I successfully cut out cam clamps and ‘L’ alignment tools using files from MeyersWoodshop out of 3/4" MDF
I found a file for simple hold downs and decided to try making them out of red oak. Error #1
Using the settings the bit was being pulled out of the collet when making the profile pass. I discovered why having the off button for the controller close at hand was a good thing. The router was a couple seconds later as it was on a power strip.
Reading comments about the file I had downloaded I noted it had been written for cutting plastic not hardwood.
I reduced the depth per pass and lowered the feed rate and it happened again - this time because of user error - I had not cleared the feed rate box but rather added to the existing speed setting - result was I had a feed rate of 3050 ipm instead of 30 ipm- exciting.
Lesson - double check the settings before creating the Gcode.
Found the off button faster this time.
I modified the file again (by this time I am at version ‘h’ and tried again. The bit pulled out again but I stopped it as soon as I seen the depth changing. I’m getting good at hitting the stop buttons.
I was reading about collets and realized I was using the collet that came with the Carbide3d router. I had seen the precision collets that came with the unit but thought they were a backup set. After looking more closely at the precision collet (four kerfs instead of 3) I switched out the collet.
I am taking .0625 per pass at a feed rate of 30 ipm.
This time I zeroed the starting point with the touch probe then removed the bit and ran the job without the router running. It looked good. I am ready to test again.
A final question. I noticed there is no tool path created for drilling the 1/4" hole but it does it anyway. I gather from this Carbide Motion takes care of this without making a separate tool path.
Based on Julien’s response of “Wierd” and it “should work” I started reading about working with wood. I gathered because wood, being a natural product, has varying densities and grain directions only by trial and error will you find what works.
After three days I did get a successful hold down made. I took frequent breaks when the frustration level started to rise and worked in my traditional woodworking shop on other proejcts. I didn’t break anything although I did manage to dig a few holes in the spoilboard (that’s why it is there). When I showed a picture of my efforts to a friend who has 30 years CNC experience in the aircraft industry he referred to it as “Creative Programming Skills”
I used the Precision collet, increased router speed to 18,000 and with a Depth per Pass set to .063" with a Feed Rate of 30 ipm
In the process I have gotten a bit more comfortable with using CarbideCreate. Much more than if it would have worked the first time.
I had saved the pdf of the A to Z guide you linked to within a week of receiving my Shapeoko XL. An excellent guide which I am sure to come to appreciate more as I climb through the mountains and valleys of this machine and its software.
