3D Taster Opinions

TomS

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May 20, 2013
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I have a Starrett edge finder for finding my X and Y zero but I have to adjust the spindle speed to something less than 800 rpm. Kind of a pain on my CNC mill to change pulley speeds. And then I have to deal with setting the Z zero. That takes another tool and another step in the setup sequence. I also have a XYZ tool setter that is automated through Mach3 (see picture below). It works well for setting up rough stock but is lacking accuracy when locating semi-finished parts for second operation machining.

I've been thinking about purchasing a 3D taster for locating parts edges and top surfaces. I've never used one but have viewed several videos showing them in action. On the surface they appear to be accurate and easy to use. The down side is they are expensive. I've looked at Tschorn, Haff and Schneider, SPI (looks like a Tschorn copy) and Haimer. Haimer seems to be the most popular and Tschorn the least expensive. Anyone have hands on experience and an opinion as to their usefulness? How accurate are they in use? Is any brand better than the other in regards to accuracy, repeatability, durability, etc?

IMG_0045.jpg
 
I use the Haimer, it is accurate to ~0.0004" and fairly durable (broke the tip once). Many of the other dial type edge finders also have a break away tip, but typically it needs to be sent to the factory for replacement which is big $$ and down time. The Haimer is usable replaceable and tips are around $40. I also have and electronic edge finder integrated into my DRO, but the Haimer is 2-3X more accurate, it also allows you to 0 an edge where my electronic edge finder only gives you a center point and a distance, not an edge 0 point. THe dial is easy to read and you have a +/- range around 0 which is more than other edge finders (i.e. less likely to break the tip). The Haimer requires high accuracy collets to get the most out of it, I typically get very good repeatability and accuracy, probably need to go to an electronic strain gauge type of edge finder to get any better. I ended up with the 12MM shaft metric version as the 3/4" version is too large for my chucks. You can purchase high accuracy 12 mm r-8 collets and also ER collets, which is a must for getting the accuracy. You will need a 0.0001" test indicator to setup the tip alignment, trust me that anything less does not cut it. I definitely recommend the Haimer, been using it for several years. I always use two hands and am very careful with it, drop anyone of these edge finders and they are probably toast.

https://www.haimer-usa.com/products...-new-generation/3d-sensor-new-generation.html

Testing the accuracy of a 1" gauge block, which was spot on and this was with a chuck as opposed to a collet. That being said the Jacobs chuck measred within 0.0002" TIR OMG.

Haimer 3D Sensor - New Generation 80.360.00.NG.jpg
 
FWIW - I have a digital Haimer and rely on it extensively. I'm using it in combination with a DRO on the mill for positioning, edge finding, centering, etc. It's probably the most used tool that I have.

-Ron
 
I just bought a tschorn saveplys so far it seems decent haven’t really used it much. I went with tschorn because it was half the price but also because they have a service center that will actually help you while Haimer does not care one but that you bought a product from them. The saveplus cost $210 and the spare tip was $40.
 
Thanks for your replies. I was hoping that the feedback would be positive. There is a industrial supply house in town. I'll drop by tomorrow and see what they can do on price and delivery. And of course there is always Amazon and eBay.
 
I purchased my Haimer from Tormach, I had some adjustment questions and they were very responsive., Service is often a function of who you purchase from, so if buying new I would recommend a more mainstream vendor at this price level. I also have the passive probe which is the same as the Tormach below which uses a mechanical electric switch to determine the edge. I prefer the Haimer. Unfamiliar with the Tschorn, but looks like a good alternative and has a US service center, see discussion of both below.
https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=33029&portrelay=1
https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=32310
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/haimer-vs-tschorn-3d-tasters-338934/
 
I purchased my Haimer from Tormach, I had some adjustment questions and they were very responsive., Service is often a function of who you purchase from, so if buying new I would recommend a more mainstream vendor at this price level. I also have the passive probe which is the same as the Tormach below which uses a mechanical electric switch to determine the edge. I prefer the Haimer. Unfamiliar with the Tschorn, but looks like a good alternative and has a US service center, see discussion of both below.
https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=33029&portrelay=1
https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=32310
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/haimer-vs-tschorn-3d-tasters-338934/


Service is not a factor of you you buy from. Nobody in the us repairs hiamers.



To the op I got my tschorn off traverstool ebay store.


8876774011528d2d80579171f4f5b8b1.jpeg
 
Service is not a factor of you you buy from. Nobody in the us repairs hiamers.



To the op I got my tschorn off traverstool ebay store.


8876774011528d2d80579171f4f5b8b1.jpeg

Thanks for the purchase info. And you are correct on the price; about $220 with shipping.
 
Ordered the Tschorn from the Travers Tool eBay store. It will be here early next week.
 
Ordered the Tschorn from the Travers Tool eBay store. It will be here early next week.

I’ll be setting mine up this weekend on my Fadal. Only thing I dislike is I cannot leave it in my toolchanger because it’s not waterproof. But that’s ok the electronic edge finders I used to use were not waterproof either I just didn’t care about those.

I hope this thing repeats like it should.
 
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