Shapeoko Spindle Z Probe

thingiverse

This a spindle z probe that I made for my shapeoko 2 with DC spindle. The basic idea behind it is to allow easier levelling. I use grbl 0.9 and bCNC. bCNC supports z probe with G38.2 and can calculate autolevelling. Originally I was using the spindle with a end mill in it and a piece of aluminium touch probe to do levelling but I grew tired of moving the aluminium around to check 16+ points in the auto levelling scan run by bCNC. I looked at 3d printers and what people had done with auto bed levelling, in the end I went with a micro switch in a 3d printed housing that just clicks onto the shaft of the DC spindle and has a set of jumpers to allow me to disconnect it when I'm ready to cut. Hopefully this helps others out in levelling with their shapeoko. The micro switch is attached to the housing with a M3x18mm machine screw with nut. Video: https://youtu.be/a3QV9pdA2DU I ran a simple 5x5 auto level scan with bCNC over a 400x400 area (25 probe points) and it took roughly 10 minutes. This could be reduced put moving the Z a little bit closer to the work surface so it doesn't have to move as far. I added screen shots of the progress over a piece of 6mm plywood which was quite warped even when clamped. Print Settings Printer Brand: RepRap Printer: Prusa V2 Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: No Notes: I printed this in ABS with no raft and 15% infill. How I Designed This I measured the spinning end of the spindle and entered its dimensions into sketchup. I designed a simple mount for a microswitch, then designed a simple clamp for the spinning end of the spindle and joined the parts together. Video