Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Continuing with my tool library setup...I've tried for several days now after reading the user manual and the updated process for using my KP-3 probe to set Z value and set my tool height offsets. Still, the tool heights are wrong.
When I hit cycle start the end mill chosen drops down and then starts to do its job. Only problem is it is about 1.3 inches too high. I'm referencing only one tool at this time.

Seems like I remember seeing a video on how to enter and set up tool offsets. Does anyone know where this video is or can offer help?

If all your tools are the same 1.3 inches too high there's a setting in the wizard to "subtract height of tool touch off device", do you have this slider set to yes?

Subtract Height is set to NO. I'm using my KP-3 probe to set tool height. Right now I'm only loading a single end mill for this operation.
Is there a specific order of operation I need to rely on? Wondering if I'm missing a step...this is what I'm doing.

1. Press Tool Check
2. Press Cycle Start
3. Install probe and connect wire
4. Jog close to Z-reference surface (1-2-3 block in vise)
5. Pres F1, F3, F10 in that order
6. Tool Check
7. Replace probe with tool #(2) 3/16" end mill
8. Jog close to Z-reference surface (1-2-3 block in vise)
9. Using .001 brass shim stock jog -Z to touch
10. Press F2 and F10 to finalize


Am I missing something?

Yes, the KP3 is to set the WCS, for tool height use a tool height sensor or touch of at the workpiece manual.

All explained in the manual...

Uwe

got a photo library of your machine you can share?
where is Z home?
are you using the Probe as a reference tool or Z home position as the reference position?
you are also running an old version of cnc12 (5.08), while this is not the issue, it would be nice to be running the latest version of CNC12 which has 100's of improvements over the version you are running. and its easier for us to provide support on the current released version of CNC12 rather than trying to remember what some old version was like, what bugs it had, what those work arounds are. etc..
the software and new features are free, you just have to take the time to do a fresh install and reconfigure (there are improvements in the Probe setup menu and the TT menu which may help you)


so i suggest you use the latest version so we can help you out. to do this.

open v5.08 Wizard and make Wizard screen shots with the windows snipping tool.
open v5.08 util menu create report.zip , save to thumb drive.
make a copy of the cncm directory, save out to a thumb drive or another computer for safe keeping

and download and install CNC12 Router v5.30,
download v5.30 cnc12
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... loads.html
Open the Wizard and configure the machine with the data collected in the wizard screen shots in step one. press write settings to cnc control and follow the instructions.


copy over g code programs and wcs and tool library (if you want them) from the v5.08 cnc directory to the new v5.30 directory, otherwise just start fresh and start using the default. if you have custom VCP and/or macros, copy that over as well.

suntravel wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 5:21 pm Yes, the KP3 is to set the WCS, for tool height use a tool height sensor or touch of at the workpiece manual.

All explained in the manual...

Uwe

The manual states the KP-3 can be used to set tool offsets also.

cnckeith wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 5:22 pm got a photo library of your machine you can share?
where is Z home?
are you using the Probe as a reference tool or Z home position as the reference position?
you are also running an old version of cnc12 (5.08), while this is not the issue, it would be nice to be running the latest version of CNC12 which has 100's of improvements over the version you are running. and its easier for us to provide support on the current released version of CNC12 rather than trying to remember what some old version was like, what bugs it had, what those work arounds are. etc..
the software and new features are free, you just have to take the time to do a fresh install and reconfigure (there are improvements in the Probe setup menu and the TT menu which may help you)


so i suggest you use the latest version so we can help you out. to do this.

open v5.08 Wizard and make Wizard screen shots with the windows snipping tool.
open v5.08 util menu create report.zip , save to thumb drive.
make a copy of the cncm directory, save out to a thumb drive or another computer for safe keeping

and download and install CNC12 v5.30,
download v5.30 cnc12
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... loads.html
Open the Wizard and configure the machine with the data collected in the wizard screen shots in step one. press write settings to cnc control and follow the instructions.


copy over g code programs and wcs and tool library (if you want them) from the v5.08 cnc directory to the new v5.30 directory, otherwise just start fresh and start using the default. if you have custom VCP and/or macros, copy that over as well.

Using the probe as a reference tool to set the tool offsets on the others.

I'll update the software.

You can use a Probe in the spindle as a master tool, but not for measuring other tool heights...

Uwe