Machsupport Forum

General CNC Chat => Building or Buying a Wood routing table.. Beginnners guide.. => Topic started by: Apache_sim on March 18, 2023, 09:04:37 AM

Title: XYZ Touch plate v 3D edge finder
Post by: Apache_sim on March 18, 2023, 09:04:37 AM

another silly question from a newbie... sorry!
Is there any advantage of using the more expensive 3d edge and tool height device over an aluminium XYZ touch plate with MACH 3
What would be the recommendations, I work with timber mostly.

Thanks

Title: Re: XYZ Touch plate v 3D edge finder
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 18, 2023, 10:26:44 AM

Bit of a silly answer really but in my opinion...

If your existing touch plate meets your requirements (does the job) then why change.
It's the old addage "If it aint broke then don't fix it".

Tweakie.

Title: Re: XYZ Touch plate v 3D edge finder
Post by: Apache_sim on March 18, 2023, 01:11:11 PM

Currently I don’t have either, just wondering if one is better than the other and what the advantages might be.

Title: Re: XYZ Touch plate v 3D edge finder
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 19, 2023, 03:20:22 AM

My apologies I thought you were already using a touch plate.

A touch plate is cheap and easy and that is what I used for many years. The disadvantage for me was that it requires electrical contact and did not work with diamond or ceramic tipped tools. Other than that a touch plate has adequate accuracy for router use (wod & Plastics) but for a milling machine (metals) the superior performance of a 3D edge finder would be the way to go.

Tweakie.

Title: Re: XYZ Touch plate v 3D edge finder
Post by: Apache_sim on March 19, 2023, 03:33:53 AM

Thank you for your help Tweakie.CNC. Just one more question, and to complete my education, can the 3D edge finder work on all materials including wood and plastics?
M

Title: Re: XYZ Touch plate v 3D edge finder
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 19, 2023, 04:21:23 AM

Yes, they will work with all materials - wood, plastic, metals, glass, etc.

Tweakie.