To benefit from 3 axis zeroing and still use Easel requires the use of a different G-Code Sender such as Universal G-Code Sender (UGS) or PicSender. Others will work as well. Carbide Motion will not work.
Please follow these simple steps.
Step 1. If open, close Easel
Step 2. Load UGS, or other program and establish a connection to your CNC Machine.
Step 3. Load the appropriate Zeroing G-Code file.
Step 4. Place the touch plate on your material and connect the alligator clip/magnet to your bit/collet.
Step 5. Jog you machine so that the bit is within ½ inch of the right side of the touch plate. Then jog it so it is within ½ inch of the back corner and still ½ inch from the left side.
Step 6. Click on Send/Run or which ever button is appropriate for the software you are using to start the zeroing process. When zeroing is completed, remove the touch plate and alligator clip/magnet.
Step 7a. If using UGS type the following g-code commands into the available macro slots. They will be saved when you reload the program in the future so you should only have to enter these once.
1st Slot: `G90 X0`
2nd Slot: `G90 Y0`
3rd Slot: `G90 Z0
`
Step 7b. If using UGS, click on the Macro buttons with the code above already typed in Step 7. This will position your bit to X Y Z Zero.
Step 7c. If you are using PicSender then click on the GOTO Zero button for each axis starting with either the X or Y first and ending with the Z.
Step 8. With your bit positioned at the newly set zero point, Close UGS/PicSender so that they are not longer connected to your machine.
Step 9. Load Easel
Step 10. When asked to position your bit at X Y Z Zero, simply confirm that it is already there.
Step 11. Continue with Easel as you normally do.
Note, If you change bits while running the same file in Easel then you should only have to re-zero the Z axis as the X and Y should be unaffected. You can use the Triquetra Touch plate to set the Z axis in Easel. Just be sure to place it on an un-carved portion of your material. You can also turn the touch plate upside down and zero to the milled out portion of the touch plate. It is best if you do this to zero to the same are of the plate that you zero’d to on the top side, just on the bottom now.
Charley Thomas
Triquetra CNC