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Thread: Z-Zero instability

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Diamond Lake, WA
    Posts
    1,746

    Default Z-Zero instability

    I have had my Buddy 32 up and running for about a month now and have been attempting to practice carving some of the samples that came with the tool. I've been trying to plow through this problem, have had no luck and am out of ideas.

    I am trying to carve one of the 3D models from Vector Art and I noticed that, even when using the same toolpath files each time I get different Z-axis results each time I try to carve the same model.

    Run #1 3/4" MDF using a Z-Zero to the top of the material surface and I got a perfect carving.

    Run #2 3/4" pine (checked thickness with calipers against the MDF) and the model was promptly carved all the way through the pine and into my spoiler board.

    Run #3 Another piece of 3/4" pine and the carving process stopped half way through with an error about a comma missing in the toolpath file.

    Run #4 Another piece of 3/4" pine and the machine proceeded to carve the model only about 1/2 the depth it was supposed to be carved.

    All of these carving attempts were done on the same day using the exact same toolpath files. The spoiler board is brand new and has gone through the surfacing process. The spoiler board is held to the aluminum plate using all of the ShopBot provided screw holes. Each attempt, the Z-Zero is reset to the material surface. I use the exact same hold down technique on each attempt.

    Can anyone give me some ideas what might be going on with this? File corruption, communications corruption between the control computer and the ShopBot, problem with Z-axis?

    Thank you,

    Don
    Newport, WA
    www.diamondlakewoodworks.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    iBILD Solutions - Southern NJ
    Posts
    7,986

    Default

    Don,
    What are you running for a router? A Porter Cable, Bosch, Spindle? Make sure that your tool is not slipping in the collet & if using a spindle, make sure that the collet is twist-locked into the nut before threading it onto the shaft.

    -B

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Diamond Lake, WA
    Posts
    1,746

    Default

    Brady,

    Thank you for the reply. I use a PC router. I have checked the collet and there has been no slipping. I make sure the collet is good and tight before starting the process.

    Don

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    7,832

    Default

    Do you know whether or not when the fle was created if the Zzero point is the top of the material or the bed of the machine?

    Although I am no expert at reading the code maybe those who can might be able to look at it and tell you if the code is calling for it to make those plunges way deep. If so then the problem is in the code, if not then you have a mechanical issue.
    Maybe someone here could look at his sbp file and advise him?
    I would also advise you to remake your toolpath files, rename them so you know which is which and try cutting it. If you have some type of wordpad reader and can open them up side by side to see where they differ.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Diamond Lake, WA
    Posts
    1,746

    Default

    Jack.
    Thank you for the reply. When I open the model in Partworks3D I set the Zzero to the top of the material. Then I create the toolpath file and save it. The only other changes I make the the model is to set the model carving depth to .45" and the material thickness to .625" and set the X,Y zero to the center of the model. I mark diagonal crosshairs on the work piece to find the exact center.

    I have tried to rebuild the file twice already and it is still doing the same things. I will try your suggestion of opening the files to look at them and see if there are differences. I know the finishing pass toolpath file is about 93,000 lines of code so I won't be able to compare line-for-line.... :-)

    Thank you,

    Don

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Vankleek Hill, ON
    Posts
    861

    Default

    Are there any other "botters in your immediate area?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Diamond Lake, WA
    Posts
    1,746

    Default

    I don't know any botters myself. Is there a way the the ShopBot folks can provide that kind of information? My zip is 99156.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    665

    Default

    is there any suspected ghost in ur workshop?

    I think you are loosing steps at Z-axis motor...try to reduce the IPM and dop and then try it again....
    Hope this will solve the problem.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    GC Carpentry & Custom Woodworking, Peabody MA
    Posts
    118

    Default

    Are you re-zeroing your z-axis to the top of the material (with a contact plate and the z-zero routine) each time you change or re-install a bit. This may sound too obvious, but just a thought.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Newberry, MI
    Posts
    566

    Default

    Don,

    I would get up with ShopBot on this problem. If the tool path file was corrupted, it would at least be repeatable. This is certainly erratic from your descriptions so it can't be the file. You make no mention of any distortion on the X or Y movements so your Z must be the source. I haven't had my machine much longer than you but I have never experienced anything like that though I did have a problem with my Z setting file because I installed the software in my F Drive (which has more space than my C drive) and the program had a hard time finding it. I reinstalled the software and that cleared it up. Worth a try...

    Mike

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