Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Overloaded on February 14, 2010, 09:47:38 PM

Title: Lathe Probe
Post by: Overloaded on February 14, 2010, 09:47:38 PM

Anyone recognise this type of lathe probe ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Metrol-H4A-18-50-Type-CNC-Lathe-Tool-Probe_W0QQitemZ150402708402QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2304b333b2
If so, could you give a brief explanation of its operation ?
Thanks,
Russ

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: Hood on February 15, 2010, 04:02:06 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=7uoP_A-Ud_A
http://www.metrol.co.jp/en/product_ha.html

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: Overloaded on February 15, 2010, 08:57:29 AM

Neat video.
Amazing stuff.
Thanks

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: Hood on February 15, 2010, 09:00:48 AM

Obviously you have found a cheaper one as I know there is no way you would pay that price ;D If there are a couple keep me in mind ;D

Hood

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: Overloaded on February 15, 2010, 09:27:35 AM

 :) Right you are.   
Just happened to see it and wondered how it worked.
Would be a handy addition to my lathe though.....if I could justify it.  ::)

What would you do initially ? Using a turret or gang tool holder. Manually bring each tool to close proximity of the setter, then run the probe sequence ? From then on, it would know where to go to check each tool ?

Go ahead and make us up a couple.. :) I only need 3 legs on mine. X both ways and Z-. :)
Russ

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: RICH on February 15, 2010, 09:32:54 AM

I thought about making a probe for the lathe bed, but, really needed to be simple and accurate setup.
but then i thought about it and figured it is just as quick to use the mounted microscope. Not good for an
automated condition or if you wanted to check on tool wear etc, when making a run. Just a one of a kind guy here......
RICH

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: Hood on February 15, 2010, 09:36:07 AM

Not really sure Russ, suppose if you were just using it for wear measuring or checking for breakages  then you could do that but if you were using it for setting up tools you would have to move close each time you put a different tool in the slot.

No chance of me finding them at the price you find things so I will wait for you to get your truffle pig snout out of the cupboard and fitted :)

Hood

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: Overloaded on February 15, 2010, 09:45:34 AM

 ;D

  Test cuts will do for now.

Same here Rich, just planning/learning for the future.......if there is one. ::)

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: RICH on February 15, 2010, 09:58:51 AM

Just cheap and easy thought. A hung gauge block placed anywhere and clear from the lathe bed so you can touch off on all four sides. I would just leave back near the tail stock, of course it would only be as accurate as you can move back to the piece you are machining
RICH

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: RICH on February 15, 2010, 10:01:43 AM

Guage block $1, a little time to make the holder form junk, a piece of wire to input......
Priceless design.......$1,000,000  ;D
Could do the same opticaly.....
RICH

Title: Re: Lathe Probe
Post by: RICH on February 15, 2010, 10:07:41 AM

Russ,
Sooner or later, as i don't have a turret, i will do something as tool changes become a PITA if you using LT
or any other Cam software. May try making a turret using the gears out of a ratchet wrench ( talk about cheap
) since it will need to be a small for what i do.  Any way, just cheap thoughts of the day.....
RICH