit confused.
I need to check/adjust my Z switch offset daily - so I'm confused why it wouldn't change often or ever with his table.

Thanks,

Matt/Andy
Custom LDR Motion Systems 5x10 table w/ rotary axis and scribe
Hypertherm Powermax85
Quincy 325 compressor
Ingersoll Rand D18IN refrigerated air dryer
Millermatic 251 MIG
Everlast PowerPro 256 TIG/stick/plasma w/ water cooler
dhelfter
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by dhelfter »

Checking is one thing, but if you Have to change yours daily then there is a problem.
You can still check it in commandcnc also.
Go to second tab, you will see a probe button. After you run this, change jog speed to 1% and lift up till z axis reads zero. This will be top of material.
Diesel
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by Diesel »

Hey Dan:

Interesting, mine is almost never the same from day to day.

OK - thanks!
CommandCNC is definitely different than Mach3 when it comes to the Z switch offset.

Beers,

Matt
Custom LDR Motion Systems 5x10 table w/ rotary axis and scribe
Hypertherm Powermax85
Quincy 325 compressor
Ingersoll Rand D18IN refrigerated air dryer
Millermatic 251 MIG
Everlast PowerPro 256 TIG/stick/plasma w/ water cooler
Simko
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by Simko »

If it is changing then possibly you are checking it on a warped piece of sheet metal that has some give to it. Try to find a solid spot that you can use for the test, or use a small square of 1/4" material (or something the won't deflect under the weight of the torch and z-axis).

I fought with mine until I realized that the metal was pushing down imperceptibly when I was doing the test.
Steve

Homebrewed plasma table in the works, NSK linear rails, 3.2:1 belt reduction, CandCNC Plazpak 1A with DTHCIV Ethercut, Hypertherm 85, CommandCNC and SheetCAM
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Diesel
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by Diesel »

I know what you mean.
Mine varied a bit recently when I had a 5x10 of 3/4" on the table.
I've been fighting random torch dives/lifts, so I like to check it pretty often.

By the way, cutting large pieces from a 3/4" plate makes for some interesting thermal expansion issues. :shock:

Beers,

Matt
Custom LDR Motion Systems 5x10 table w/ rotary axis and scribe
Hypertherm Powermax85
Quincy 325 compressor
Ingersoll Rand D18IN refrigerated air dryer
Millermatic 251 MIG
Everlast PowerPro 256 TIG/stick/plasma w/ water cooler
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_Ogre
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by _Ogre »

we have not changed the z axis switch offset in 5 yrs
if you change it for .002 variation it's probably the switch variables
if you change it more you have a loose or binding issue
bulltear 4x8 cnc plasma table, candcnc bladerunner w/dthc, hypertherm powermax 65, sheetcam, mach3
laser cross hair for hypertherm torch http://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12508
an ogre smiley :mrgreen: how cool!
tcaudle
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by tcaudle »

It should not matter where the material ls or if its warped or different thickness. You are measuring the switch offset. Its the distance between when the torch hits the top of material and actually triggers the switch. It is exclusive of where the top of material is and it should ALWAYS be the same even if you have 1" think or 14Ga . The ONLY thing that can cause the calibration to be off is if the material actually moves up or down AFTER the torch makes contact. If the switch is fixed and the torch is in the same place in the holder the offset will be the same.
Diesel
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Re: CommandCNC: Looking for floating Z switch offset setting

Post by Diesel »

tcaudle wrote:It should not matter where the material ls or if its warped or different thickness. You are measuring the switch offset. Its the distance between when the torch hits the top of material and actually triggers the switch. It is exclusive of where the top of material is and it should ALWAYS be the same even if you have 1" think or 14Ga . The ONLY thing that can cause the calibration to be off is if the material actually moves up or down AFTER the torch makes contact. If the switch is fixed and the torch is in the same place in the holder the offset will be the same.
Thanks - yes, I understand what the switch offset is.
Custom LDR Motion Systems 5x10 table w/ rotary axis and scribe
Hypertherm Powermax85
Quincy 325 compressor
Ingersoll Rand D18IN refrigerated air dryer
Millermatic 251 MIG
Everlast PowerPro 256 TIG/stick/plasma w/ water cooler
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