DIY 3D touch probe

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1

The touch probe is a simple but essential tool for accurate, repeatable CNC work.

It’s so simple in Fact, you can easily create your own custom probe for very low cost!

I do recommend getting the ‘replacement probe wire’ from 1F. The ~$20 cost is worth getting the right connectors and comes in a long length.

Then all you need a 0.5"x2"x8" (12.5x51x650mm) machined piece of Aluminum bar, from Amazon for $10, or free from local metal shop scrap bin! And 3mm SS roll spring pins for $5, also from Amazon.

Then simply cut off the bar to the desired length, in my case 2"x2" (51x51 mm), drill a 13/46". (5mm) hole in the end for the banana plug connection.

The only real critical part is drilling four 1/8" (3.1mm) holes thru the top for the roll pins. These should be done with a drill press to ensure they are straight, lined up and perpendicular.

Tap in the pins, in my case I use 1" (30mm) length, leaving about 5/8" (17.5mm) sticking out perpendicular to the surface. These pins then precisely align the probe to the work piece corner.

Remember to accurately measure the X-Y pin-to-edge dimensions for entry into the CNC probe setup!

The pins have the advantage for alignment in that that they can be tapped in for thinner stock or use only two pins for radius alignment. And they can be pulled out and moved to different holes for any custom probe setups you may desire!

I found this to be a very flexible, simple and cost effective solution!

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2

My only observation is that you have a onefinity machine why nor just mill the piece like the onefinity oem probe? you already have the tools for it in your hot little hands,:slight_smile: milling aluminum is fairly easy. light cuts .015 @100 IPM slow plunge rate at 10 ipm speed is usually 12 to 15 thousand.

3

Yes, good idea! I may get a 4-flute carbide bit for that!

And similarly, the 1/8" holes could be located and made with equal precision!

thanks!

4

be sure to get bits specially made for aluminum I have found the speed tiger brand inexpensive and very useful. also, a little trick I learned. The enemy of milling aluminum is if the aluminum gets too hot it will fuse to the endmill and ruin them. I use a squirt bottle and isopropyl alcohol. and spritz the aluminum. it keeps the aluminum cool and does not mess up everything use it sparingly. also if you do have a fusing disaster there is a way to remove the alminum with ly e and water soak. look it up on the net and you will find the solution percentage and be carefull lye is very dangerous. remember fight club?