Issues with Z Zero

CNC Machines Shapeoko 5 Pro
1

So I just upgraded my CNC control computer. When I did I switched from an older version of Carbide Motion without the changes to tool probing to the latest. I also leveled my CNC, trammed my spindle with a tramming jig, and used a flattening bit on my waste board so it should be as flat as I can get it. When I design parts in Carbide Create I set the Zero Height to “Bottom”. I also make my toolpaths so that they leave a 0.2mm onion skin on the bottom. I zero Z on my waste board surface using the paper method. When done I can just barely see light under neither the tool. After making the change to the latest CM I keep cutting into my waste board and there is no onion skin on my parts.

Just now I was setting up for a new job and I went to set Z zero using the paper method. I move Z till the paper felt tight and then loosened it till it could just barely move. I hit the button to set Z zero. The tool was probed and went back to the same X , Y position it was in before. I then used the Rapid Position buttons to go back to Z zero. It pierced the paper. I had to raise Z 0.2mm before I could move the paper again. I re-zeroed Z and repeated the same steps and it again pierced through the paper. I had to raise Z again 0.2mm before I could move the paper again.

At this point I am not sure what is going on.

2

In the machine setup did you select Z or HDZ? I’m not the professional on this but it has been a “high” hit item when upgrading versions of CC/CM. Search the form for this, The HDZ has more steps pre inch I believe and can cause symptoms like this.

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3

I chose S5 Pro and it did not prompt me for the type of Z.

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4

Sorry you have reached my useful knowledge on the subject. I would contact C3D support if you have not already.

5

Rapid your z up and down and make sure you aren’t loosing steps.

Do you have a gas strut?

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6

I am using the Carbide Router so no gas strut needed. I’ll check if I am losing steps, but I am not sure how.

7

Set your z zero. The bring the spindle to the front and move th z axis up and down to both limits several times at the fastest speed it allows. Pay attention to grinding or clicking sounds.

If nothing stands out return to you zero point and check your z zero again.