Bitsetter question and issue

CNC Machines Shapeoko
1

Would like to verify an issue I am having with the bitsetter.
I start a new project and lets say I have the standard 1/4 endmill in the router in the router before starting. 1 inch deep board. In CC center is set bottom left and Z zero set to top. First pocket is .3 inches deep

  • Load GCode file
  • I initialize the machine (w/ bitsetter prompt hit resume) and secure my workpiece.
  • Setup my x,y for zero. Hit Zero X and Zero Y
  • The board is slightly warped so I will adjust z somewhere different on the board using paper method. Hit Zero Z
  • Use rapid and to goto back center, then hit rapid to current XY, then rapid to current XY + Z + 6mm for verification ( Repeat this step twice to to verify sometimes)
  • Click Start
  • Change tool prompt and change to 1/8 square endmill. (Requested 1/8)
  • Click “resume” and bitsetter runs check again.
  • Prompt to start router. Turn on router and Resume.
  • Router moves to starting position and drill down through the wood to the collet ruining the piece.

I have had this happen multiple times and want to fix my workflow so this does not happen again. Any help on fixing would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Brad

2

If you start with the 1/8" endmill, do you have the same issue?
Which Z axis?
Can you share your gcode? (First 30 lines or so)

1 Like
3

Please share the .c2d file.

4

Here was the code that caused the problem. Ran it again w/o the tool change and it worked.
(Design File: )
(stockMin:0.00mm, 0.00mm, -21.84mm)
(stockMax:304.80mm, 38.10mm, 0.00mm)
(STOCK/BLOCK,304.80, 38.10, 21.84,0.00, 0.00, 21.84)
G90
G21
(Move to safe Z to avoid workholding)
G53G0Z-5.000
(Pocket.Toolpath.1.-.Pocket)
M05
(TOOL/MILL,3.17, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00)
M6T102
M03S10000
(PREPOSITION FOR RAPID PLUNGE)
G0X50.74Y18.61
Z6.00
G1Z-1.27F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
G0
Z-0.64
G1Z-2.54F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
G0
Z-1.91
G1Z-3.81F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
G0
Z-3.17
G1Z-5.08F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
G0
Z-4.44
G1Z-6.35F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
G0
Z-5.71
G1Z-7.62F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
G0
Z-6.22
G1Z-8.13F203.2
Y19.49F508.0
X254.06
Y18.61
X50.74
Z6.00
M02

5

Usually, this ends up being a workflow issue. Your process above seems correct, but I’ll let someone who uses Motion regularly step in.
It would help if you could replicate the issue on video.

1 Like
6

Your process looks to be correct, except the bit about loading the gcode file before initializing the machine. You would have needed to initialize the machine in order to get the “load file” button activated, so that re-initialization is probably not required.

Just for absolute clarification, can you confirm that you already have a bit in the machine when you do initialize it, and you leave it in there until you see this prompt for the 1/8 end mill

1 Like
7

Yes, I can confirm that I change with the tool prompt.

On the initialize order above … Initialize Machine, Load Code, Set X,Y,Z then start. Could not go back and edit the post.

I am going to figure out how to re-create this. Once issue that I started having is this. If I pause and stop a job I have to re-initialize the machine

8

You’ll need to set the post-processor in Carbide Create and re-generate the G-Code.

If I make a mistake in things, I prefer to back all the way out and reinitialize from the beginning so as to be sure of a consistent state.

9

Thanks William,

Try to stick to the steps. I have had an issue lately where if I pause I have to re-initialize the machine. I just verify the zero by jogging and continue on. It may have been one of these moments. Guess this week will be all about setting up preventing these issues.

Thanks,

Brad

10

This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.