How to Determine Your Z Home Switch Offset

When using a torch mounted on a floating head with a switch, there is a small distance the torch travels after contacting the material before the switch actually trips. This distance must be measured and entered as the Z Home Switch Offset.

Step 1 – Reset the Offset

• Open the Configurator and make sure Home Switch Offset is set to 0.

Step 2 – Prepare CommandCNC

1. Start CommandCNC.

2. Ensure motor power is ON.

3. Click the E-STOP ACTIVE button to clear E-Stop.

4. Move the torch over a solid piece of metal that will not flex downward.

Step 3 – Home the Z Axis

1. Click Home Z.

   • The Z axis will move down until the switch trips, then back up slightly until it opens again.

2. Verify that the Z DRO (Digital Readout) reads 0.0000.

   • If not, click Zero Z.

Step 4 – Measure Clearance

1. Set the Jog Speed slider to very slow (about 1%).

2. Using the Page Up / Page Down keys, carefully jog the Z axis:

   • Move the torch up until it just clears the metal.

   • You can test this by sliding a piece of paper under the torch. Move down until the paper is trapped, then up until it just slides free.

   • If using a FeatherTouch Ohmic sensor, watch for the contact light to go out when the torch clears the metal.

Step 5 – Record the Offset

• Write down the value shown in the Z DRO.

  • Example: 0.080

• This value will be entered as a negative number in the Configurator.

  • Example: enter -0.080

Step 6 – Enter the Offset

1. Close CommandCNC.

2. Open the Configurator.

3. Go to: Axes → Z Axis.

4. Enter the offset as a negative value (with a minus sign).

5. Save and exit.

✅ Your Z Home Switch Offset is now set!