Pro XXL Loses Z zero on first run after Power up

CNC Machines Shapeoko Pro
1

I’ve had my Pro for a bit over a month now and I love it, save for this issue that puzzles me. This costly, crazy thing happens with my machine and I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. Here is my workflow.

  • Create design with Vectric Desktop Pro (for compatibility with a buddy that has a different CNC)
  • Create Gcode
  • Start Motion, connect
  • Follow prompts, initialize, use bit setter as part of process
  • Find and set zeros with BitZero.
  • Load program in motion, Start program.
  • Load correct bit with BitSetter
  • Turn on spindle, double-check that the Z value in Motion makes sense

And then it happens. The machine suddenly acts as if the Z zero is much lower and digs into the board in an ugly fashion as it travels to the initial starting XY point.

  • So, I pause as quickly as I can
  • Stop the program.
  • Machine homes itself
  • I re-find the zeros with BitZero
  • Then re-start the program and the machine works great running multiple programs until I cycle the power again.

What do you think is going on?

2

Please take photos of your Z-axis motor wiring, including the extension connectors including at the controller and send them in to support@carbide3d.com and we will send you replacement connectors which should address this difficulty.

3

Check to make sure the Z is set the same in the program and the machine. That that are both set to top of stock or bottom of stock.

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4

If this isn’t a machine fault, then it might be caused by what you are doing right at the start. Is there any chance you are putting the first tool in (the one you are BitZero-ing with) without being prompted to do that? For example, when you are on the Jog screen?

5

Thanks for the answer Josh. I’d say that’s not it because it starts working again. It’s random so I doubt it’s program related. At least as far as I know :slight_smile:

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6

Thanks. I need to think about that. A friend suggested that I make a checklist to force me to do things always the same way. What do you think?

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7

I will. Thank you. I appreciate the quick reply.

8

I think a checklist is fair.

However, the principle is reasonably simple: don’t change the endmill unless there’s a dialog on the screen that says “change the endmill”… well, whatever the words are on that thing :slight_smile:

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9

Check the post-processor being used to generate gcode from VCarve.

It may be that you’re using the mm processor when your machine is initially set for inches.

I thought that VCarve would insert the appropriate measurement conversions, but I had exactly this problem on my prior machine.

10

Ron, How did you fix it? You switch to this inch post and set Motion to inches? I’m mm for post and motion even though I design in inches.

Thanks,

L

11

I don’t want to mislead you, Luc, when I had this problem it was on my previous CNC and the resolution may not apply to Shapeoko.

The solution in my case was:

  1. Select TOOLPATH tab at right of screen.
  2. Select SAVE TOOLPATH icon
  3. Select a POST PROCESSOR that was defined in inches
  4. Save the gcode.
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12

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