Tooling
Probe Kit
Probe Kit helps set X, Y and Z before the spindle touches the sheet or billet. It suits routers and CNC machines that repeat the same nests, pockets or hole patterns and need a dependable reference at setup.
Setting X, Y and Z
Probe Kit covers the tooling and accessories used to set positions accurately before cutting starts. It is aimed at CNC shops that want a straightforward way to reduce setup errors on repeat jobs.
On wood, plastics and aluminium jobs, a probe kit is used to pick up an edge, a corner or the top of the workpiece before the first pass. Fine dust from MDF, coolant residue and packed chips can throw off a reading, so the contact faces and table area need to be clean before probing starts.
Check the probe lead, plug and contact block before each shift, especially on machines where the cable sits near drag chains or loose offcuts. A quick touch-off test on a known surface can catch a broken wire or poor earth before a sheet is scrapped.
Probe kit in use
A typical setup includes the probe block, connection lead and the machine routine that records the offset into the control. Once the values are stored, operators can call the same work zero again on repeat jobs instead of resetting by eye each time.
Before ordering, note the controller in use, the type of spindle work you run, and whether the machine probes plate, edge or both. If you send details through the contact form, include the machine model and the probing routine name shown on screen. Pair the probe kit with the right items from Tooling and check wear around the spindle nose before changing settings.
- Edge finding for repeat setups
- Touch plate checked before zeroing
- Probe lead and clip connection
Probe setup under local workshop conditions
Probe kits in Gauteng and the coast need different handling once they leave the cabinet. Fine inland dust can insulate the contact face, while salty air around Durban and Cape Town calls for regular wipe-downs and dry storage. Older routers also benefit from a quick continuity check on the probe lead before zeroing a repeat job. When parts are heading out through OR Tambo collections, operators often record the XYZ offset with the job card so the setup can be verified before packing.
Load-shedding and restarts make saved offsets worth checking rather than assuming the last position remained unchanged. On busy shop days, probe routines are often run between material changes, so a labelled block and a consistent storage spot help prevent mix-ups between operators.
Operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd from 2 Makro Place, Sunnyrock 1401.
Details to send with enquiry
Include the machine brand, controller, table size and the materials you cut most often. It also helps to mention whether you need top-of-material probing, corner finding, or both on the same machine.
Add a photo of the spindle area, current touch-off method and any worn clips or damaged cables. If a previous probe failed, say whether the fault came from the block, the wiring or the macro settings in the control.
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