CNC Crash Course #7 – Perfect Z‑Zero Every Time Using a Touch Puck
🎥 Video
📝 Overview
This lesson shows how to get a perfect, repeatable Z‑zero using a CNC touch puck (also called a Z‑probe). Beginners often struggle with setting Z‑height accurately, and even a small error can ruin a cut. This video demonstrates the correct workflow inside Candle (GRBL Control), explains how the probe cycle works, and shows how to confirm the result before running a job.
The method works on all GRBL‑based CNC routers that support a probe input.
📌 What You’ll Learn
- How a CNC touch puck (Z‑probe) works
- How to connect the probe to your GRBL controller
- How to run the Probe function inside Candle
- How to verify the Z‑zero after probing
- Why accurate Z‑height is critical for clean cuts
- How to avoid common probing mistakes
📂 Tools & Software Used
- 3018‑style CNC router
- Candle (GRBL Control)
- GRBL controller with probe input
- CNC touch puck / Z‑probe
- End mill or engraving bit
📘 Description
This lesson demonstrates how to use a touch puck to set the Z‑zero automatically in Candle. You connect the probe clip to the bit, place the puck on the workpiece, and run the probe cycle. Candle lowers the tool until it touches the puck, then automatically sets the Z‑height based on the puck’s thickness. The video shows the full process and explains how to confirm the result before cutting.
💡 Key Takeaways
- A touch puck gives far more accurate Z‑zero than manual paper‑methods.
- Candle automatically compensates for the puck’s thickness.
- Always verify the probe connection before running the cycle.
- A bad Z‑zero can cause ruined cuts, broken bits, or gouged material.
- Probing becomes a fast, reliable part of your CNC workflow.