Using a tool setter (also known as a Z-axis probe or tool setting block) with your LUNYEE 3018 CNC router can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of setting your workpiece origin, especially the Z-axis height. This guide will walk you through each step of using the tool setter.

Important Notes:

• Before starting any operation, ensure your CNC router's power is OFF to prevent accidental startup.
• Different batches or models of LUNYEE 3018 controller boards might have slight variations in the tool setter interface. Please carefully read your machine's manual or refer to the markings on the control board.
• The precise thickness of the tool setter block is crucial. It's usually marked on the block itself. If not, you'll need to accurately measure its thickness with calipers and note it down. This value will be used in the software settings.

Required Tools and Materials:

• LUNYEE 3018 CNC Router
• LUNYEE Tool Setter (usually includes a metal block and a connecting wire with an alligator clip)
• Computer for controlling the router
• CNC control software (e.g., GRBL Candle, LaserGRBL, Universal Gcode Sender, etc. This guide will use common GRBL control software as an example)
• The cutting tool to be installed
• Calipers (if the tool setter block thickness is unknown)

Step 1: Connecting the Tool Setter to the Control Board

1. Locate the Tool Setter Interface: On the LUNYEE 3018 control board, find the dedicated interface for the tool setter (often labeled "Probe", "Z-Probe", or "A5"). This is typically a two-pin or three-pin connector.

   • Two-pin interface: Usually one pin is for Signal (Signal/SIG), and the other is for Ground (GND).
   • Three-pin interface: May include Signal (Signal/SIG), Ground (GND), and a VCC pin (usually not needed for connecting the tool setter).

2. Connect the Tool Setter:

   • Plug the tool setter's connecting wire into the corresponding interface on the control board. Typically, the wire with the alligator clip connects to the Signal pin, and the other wire (if the tool setter has two separate leads) connects to the Ground pin. If your tool setter has one wire with an alligator clip and the metal block itself serves as the other contact point, then the part connected to the metal block needs to be wired to GND, and the alligator clip to the Signal pin.
   • Please ensure the connection is correct. Incorrect wiring can damage the control board. If unsure, consult your router or control board manual.

   Common Wiring Diagram (for reference only, please check your specific device):

   • Alligator clip wire -> Control board Probe/Signal/A5 pin
   • Tool setter metal block (or its lead wire) -> Control board GND pin

Step 2: Installing the Tool and Preparing for Probing

1. Install the Cutting Tool: Install the cutting tool you intend to use into the router's spindle and ensure it is securely fastened.

2. Position the Tool Setter Block: Place the metal block of the tool setter directly below the point on your workpiece where you want to set the Z-axis zero. This is usually the top surface of the workpiece. Ensure the block is placed on a flat, stable surface.

3. Attach the Alligator Clip: Clip the tool setter's alligator clip to the installed cutting tool. Ensure the alligator clip has good metal-to-metal contact with the tool and will not slip off or interfere with the spindle's descent during probing. Note: Avoid clamping on the cutting edges to prevent damage to the tool or affect conductivity.

Step 3: Software Setup and Probing Operation

Using common GRBL control software (e.g., Candle) as an example:

1. Connect the Router: Turn on the router's power and connect it to your computer via USB cable. Open your GRBL control software and connect to the appropriate COM port.

2. Manual Positioning (Optional but Recommended): Using the software's control buttons, manually move the spindle (with the tool) directly above the tool setter block and lower the Z-axis so the tool is approximately 5-10mm above the block. This step can reduce the travel distance and time for automatic probing.

3. Set Probing Parameters (Important!): In your GRBL control software, there's usually a dedicated "Probe" or "Tool Setting" section. You need to enter the precise thickness of your tool setter block here.

   • Find a setting like "Probe thickness", "Tool sensor height", or "Z-Probe Height".
   • Enter the thickness value you previously measured or recorded for your tool setter block (the unit is usually millimeters, mm).

4. Execute the Probing Command:

   • Click the "Z-Probe" button or similar function in the software.
   • Alternatively, you can manually enter a G-code command. The common probing command is G38.2.
     • Example: G38.2 Z-30 F100
       • G38.2: Executes a straight probe motion, stopping and recording coordinates upon triggering the signal.
       • Z-30: The maximum distance the Z-axis will probe downwards is 30mm. Ensure this distance is sufficient for the tool to touch the block but not so deep as to cause a crash.
       • F100: The probing speed is 100 mm/min. A slower speed is recommended for accuracy and safety.

5. Probing Process:

   • After execution, the Z-axis will automatically and slowly descend.
   • When the tool touches the tool setter block, the circuit is completed, and the control board receives a signal.
   • The Z-axis will immediately stop moving.

6. Set Work Coordinate Z Zero:

   • Automatic Setting: Most modern GRBL control software will automatically set the current Z-axis coordinate (after subtracting the tool setter block thickness) as the Z-axis zero for the work coordinate system after a successful probing operation. You can see the Z-axis value change to 0 or close to 0 in the software's coordinate display area (depending on how the software handles it).

   • Manual Confirmation/Setting: If the software doesn't set it automatically, or if you want to confirm, the software will usually display the detected Z-axis position after probing. You'll need to manually set the Z-axis zero based on this position and the tool setter block thickness.

     • For example, if the machine coordinate for Z is -25mm when probing stops, and your tool setter block thickness is 15mm, then the actual workpiece surface Z zero should be -25mm + 15mm = -10mm (relative to the machine origin).
     • More commonly, the software handles this calculation automatically. After probing, you'll typically see a button like "Zero Z" or "Set Z0". Clicking it will set the current tool tip position (accounting for the block thickness) as Z=0.

   • Verify Probing Result: Raise the Z-axis in the software, then remove the tool setter block. Try slowly lowering the Z-axis to 0 and observe if the tool tip just gently touches the workpiece surface where the block was previously placed.

Step 4: Completing Probing and Next Steps

1. Remove the Tool Setter: After probing is complete, be sure to remove the alligator clip from the cutting tool and remove the tool setter block from the work area. Forgetting this step can lead to a crash and damage when you start the job!

2. Start Machining: Your Z-axis origin is now accurately set. You can load your G-code file and begin your engraving or cutting job.

Common Issues and Precautions:

• Probing Fails/Does Not Trigger:
  • Check if the tool setter wiring is correct and secure.
  • Check for good electrical contact between the alligator clip and the tool, and between the tool setter block and the workpiece surface (avoid oxide layers, oil, etc.).
  • Confirm that the probing command or parameters in the control software are set correctly.
  • Some control boards may require enabling the probe function in the GRBL settings.
• Z-Axis Collision:
  • Ensure the probing distance in the probing command (e.g., -30 in G38.2 Z-30) is not set too large, to prevent the Z-axis from descending too far and crashing if probing fails.
  • The probing speed (F value) should not be too fast.
• Accuracy Issues:
  • Ensure the accuracy of the tool setter block thickness measurement and input.
  • Ensure the tool setter block is placed stably and the tool descends vertically.
• Different Tools: If you change to a tool of a different length within the same project, you will need to repeat the probing operation each time to ensure the new tool tip position is correctly set as the Z-axis zero.

Hopefully, this guide helps you successfully use the tool setter for your LUNYEE 3018 CNC router. Mastering the tool setting operation will greatly enhance your work efficiency and machining accuracy. If you encounter specific problems, it is recommended to consult your equipment manual or contact LUNYEE technical support.