calling on the probe experts

[blackhawk]

I am looking to use the Shopbot probe to calculate the 2D profile of an existing turned part. I won't need to rotate the indexer at all. All that I need to do is probe one side of the turning in order to get a 2D profile of the shape. From that point, I know how to import that 2D polyline into Aspire and do a two rail sweep in order to re-create the part on my indexer.

I don't currently have a probe and have never used one.

I see two scenarios that could work, my indexer is mounted along the Y-axis:
1) Align my Shopbot's x-axis on the centerline of the part (vertically). Then probe the top of the part moving in Y and Z only. From reading the online info about the Shopbot indexer software, I think that the software won't handle the Z moves, unless I can swap the Z for the X axis.

2)Align my Shopbot's y-axis on the centerline of the part (horizontally). Then probe the side of the part moving in X and Y only. I think this will work if I have clearance between the part and my table.

For those that use their probe, does this sound possible?

[blackhawk]

Well, this is my 2nd post in a row with no one responding. Anyway, I did figure this out. Option 2 above is what will work. The Copy Machine tool doesn't stop until it makes a full loop in 2D mode. But, you can hit the spacebar and it will stop and still write the dxf file. But, since you stopped the Copy Machine prematurely, it will not write the ending info in the dxf file. You have to open the dxf with Sbedit and a few lines of code. The code is outlined in the probe manual found here: https://www.shopbottools.com/ShopBotDocs/files/DigitizingProbe.pdf

I don't have a probe. I just tried this by wrapping my part in aluminum foil and then ran a jumper wire from the foil to the z-zero plate. I then just used a 1/4" dowel in the collet and ran copy machine in the normally open mode. It worked like a charm. I then imported the dxf into Aspire. Then I had to offset it by .125" since I used a 1/4" diameter dowel.

[steve_g]

“Well, this is my 2nd post in a row with no one responding”

Sorry about that… since I’ve used my probe exactly once in the last 15 years, I didn’t figure I was an expert!
Your makeshift probe is genius! Maybe some foil tape would perfect it!

SG

[coryatjohn]

I wonder if you could explain how your shade tree probe worked. How did the dowel, I assume a wooden one, make any sort of electrical contact with your part?

I've done some backwoods digitizing by just manually moving the gantry using the arrow keys. It worked surprisingly well but was very tedious.

Thanks!

[Gary Campbell]

Another way to skin that cat: https://youtu.be/C7b7He0mtxk

[blackhawk]

I wonder if you could explain how your shade tree probe worked. How did the dowel, I assume a wooden one, make any sort of electrical contact with your part?

I've done some backwoods digitizing by just manually moving the gantry using the arrow keys. It worked surprisingly well but was very tedious.

Thanks!

My dowel was steel. I actually just used an old 1/4" v-carve bit and just chucked it in my router upside down. The aluminum foil is grounded to the z-zero plate. When the metal dowel touches the aluminum foil, it makes a ground connection just like when you set your z-zero.