Quick test of a Chinese 3d probe from Aliexpress.

I've finally found the time to setup the 3d probe. So far it seems to work pretty well. Accuracy is within specs (0.01 mm) as far as I can measure it. Comes with a 6 mm shank and is low profile so usable on cnc routers with small-ish Z travel.
No idea how long it'll last but for the price (about 100€) I guess one can't expect miracles 😅.
Got it from aliexpress in case anyone is looking for one.

[@brad7141]

takin G0 to a new level :)

[@scifellitto8580]

You can make a video on how to set up the touch probe!

[@impactodelsurenterprise2440]

Might try these before moving on the super extortionate renishaw

[@mightymoaman2485]

Those momentary rapids are terrifying lol. How accurate are you finding it?

[@crabsshed]

I did not calibrate it yet. Only done a few measurements so can't be super sure. But the ones I've done and checked with a micrometer and precision calipers were surprisingly good. Off by just a couple of hundreds of a millimeter. The measurements vary a bit depending on how it's rotated so I got to calibrate it when I have time and do some more measuring. But if I don't change the rotation or any other parameters then the results are consistent so repeatability seems great.

[@loganbrantley7216]

Will you have to recalibrate the touch probe each time you put it in since it is not in a tool holder?

[@crabsshed]

No need, atleast I've found none. It's in a precision collet and repeatability is plenty good for hobby use. Had no issues finding the correct coordinates even after failing a job and restarting it by probing again against the same stock point.

[@loganbrantley7216]

@@crabsshed thanks for responding. About to install a drewtronics touch probe on my machine.

[@PSS_1]

do i need to set something in the mach? I have an identical one, and I will also have to measure, but the corners

[@crabsshed]

No idea. I don't use Mach. Perhaps it has some probing menu like uccnc where you choose what you want to probe.

[@PaulMcEvoyGuitars]

What software runs this? I don't think I can run this on my controller (Onefinity)? What is actually monitoring the probe? Is it working off current or touch?

[@crabsshed]

Hi, Paul. I use a UCCNC uc300eth controller and their software. Not sure what kind of controller onefinity have or what inputs and outputs it has. The probe itself is electrically wired for NPN NO output. It does need +12(or 5 I don't remember.. to 24V, ground and signal connections. It works by triggering a mechanism inside of it and can be used for any material unlike a standard plate type XYZ probe which just closes a circuit and thus the probed material needs to be conductive.

[@backyardengineer916]

What ball screws are you using to get those speeds?

[@crabsshed]

This was actually a upgraded Workbee CNC with leadscrews on Y and Z and 1610 ballscrew on X axis. Nothing fancy, standard Chinese ballscrew.

[@nathanchalecki4842]

Does this work with mach3???? 😂😂 Jokes

[@skorkmaz]

I have the same but needs calibration. How do you calibrate?

[@crabsshed]

Did not get to it yet. The three small screws should adjust concentricity or runout which you can measure at the tip (ball) of the probe with some precision dial inticator. But for me it works so far good enough even out of the box.

[@yannmegard25]

I crashed with mine a few times, farther than the 2.5 or somethin z limit. Dismantled it totally. It did not break. There is a plastic part in it which seems to be nylon powder printed. I could put it back with no damage. Then it was not centered at all. You can make it run true again playing with the four small screws at the top, to 0.01 mm accuracy using a standard probe to check. The 4 screws just compress a toroidal rubber joint. This thing is smart and simple, I had mine like for 2 years allready.

[@yannmegard25]

this 60 euro tool has really changed my cnc milling approach

[@levonyeganyan1922]

Work with mach3?

[@crabsshed]

No idea, but I assume it would work yes. Never used mach3 personally.

[@thedustyengineer]

Where is the script for mach3?

[@crabsshed]

No idea. I don't use it.

[@edgar9651]

A few words would be nice.

[@crabsshed]

I might do a longer commented video on it, sort of a short review after I've had more time to test it.

[@edgar9651]

@@crabsshed In principle I know what this thing is supposed to do. But looking at that video I don't know if this works fine or not so good...

[@crabsshed]

It appears to be good considering the cost. Better and proven probes cost 3-4x more from what I know. But I don't have the budget. Reviews on aliexpress are solid and preliminary test out of the box was quite good. But it needs more tests and calibration to get the best out of it. I am no expert on this and this is my first probe. Personally I think I'll be happy with it. I'll try to record some more information and make the more thorough video on it.

[@MarcosPena012]

Vc poderia me ajudar não estou conseguindo fazer a leitura e salvar

[@crabsshed]

Sorry no idea what you mean.