Hi,
that the only automated way to really return to a point is setting up limit switches.
Correct. However I would not call them Limit switches, these switches set the HOME position, they don't have to be at the limits. It is common to put them at the end or nearly the end of an axis but you don't have to.
For many years I ran my mini-mill without limit switches, but I did have Home switches, which were indeed a few mm from the ends of the axes. They were the best single addition I've ever made to my
machine. It meant that I could reliably start my machine and pick up from where I left off yesterday and also that Soft Limits worked properly. Given that I didn't have Limit switches having reliable
Soft Limits saved my bacon many many times.
My new build mill has six limit switches, one for each end of the three axes, and another three Home switches, close to the ends but not at the ends. They all have separate inputs, so if a switch activates
I know exactly which switch.
I can live without Limits but you really need Home switches.
Craig