2 axis milling machine probing

[Dasherman]

Hi, looking to retrofit a Bridgeport Eztrak 2 axis mill with Allin1DC control/pro software and trying to find out if I can use a probe on a 2 axis machine. Located in UK so want to order everything I may possibly need in one go to get it all shipped at same time. I realise the automatic probe cycles use a z axis move but could I use a probe the same way as I use a mechanical edge finder now. I only want to locate edges and use it to align workpieces on the bed of the machine. Thanks N

[tblough]

You are correct, the auto probe routines with Z moves won't work. You'll still be able to use the probe just like an edge finder, though.

[Dasherman]

Thanks Tom. If using a probe with a MPG will it stop axis movement when contact is made or just light up. If the later I might as well save $700 and carry on with a wobbler.

[tblough]

If you have probe protect on, it will ztop the probe in X100 and X10. You will need to switch to X1 to clear the probe.

This actually works great. I jog near the part in X100. Then I switch to X10 and advance until it stops. At this point I'm somewhere less than 0.001" into the part. I now switch to X1 (0.0001") and jog back and forth until it just trips. Now I'm somewhere between 0 and 0.0001" into the part. Press F10 set, and the control adds half the probe tip diameter automatically.