# Is there a way to bypass the tool height setter?

**URL:** <https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146>\
**Category:** General Chat\
**Created:** [August 20, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146 "2025-08-20T21:56:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ROTM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/90ced4/32.png) [@ROTM](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/ROTM)\
**Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146/1 "2025-08-20T21:56:08Z")

</div>

Hello.

I need to use a sander attached to my z which I cannot use the tool height setter.

Is there a way to bypass this?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 12:51am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146/2 "2025-08-21T00:51:06Z")

</div>

You still have to measure the height of the sander, but you can use the spoilboard as a reference. In the settings got on the main screen there is a “manual tool measure” option that will allow you to do this.

This will also automatically come up if a tool diameter is too large for the tool height setter, since I suspect your sanding discs are 5-6" if you hit MTC and tell it your diameter is 5-6 inches it will guide you through manually measuring it.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jjneeb](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/jjneeb/32/244_2.png) [@jjneeb](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/jjneeb)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146/3 "2025-08-21T17:58:14Z")

</div>

> [@ROTM](#):
>
> I need to use a sander attached to my z

I’m really curious how well balanced those are and wondering if there is any concern with them wearing out the spindle bearings. Seams like a really nice way to evenly sand a big tabletop, and a 5-6” disc would still be cleaned up nicely by a dust boot I would think.

What rpm do you run it at?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ROTM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/90ced4/32.png) [@ROTM](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/ROTM)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 6:04pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146/4 "2025-08-21T18:04:13Z")

</div>

I did look into the attachment for the spindle but I had the same concern on spindle wear.

I am using a pneumatic sander attached to the z.

The problem is It will run my compressor too much (80gall)…so a better option would an electric sander like a Mirka.

I did make a horizontal 10inch but did not work as I wished….so now I want to add

a machine like these to my z … [Comparing Restorer to Makita 9741 Brush Machine – The Dusty Lumber Co.](https://dustylumberco.com/blogs/woodworking-tools/comparing-restorer-to-makita-9741-brush-machine)

I need these to scuff aluminium to get ready for primer.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![NLE](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/nle/32/3880_2.png) [@NLE](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/NLE)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 10:33pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-bypass-the-tool-height-setter/5146/5 "2025-08-21T22:33:56Z")

</div>

I run a sanding pad in my spindle all the time. A straight circular pattern seems to work fine then I don’t have to worry about the vibration.

I set the Z height directly on the work piece (bypassing the tool height setter).