Alpha versus Std for Vcarve

[dubliner]

Yes different PC's, but the same design computer & the same file run on each machine via flash drive.

[harryball]

I could be the unit values, or if you Zzero was off by 1/8" it would cause similar results. For the latter, depending on your 3D carve setup you may never notice it as well.

/RB

[dubliner]

So how would the Z be off, the thickness of the plate?

[harryball]

The setting for the thickness of the plate could be wrong. Took me a while to realize that myself. I had to adjust that variable to correct it. And the value will not be exactly what the plate is either. In my case I think the plate is .131 thick and I'm set to .122 to get it exactly on 0. (I'm trying to guess/remember the numbers but you get the point) There is variability in each machine, the time it takes to react to the touch etc... the speed of light is finite.

If this variable were set incorrectly you'd zero and never realize the Z was wrong.

/RB

[myxpykalix]

My memory is not good but i believe the thickness on the plate is .121
If you have some digital calipers (or regular) check your thickness.

[zeykr]

I'd check the unit values as Robert suggests above too. Does z move exactly 1" when you tell it to? You might not notice it in 3d, but vcarving shows any little z problem.

[curtiss]

You can zero with the plate to the surface, then set the z at anything, such as .115 above, and then see if the clearance/ distance checks out with a feeler guage.

.131 or .121 might be the new 1/8

[dubliner]

I tried to set the values by using "Set up Shopbot" then when I chose reset, it then shows that I have a PRT Alpha, but its locked & I cant change it to PRS Standard - any ideas?

[dubliner]

OK got it reset to PRS STD, found the Zero routine is off by .26 inches, so when at "Zero" bit is actually 1/4" above the table,(how did I ever cut anything) how do I solve that?

[Gary Campbell]

Neville..
Use a mic and check your ZZERO plate. Then go into Setup ([T][S]) and enter the plate thickness.

Run the ZZERO routine again and check your results. Assuming that the plate is the OEM thickness, (.121") I then set the Z height at .121 and use the plate as a feeler gauge.

If the Z height is off, then move the Z a few thousanths at a time until you have an accurate height. Put the new Z height into setup or enter it directly into the C:\SbParts\Custom\my_variables.sbc file. The line you are looking for is: &my_ZzeroThickness = (dimension)
Gary