have read many of the prior posts…but still no help. I use the paper method to set zero. I recheck by using CM to go to XY, Z 6mm above and Z exact. All good. Making boxes (CC file attached) and the pocket toolpath goes too deep. Thickness of stock is .8465 inches and the cutting depth on the 2 pockets is .6 inches. CM cut through the bottom.???
Box for Sale 1 box.c2d (72 KB)
Photo showing how the cut turned out?
Ideally with the machine still in place on the machine and with the machine at the origin.
Already left the shop, but here are some photos…the first shows the “pocket 2” toolpath where the pass was too deep and went through the bottom. the second is the “outside 2” toolpath that is to have tabs and it was about to cut through without any tabs present so far.
FYI…the “top” and “bottom” tool paths were cut first and they appear correct…20mm and 21mm deep.
If other paths cut the proper depth, then the machine is calibrated correctly.
That leaves the material moving up, or the tool moving down, either because the bit is slipping in the collet, or the machine is being pulled downward by excessive cutting forces.
You can put a mark on the tool where it meets the collet with a sharpie or piece of tape to see if it’s moving. To check for lost steps, after you stop the job move it back to XYZ zero & see if it’s still correct.
For a Shapeoko Pro, make sure the machine is mechanically sound with the belts properly tensioned and linear rails properly lubricated. Also, as @Tod1d noted you need to make sure the tool stays secure in the collet and isn’t pulling out — we recommend using a pair of good quality wrenches and a firm squeeze.
Your file starts by cutting a slot almost as deep as the tool:
It would be better to instead offset to the outside:
and you can extend the selection:
I would recommend changing the geometry to match how the toolpath will cut:
Repeat this for the other side:
Then adjust the selections and continue cutting at the bottom of the previous pockets:
Lastly cut pockets down to tab height:
Lastly, finish the outside contour cuts:
Here’s a v7 version of the file:
Box for Sale 1 box_v7.c2d (108 KB)
I had a similar problem once. Turns out the new bit I was using was coated in oil from the factory, most likely to keep it from rusting. I’ve noticed this with new collets also. Acetone and a rag will fix that, if it is an issue.
thanks for the new file… will try with all the other advice when i get back to the workshop. Question…what is the t-3mm. I saw the use of “t” in another video but forgot. Thanks again.
“t” = Thickness, from the job setup tab
See:
I have determined that my spindle needs to be replaced…bad bearing. A new one is in route. Is there any chance this contributed to the “cutting too deep” as the RPM may have been affected?
judging by your posts you bought at the same time I did and my controller board was from a bad batch. It took quite a few months of use before it finally failed but that was one of the issues and also a crazy plunged and wrong cut. So maybe its your spindle but keep an eye out for stuff like hm-001 and failing to park when shut down from the job menu (not the jog menu that menu doesn’t move the machine to the back right unless they’ve fixed it in a more recent version)
Interesting…WIlliam, any thoughts?
Do a mechanical and electrical full inspection and if that is all sound check for bit slippage and then if that still doesn’t add up reach out to support with your findings. If you dig around back in March-June you’ll see a couple of posts about it. If you don’t get a resolution by the time your warranty expires in December because you purchased at the same time as us with the defective batch I’d expect they’ll probably just be good guys about it and swap it out anyways but start talking with support about it sooner than later so you have a record of it being within warranty when things started gettin hairy and if it isn’t the problem then excellent no worries!
For reference I made my purchase around Dec 25th
Edit: There’s no guarantee yours was in that batch as I do remember there being issues getting a batch of boards at the time but it’s worth ruling out so you don’t go chasing your tail around for more than a week.
WIlliam…i have used the file you sent and everything is perfect. Now trying to apply to a round box. In the steps you show, I don’t follow getting to the first pocket. It appears to cut on the outside of the lip and then the inside. Not sure how to do that. On the next step you mention “extending the selection”…don’t understand. Your advice appreciated.
BTW…the “cutting too deep” was operator error…had specified the wrong spindle during setup. I recently moved and had to do a reset and selected the wrong one.
Maybe try v8 and see if that handles this aspect of the toolpath better?
file is not loading from v778. ???
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