All of a sudden my shapeoko 5 pro is losing the Z zero on projects at random. The sequence of how I set up and check the z zero is as follows:
- Initialize the machine (bit setter is active so it checks x,y,z limit switches then runs up to the bit setter & checks the bit length. I always start with the correct bit in the spindle)
- Load new file (I’ve also tried manually setting the z axis 0 position before loading the file i’m going to run. it doesn’t seem to make a difference)
- hit “Jog” and then manually set the Z zero position at the top of my workpiece. When I click on the Jog button it wants to remeasure the tool. I’ve tried allowing it to measure the tool and i’ve also tried skipping it at that point - either way it doesn’t make a difference for eventually losing the Z axis 0. I am careful to only zero the Z axis as i’ve inset some sections of PVC so that i can repeatedly get my workpieces in the exact same position. Doing this means that i don’t have to constantly reset the X or Y axis and so far i haven’t had any problems with losing the X or Y positions.
- Back on the “Run” menu i select “Quick Actions” and click “Plunge to 1” above Z Zero". I use a set up block to confirm that the bit stops exactly 1" from the top of my workpiece.
- I then start the job. Carbide Motion asks that i load the correct bit (which i always have loaded in the spindle to begin with). It measures the bit using the bit setter and then jogs over to begin cutting. It’s at the point of the initial cut that The problem of the z axis z having come undone becomes apparent. Sometimes the bit gets buried in the workpiece, sometimes it starts going through its movements 2" above the workpiece and sometimes it begins cutting at the correct depth.
This problem of the CNC forgetting the z 0 position happens roughly 1/3 of the time is start a project. When it does happen. I’ll go back to the jog menu and reset the Z 0 position. When i get the bit set correctly and go to the menu to actually set the zero I can tell exactly how far off the zero became by the value currently listed for the Z axis. When it’s operating correctly and I go back to reset the 0 position, that position shows up as “0.00”. However, when it’s lost the z position the value will be equal to the amount of error that’s crept into the Z axis 0 position. For instance, when the bit get’s buried I’ve seen that value as high as “0.81” and when the bit is hovering inches over the workpiece i’ve seen that value as low as “-3.0”.
I’d appreciate some help to understand what could be introducing this error.