This is an easy way to zero the X and Y axis, using the Probe input on the Max. I got the idea from the MaxNC users group. Shown on the left is the 1/8" brass probe, collet with nylon insulator, and cord with plug and clip. Shown on the right, the probe is chucked in the spindle, the clip is fastened to the fixture plate via the brass screw on the front left corner, and the plug is inserted into the Probe jack on the Max control box. A three-line G-code program is run to find the edge of each axis. After finding an edge, the fixture is jogged over 0.625 (to compensate for 1/2 the thickness of the probe), and then that axis is set to zero. The process is repeated tor the other edge, and the fixture is then zeroed at the selected corner. This method is exact and repeatable.
This is the setup to use the same technique as above when setting cutter height. The base is nylon, to insulate it from the surface. The overall height of the nylon and brass post is 2.000 inches. The cutter is secured in the spindle collet, and then moved down to the brass post using a three line G-Code program. The Z axis will stop when contact is made with the post. It can then be set to zero, or 2.000, depending on what is required. Only one wire is needed to connect to the probe jack for this.
Here is a handy little G-Code tablet I made. I scanned and reduced the G-code pages in the Max manual, and cut the paper to 5" by 7". The paper was taped to a cardboard backing, and inserted through the three rings on the holder. There is a wood frame holding everything in place. Those empty beer cases are good for something ! (cardboard backing)
