I have run into a problem with my shapeoko XXL. When I try to cut holes in the middle of the stock it is moved to the side of the stock.
I find the corner of the stock with a shapeoko probe, I moved the spindle in X manually with MDI commands to ensure that the size measured is the same as the travel of the spindle and that seems to be OK, internal hole dimension is as expected.
As you can see on attached photos, the whole is moved more than 1mm to the right, dimensional accuracy seems to be OK in all places bu the start of the cut, the distance between holes is exactly as expected.
Plunge cutting can be difficult, esp. in harder materials — I would suggest insetting the path by more than the error which you are experiencing, cutting that as a pocket, then taking the balance of the material as a finishing pass.
This is just one sample, I’m getting the same results using meshcam. The dimensional accuracy of the holes themselves or any object cut in a large piece of stock is OK, it is just distance form the side of the stock that doesn’t match expectations.
I also did cut 150mm long X and Y rectangles and the dimensions were also acceptable (all in aluminium)
Based on your gcode and my math, your holes are not the correct size (6mm, right?). I’d agree with @WillAdams that you’re losing precision during the cut. That plus using a 2-flute endmill as a probe could lead to that kind of error.
You may also have to calibrate your X travel for short moves in that area of your machine’s work envelope.
Yes, the holes should be 6mm (and they are when they are cut-out) (that is 6mm diameter vs 3mm radius)
I used that file below to generate gcode : test_handling_side-holes.c2d (3.2 KB)
Please do some test cuts using supported endmills — if you continue to have difficulties with a supported endmill and usage in accordance with https://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/touch-probe/userguide/ , let us know your testing methodology at support@carbide3d.com and we’ll do our best to sort this out with you.
There are always issues when using an endmill as a probe. The radius is not consistent. If you’re doing this frequently, use a smooth rod as your probe.
Look at this guy over here who buys fancy carbide blanks. I get them for “free” when I drop my 1/4" carbide endmills on the floor and the flutes break off.
@The_real_janderson You don’t make your own endmills? I never know when I’ll need to whip up a quick 4.5mm, 3 flute, upcut fishtail for a job. Always good to have a nice blank or two laying around.
Hahaha! Right. I imagine you being like these guys Griff has mentioned before. The guy has a building on the back of his property where he makes endmills.
