CNC: Automatically find edges, hole centers and more with Mach 3

Mach3 CNC Probe Tool

This article describes how you can use Mach 3, the popular CNC controller software, to automatically

  • Find the edges of your work piece (and therefore the corners)
  • Find the centers of holes and their diameter
  • Set your cutting tool at a known height above your work piece or table

What’s involved

This feature is very easy to implement and use and it will cost you almost nothing. … Read the rest

“Cabin Fever” Model Engineering Expo – January 15 & 16, 2011

We’re about a month away from the 15th annual “Cabin Fever” Model Engineering Expo in York, PA.  I went last year and wrote an article about it.  It was was my first model engineering show and I really enjoyed it.  So I’m going back again next month.

“Cabin Fever” is one of the oldest and largest shows of its kind, and certainly the largest in the Northeast. … Read the rest

4×6 Bandsaw Cart

This is the roll-around stand I made for my late 80’s Taiwan-made 4×6 bandsaw, which is almost identical to the one Harbor Freight sells.  It uses a Harbor Freight 3-shelf service cart with the top shelf turned upside down.  I was a little worried about it being top-heavy so I replaced the original 5-inch casters with 3-inch ones mounted on outriggers made from pressure-treated 2x6s. … Read the rest

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