Lowrider CNC Bed Probe

thingiverse

Update 2019-09-17 - Added a fake nozzle that fits easily onto my 1/8" fluted mills. I find it more convenient to pop on and off. I managed to assemble a working bed probe for my low rider, which has two options for probes included: one simulates a printer nozzle you can insert into a 1/4" collet, while the other is a fake printer nozzle that snaps onto the bottom of the low rider carriage. The snap-on version is much better and eliminates any risk of breaking off plastic inside your router. Additionally, you will need a pressure disc; I acquired one for less than $2 from here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32933920350.html - this item comes with a foam mount and simply presses onto the fake printer nozzle. I connected it in parallel with my Z endstop, then enabled EEPROM and ABL bed levelling in my firmware. To probe the bed, I use a command like this: G29 L100 R1100 F300 B2400. Where the numbers represent the area to probe on the stock. I find it works best when zeroing out my machine, then before cutting, probing the dimensions you are about to cut (if you use cnc.js, you can see the dimensions in the preview window). You can start using the bed levelling right away or if you prefer to visualize the data, you can copy and paste it into the included spreadsheet (requires excel). This is also useful for physically levelling; shim your carriage so its X direction is level with the spoil board, then use the sensor to map all the low spots. I shimmed my low spots using a glue stick and sheets of paper under the spoil board.