but if the probe does not hit, the axis just keeps going and going and going.
You should ALWAYS confirm that the probe works before probing.In my screen
an LED confirms it's working. YOu could also add some scritpting to a macro
to get a message.
Attached file from my lathe screen write up should be read for understanding the overtravel when probing.
In addition to Tweakie's reply, it not only about the probing value, but what you want to do with it and the actions you want to do after probing.
A macro, that you write to suite your needs and how you want it all to work, accomplishes the task.
My preference in probing is to move close to the reference surface and just probe at at a slow feedrate. When setting tools i find the repaeatability and accuracy to with +- 0.0002" and at the slow probe rate their is no damage to the carbide probe that i use or the surface being probed.
RICH