Do you change your zero position after a facing operation?

[jimmyfos]

Do I need to set my zero after every job that has multiple tasks? Does the height of the zero change when the prior operation was a "facing" operation... since the stock of wood will be lower after the cut? or do I need to save the X,Y,Z coordinates and input the same ones manually every time before the next job operation. Thanks in advance. 

[kellings]

Can you tell us more about the machine? Does it have a tool changer? Do you need to manually change the tool after each operation? Do you use the same tool holder and just change out the tool between operations? 

Kevin

[jimmyfos]

It’s a Shapeoko xxl. Basic function. I need to manually change the tool. Sometimes I need to change the tool between operations with this particular project but others the bit stays on.
Thank you btw!

[kellings]

I wish I had better knowledge of the Shapeoko. When you touch off your tool, what is the process? Is there a touch pad? 

I might consider putting the WCS Z 0 on the bottom of the stock/bed of the machine. That would allow you to use the bed as the tool zero point between each tool change. There are indicators for touching off tools that are of a known height. So that you can zero out your tool and then adjust the Z by the known height of the touch probe used to set the tool. 

[kellings]

Hi @jimmyfos Did you get anything figured out with this? 

Thanks,

Kevin

[jimmyfos]

I haven’t tested it yet but I think you nailed it. I’ll give you an update when I do. Thanks so much. I appreciate it and the follow up as well!