Fill in my knowledge gap :)

[Davek0974]

Thats an interesting thought, thanks.

Cutting forces would be harder to resist but not impossible, I have a 5C collet holder with vertical/horizontal bolt-down base, could use that if it grips well enough.

Will need to test this when i get her running :)

[Davek0974]

Ok, next thing :)

How can i pick up an edge without a working edge-finder?

I tried today using my normal edge-finder but that likes to run at about 800rpm and the mini-mill does not go below 1000. Also it does not have a spindle-toggle button (yet) so i tried an MDI of M03-s1000 which works of course but then you cant jog the axis as it on the MDI line, moving off the MDI seems to upset the speed control which then starts wandering all over the place.

Maybe i'm missing something here?

For this job a simple pointed probe worked but the next part I have needs machining both sides accurately so i need a way to pick up the reverse spot-on.

[Ger21]

Put an precision rod in the spindle and use the 2010 Probing wizard?

[Davek0974]

but that needs an insulated workpiece or spindle to function no?

[m_c]

How accurate does it have to be?

I've been known to just slowly jog in with an endmill going at slow(ish) speed until it just touches the material.

[Davek0974]

Well, pretty accurate i guess - features on both sides have to match up ;)

[m_c]

It should be just as good as edge finder, but it'll depend on how good your eyesight is ;-)