Newbie questions in TN

CNC Machines Shapeoko
1

I have been using my Shapeoko 4 for a few weeks now mostly unsuccessfully. I have a few questions I’m hoping someone can help with.

  1. I am hearing a lot of screeching as it cuts. Is that normal? If not what am I doing wrong?
  2. the bottom wheels on the x-axis keep coming loose. Is it ok to add some thread locker?
  3. Can both the material height and the bed be measured at the same time? I have the bit zero and would like to be able to take two readings.
    Thanks ahead for the help.
2
  1. Avoid slotting — where possible avoid slotting and add geometry and cut as a pocket (Making vacuum hose adapters and/or Adding geometry to cut as a pocket with a finishing pass ) and consider leaving a roughing clearance and taking a finishing pass. Best Bit for full cut through - #2 by WillAdams
  2. These really need to stay adjustable — you should be able to tension them properly if you use both a hex key and a good quality wrench.
  3. One can only measure one thing at a time, but one can set an offset zero, so for the case of where one wants to set zero relative to the surface of the stock by hand, but wants the zero to be at the Stock Thickness specified in the file, get the machine in position, then go to the Zero page, but fill in the Stock Thickness for the Z-axis before hitting the button
3

If your v-wheels are coming loose removable thread locker would work but try this instead.

Loosen your allen bolt slightly. Adjust the eccentric with the wrench. Hold the wrench and eccentric in place and tighten the bolt. If you dont hold the eccentric in position it will tighten the v-wheel due to torque of tightening the bolt. Just dont put permanent thread sealer because that requires fire to remove it and fire and CNC dont mix well.

1 Like
4

Fellow TN person and former newbie here. More than happy to help, even better if you are in Nashville area.

5

Thank you. I live in Cookeville, work in Nashville. I’d love to take you upon your offer.