I have a file that I run often. It’s to put finger grooves in cutting boards. I recently had a job where, after running the finger grooves file, I decided the grooves needed to be a little deeper. So I edited the file in increase the max depth, but also lowered the starting depth a 1/2" since the job had already ran. Problem is, I forgot to change the Starting Depth back.
Fast forward to the next job. I started the finger grooves file like I already did, but since I had forgotten to change the Start Depth, it immediately plunged the bowl and tray bit to 1/2" below the surface. Before I could respond fast enough, the system errored and disconnected.
I fixed the Start Depth issue in Carbide Create and saved. I then reconnected the machine, re-initialized, and reset my Z just to be sure. Then I restarted the job. Everyone went as planned - asked for the tool change, measured, etc. It moved to XY coordinated, but before it plunged, it disconnected.
I have now tried about 5-6 times to reconnect-reinitialize-restart this job, and every time it disconnects just before the plunge. I tried disconnecting the power source, waiting then restarting, but nothing. I haven’t tried another job, because I need this job finished so I can cover up the flawed plunge.
When a mistake like this happens, does Motion add some type of safety code to keep that job from running again? If so, how do I clear it? If not, any idea that would make it disconnect at the plunge ever time?
Please power down and unplug the power supply from both the wall and the machine (for an SO4/4/Pro), then wait for 30 minutes are so and restart your computer — that should ensure that when you restart things are fresh.
With the power still off, slowly/gently move the complete range of motion of each axis, bringing it back to the center for each — does anything mechanically interfere? For any axis with linear rails is there an even film of oil on all the rails? If need be, lubricate, see:
I’ve already tried unplugging and re-starting everything. Machine moves easily in all axis, and the rails are lubricated.
I removed the material and started the job with the spindle off. The machine moved in space as if it should. So, I rebooted again, placed the material back on the table, and started the job with the spindle on. Disconnected again.
So, with spindle off, it seemed to run fine, but when the spindle was on, it disconnected.
Is this the static issue I read about, just just coincidentally reared it’s ugly head after I had this failed job? If so, what can be done with it? Am I really going to have to wrap everything in shielding tape?
Photo of the controller and your computer and how the USB cable is connected at each and and how it runs?
Usual suspects are:
worn carbon brushes on the trim router
static buildup on dust collection gear
loose USB cable vibrated loose (I try to arrange the cord so that tension pushes each end of the connection in and put a heavy weight on the cable near each end so it doesn’t shift)
heavy load on same circuit as computer (usually a dehumidifier or refrigerator)
A picture is hard to get, as the machine sits in a corner with walls on all three sides, and the controller is in the back corner. I would have to disassemble everything to pull the machine out, or climb over the machine (and I’m no spring chicken). I was able to reach and feel the cable plugged into the control box and confirm it is secure. Same with the back of the computer. 6 ft cable runs straight down the side of the table next to the machine straight to the PC. No signs of fray.
I am going to get a new usb cable and try replacing it. My son will be here tomorrow to help me swap it out.
Usual suspects are:
worn carbon brushes on the trim router
Replaced the brushes
static buildup on dust collection gear
Tested with dust hose disconnected, Laguna dust collector off and on another circuit
loose USB cable vibrated loose (I try to arrange the cord so that tension pushes each end of the connection in and put a heavy weight on the cable near each end so it doesn’t shift)
Replacing the USB cable tomorrow
heavy load on same circuit as computer (usually a dehumidifier or refrigerator)
Only thing on that circuit is the shapeoko, the computer, and some overhead LED lights
Tested running with LED lights unplugged. Same issue.
The machine will move and run the job as long as the router is powered off. As soon as the router is powered on, connection is lost.
I really need to figure this out quickly. I have my largest vendor market that I’ve ever been invited to in two weeks, and I’m now 5 days behind on preparation, not to mention customer orders waiting.
Please try replacing them again — there have been instances where a fresh set doesn’t work — if that and the other suggestions here don’t work, contact support and let them know everything you’ve tried, and re-tried and send them photos of your setup, including details of where everything is plugged in.
For the circuits, do you know which side of the panel each is on? In some instances, pulling from a different side for router/vacuum vs. machine/computer has helped.
Are you certain you were on a different circuit? Kill the breaker to one and make sure the other had power. Most homes run entire rooms on the same breaker. This is why he suggested an extension cord. If you had narrowed it down to the router, why not try a different one? HF sells the red bauer palm router. I ran them before going to a spindle (bought 2 and warranteed them out as they failed) but had to extend the cable. You could probably wire the long makita cord into the bauer.
