I am very new to this and struggling to get started. I have my programs downloaded, did a simple star design and now I keep getting error messages - can someone help me?
What error message are you getting?
Post a screen grab of it?
I finally got it to cut! Now my depth is a problem. I have it currently set at a start depth of 0.50 and it is only cutting to 3/16" to a 1/4" in depth, what am I missing?
Did you configure for the correct Z-axis? Z-Plus vs. HDZ? If you set the origin at the surface and jog up 1 inch how much does the machine move?
Where is the origin set in the file? How are you setting zero relative to the stock?
Post your file to get eyes on it. Why are you starting at .5"? do you already have a pocket cut and making a smaller pocket. Usuallly you start at the top and cut down to the desired depth. Starting from the top and then going to .5" will likely bog down your router.
Post your file.
Start Depth should only be used if this toolpath is at the bottom of an 0.5" pocket which was cut away in a previous operation.
Note that 0.625" (Max Depth) less 0.5" (Start Depth) is only 0.125", so that is all that that toolpath will cut away.
I believe you should review:
https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/running-shapeoko/movements-zeroing/
https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/create/job-setup/
and
https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/create/toolpaths/
as well as:
https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/create/simulation/
If that doesn’t help, provide the specifics — upload your .c2d file and step-by-step notes on how you are securing your stock and setting zero relative to it and we will try to puzzle this out with you.