Desktop Z Zero Issue?

[rickbw]

I've had my Desktop now for a little over a month. I've cut a considerable amount of projects without many issues (after a learning curve). But it seems on the last two projects I've had a problem with Z height. I use the Z-zero plate as I was taught. However it seems the cutter is now inconsistant. On one project the V-Carve was not deep enough and my last project the cutter actual started early and ramped into a profile cut (I checked to make sure the toolpath did not call for a ramp) and ruined the project (after over an hour and a half of a ballnose finish cut - frustrating!).

Is there any possibility the Z zero height has an issue with the aluminum plate? I did make a mistake 2 projects ago where I forgot to zero the bit and as the bit entered the material (too deep), the machine "shook" and I had to stop the cut due to my error - could I have screwed something up?

[myxpykalix]

the machine "shook" and I had to stop the cut due to my error - could I have screwed something up?

I don't have experience with the desktop but i buried a 3" long 1/2 endmill down thru my table to see the floor and it popped the fuses in the control box before stopping and other then a large hole and a bruised ego (because i thought i knew what i was doing) the bot had no problems.

So i doubt you did any physical damage. It sounds more to me like you may have some incorrect settings somewhere.

and ruined the project (after over an hour and a half of a ballnose finish cut - frustrating!).
Thats nothing! wait till you have 10-12 hours into a large carving and something go wrong (not that it has EVER happened to me:rolleyes:)

because the desktops are new I don't know any settings so i would recommend a email to shopbot tech and put aside your toolpath and original file in case they want to look at it. In a majority of cases it turns out to be operator error either in the creation or setup of the file or machine.
Also you may want to ask them to go over your settings with you to verify they are correct. good luck

[rickbw]

Thanks Jack - makes sense to me.

[rickbw]

Turns out my Z height was at 1.6 and it needed to be at 1.0. Thanks to Shopbot support!