Problems zeroing to bed

[michael_schwartz]

I am not sure what is going on.

I think my MTC file has had the necessary changes made.
I have the following code in my header in the link settings

SA
CN,90
&zero_to_bed=1


The other day I air cut a sheet with multiple bit changes, and I ran the z-zero for each bit change, re-zeroing to the bed even if the physical tool was the same. . Everything seemed to work fine. I believe the manual tool change routine was working.

Today I tried to cut a test sheet. Everything worked fine, with the first tool. (drilling) All my holes were the proper depth.

When I got to the second tool I moved to a location where I could change my bit using the keypad and then I zeroed to the bed again.

Long story short, my spoil board has a couple blind dados in it, but at least they are right on the edge where I can patch them easily since I forgot to set a collar for nesting.


Now where it gets a little more interesting. Before, I had successfully air cut, I had the same thing happen. This time, I only cut into a piece of scrap MDF, I had zeroed to so I could observe what the Z axis was doing.


I thought this had happened, because I did not run the z-zero routine since my second and third tool, use the same physical cutter.

The next time I ran the z-zero routine, and re-zeroed to the bed after each bit change even though I left the same tool in the router since I was air cutting, and it all seemed to work fine.

[michael_schwartz]

I think I may have solved my own problem for now. I just air cut the same file with none of the problems mentioned above.

Somehow I messed up my tool database settings and I had assigned operation one, to, tool number 1, rather than 11 which it should have been. I think this was causing problems with the link, and the MTC routine.

I also uncommented a line above the one, I had originally commented, in my MTC file. I won't post exactly what I did, for fear somebody might try it and cause more harm than good. Anybody reading this should follow shopbots recommendations, for modifying this file. I don't know if what I did helped, or if it will cause other problems.

I also went in and changed my table limits to -.02 for the Z axis.

I am going to try to cut a real sheet, again.

[michael_schwartz]

I cut a sheet, and I think, I am up and running.

The parts were all the right size, and my hardware holes were in the correct place. I will probably start start cutting material for the project I am working on tomorrow. I will post when I make a bit of progress with that job.

[jTr]

Michael,
Though I have no help to offer, just letting you know I'm listening. I'm a week or two behind you on initiating ecabs...
Thanks for the insights!

Jeff

[michael_schwartz]

Michael,
Though I have no help to offer, just letting you know I'm listening. I'm a week or two behind you on initiating ecabs...
Thanks for the insights!

Jeff

When you get going, be sure to share your experiences.


I went over all the link settings with Gary, and other than a mistake I made with the tool database entry, the settings he gave me were ready to go.


Make sure to aircut at first and pay close attention to what the Z is doing, especially after bit changes. Leave plenty of room between the bit and the table. A -Z value greater than the distance you actually want to cut into the spoil board is a warning sign, provided your zeroing to the bed of the machine.

The first few sheets, I cut I ran a cabinet box to test one of my designs, and I modified an upper cabinet to make a cabinet assembly stand. I used these to dial in my dado clearance as well.

I have cut one of the actual drawer bases for the kitchen I am building and the parts were dead on. I am going to go cut the drawer boxes, right now.

I feel pretty optimistic. I have about 14 sheets to go, and if I get through that, I will be quite pleased.