Z axis plunging down while probing for new bit (solved: each tool must be it's own file)

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Sean,

@amsteelle

When the machine goes to probe for the next bit after doing a bit change to start the next tool path, it will work as normal acting as if it is going to come down slowly to the probe for (z axis), then the machine will lightly touch the probe as normal but then plunges down hard onto the probe itself as if it doesnt connect or isn’t reading the probe. Now this has happened a hand full of times and has broken some bits in the process! Down below I have in detail how I arrange my tool path exporting to be saved and uploaded to the x50.

electrical contact is also important for a fault-free probing. Remember, you close a contact when the tip of the bit touches the touch plate. For this, the connectors and cables of the XYZ touch plate must be in order (no internal cable breakage, no corrosion on the Molex contacts), but also a fault-free electrical contact between the magnetic probe/collet and the end of the bit. A bit or collet that is contaminated with caked-on wood dust on the shank or inside the collet could cause problems when probing.

By the way, you did not say whether you use the hand trim router or a spindle, nor did you say which firmware version you are running. Probing with a spindle does not need the magnet end of the probe (see here for details).