Dollar Tree Z Offset Tool (Touch Probe)

thingiverse

I made this to help me determine the proper Z offset when changing nozzles quickly and accurately. It's inexpensive, easy to build, easy to use, and surprisingly effective. Using a piece of paper as a feeler gauge seems about as accurate as making an educated guess sometimes. We really need precision down to less than 0.01 mm, and I'm skeptical that we can achieve this with a strip of paper alone. I wanted something fast, simple, and precise when changing nozzle sizes or performing maintenance on the hot end. It's essentially a base to hold a cheap flashlight from Dollar Tree. The round plastic one is perfect - it's made of soft plastic, easy to modify, and for just $1, it covers all the necessary components: LED, battery holder, and on/off switch. However, any flashlight will work in a pinch. This project should print without supports. The gaps are not too large and can easily be bridged. You'll need: * The printed base * Aluminum foil * A small piece of wire, approximately 8 inches long * An alligator clip * The flashlight * Glue - I used Super glue and hot melt with great results