I recently set up my new Shapeoko 4 with Bitrunner V2 and Bitzero V2 and started some small test projects. Everything was working fine, until I ran a project with a tool change today.
I did a corner probe with the 1/4 collet and magnetic rod, then installed the #302.
My project started with a VCarve on a #302, which ran through perfectly. I switched to the #102 in the 1/8 collet when prompted for a contour cut around the outside. The program proceeded, but the bit did not drop down into the stock. I assumed it was something to do with the code.
When finished, I re-initialized the machine and tried to jog the spindle over to the Bitzero V2 to re-probe with the #102.
When trying to jog the Z down to place the bit within the depression, it stopped well above the end of the Z axis (at least 3/4") and would not go further. A red error light is showing on the control board but no error is showing on the screen.
I’ve checked to ensure it is not binding anywhere and, when shutting the machine off, I can’t manually lower it any further. I’m new to CNC and I’m not sure where to go with the issue from here, especially since the issue didn’t occur during the first few projects.
Can you have a look “inside” the Z-plus to see if anything is obstructing the movement ? I remember at least one case where some inner screws in there were not tight enough, got loose over time, and ended up getting in the way of the Z movement, I’ll try and find that thread.
There was a slightly loose mounting screw (mid-right side) on the Z-plus, which didn’t appear to be obstructing anything. I tightened it, rehomed and tried to jog the Z down again with no luck. I shut the machine off and left it 30 minutes while doing something else.
When I came back, there appeared to be some form of grease or lubricant having dripped down from the Z-plus rails (but nowhere else on the Z-plus that I can see) onto the wasteboard. I wiped that up and now it seems to be working fine? I was able to manually move it to the bottom of the Z-axis, and then on startup, was able to rehome, jog down, and complete a Bitzero v2 corner probe. It’s currently running my #102 contour path, seemingly without issue.
