Is there a way to get your project back to exactly where it was before? I cut out a pocket and now want to add some engraving in the bottom of it and am not sure how to set it back up to where it was zeroed out the first time. I know exactly where it was clamped down, but I’m afraid it may still be off a little. Is there a way to find this information somewhere in the software?
Thanks
In CM when job loaded click on “Quick Actions” ?? (don’t have it open) Tell it to go to your zero point. Might be able to get it from there.
Good Luck
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You should know the dimensions of the pocket, or at least have a couple points that you can align.
Remember to add (or subtract) the radius of the cutter.
Say you have a 8x6 workpiece with a 6x4 pocket. (1" border all around).
The lower left corner of the pocket is at X1.0 Y1.0. So zero your tool close to the old position, and assuming a 1/4" tool, move it to X1.125 Y1.125. Jog the tool down inside the pocket, then move the lower left corner of the pocket so it’s touching the tool, and as close to square as you can get it.
Place a clamp directly in front of the tool on the edge of the part. Now move the tool to the right, say X6.0. and line up the front of the pocket with the tool. Clamp it down. Recheck your initial point to make sure it didn’t move too much.
If the pocket is not rectangular, look for a point that you can use as reference, and do something similar.
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If you have not powered down the X Y and Z are still in memory. Even after a power cycle the positions are remembered but the homing cycle can take you a few thousands off. My SO3 is dead on after a power cycle.
If you have removed the material from the Shapeoko you could just use the center of the pocket to do engraving in that pocket.
I use a long L bracket to position my material on my SO3 square to the router. If I am going to cut close to the L bracket I remove it but put it back on before removing the project from the machine. So the L bracket could reposition your material back in the same place if you use one.
Here is my v7 c2d file for a long L bracket. It is designed for a 2" spacing but you could modify it to use on whatever spacing on your machine like a hybrid spoilboard. Just check the file over because I usually use the center and bottom of material so modify it as necessary for your work flow.
long_L_bracket.c2d (296 KB)
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