CNC Work Zero Locator

thingiverse

Here's an easy way to set Work Zero on your CNC rig. My MPCNC doesn't have end stops, so I'm stuck in the darkness of uncertainty, unable to find my way home. By using one of these clever locators, you can reliably set the XYZ position, even as you change tools or disconnect and reconnect. I use Fusion 360 to do my CAM work, and I set the zero point in the lower left-hand corner on top of the work piece. The locators help you position your bit directly above this XY corner with Z plus 20mm precision. So I clamp my workpiece in place using a chosen locator and included spacers against the XY fence. Then I manually position the cutter in the pocket before connecting or turning on the CNC machine. I connect with Repetier-Host and raise the Z axis by 10mm. Now I can remove my locator and drop the Z axis 30mm, knowing that I'm exactly on the corner. When it's time to change tools, I select the right locator and repeat the process. I've got my most popular bits represented: 1/16" taper ball (Amana Tool 46282), 1/8" flat (Amana Tool 46200), 1/4" flat (Amana Tool 46248), and 1/4" ball (Amana Tool 46376). You can probably remix locators to fit your favorite bits.