Hi All,
I just received a Shapeoko 5 Pro, and successfully completed two projects working with wood. However, upon attempting a new project, the bit does not come down far enough to cut the material, and cuts the air above it. The Bitzero and Bitsetter appear to be working correctly, but is there something in the G-code that I am missing? The file is unfortunately too large for the 4mb limit, is there a way to get around that? (It is only 6mb.) I did make sure that the zero position is set to top, rather than bottom, and while I have not surfaced my MDF, this is a large enough project that I doubt it would make a significant difference. Any help you can give me?
From my observations 90% of Z height issues when a BitSetter is used, is due to a breach in the procedure it expects. Basically, make sure you never change the bit without a program prompting you, or using the “Load New Tool” function. The below blog post is applicable for too high as well as too low.
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I’ve tried and failed to cut this multiple times, being very careful to change the bit only when prompted. It still consistently does not work, leading me to believe a code error of some kind? I’m unsure what it could be though, several hours of searching have left me scratching my head…
Yep, just tried again, following prompts to the letter. Still unsuccessful.
Please post your .c2d file, step-by-step notes on how you are securing your stock and setting zero relative to it and how you are managing all tool changes and a photo showing the attempt at cutting still clamped in place.
As I said, the .c2d file is 6mb, exceeding the 4mb limit. Is there a way to get around that? I am securing my stock using the Get a Grip kit, setting the zero position using the BitZero 2, and changing tools when prompted to by Carbide Motion.
The carving done in the lower left-hand corner of the image was a result of improperly zeroing the machine, placing the BitZero on the corner and doing only the Z-axis, rather than on top of the stock. The picture here is a close as the bit gets to the stock.
Here is a MediaFire link with the .c2d file.
Have you tried to zero the Z-axis manually? I looked at your CC file and it looks fine to me, but I’m no expert. Is the material you’re trying to engrave accurately measured? I see you have material thickness set to 2.5625.
I have not tried that, I will shortly. Yes, the material is 2-9/16" thick, which would be 2.5625".
Nope, manual zeroing had no effect.
Sounds good. After you manually zero the Z-axis double check it before you run the cut. Manually jog the machine to any place on your project and lower the bit down until the Z position reads 0 in CM. Verify the bit is in fact barely touching the top of your material.
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Why is your tool depth set to 2.562?
It’s a VCarve, so I set the tool depth to the bottom of the stock. The stock is 2-9/16" thick, and that becomes 2.5625 when converted to decimal form.
That’s what did it. The NE corner of the stock was for some reason almost 1.2 mm lower than the SW, where both I and the BitZero set the Z-Axis.
Thank you so much!
Cool no problem, been there done that! I find it good practice now to quickly double check my z-height in that manner before I start jobs.
That sounds like either the material isn’t flat or is an inconsistent thickness…or you haven’t leveled the wasteboard yet. Either or both of those could account for the variance in height.
Another thing to note with the BitZero:
Note that it sits on the material differently for a XYZ probe and if you just probe the Z axis. For the XYZ it hangs off the corner and banked up against the recess on the bottom. For a Z only probe, the entire BitZero sits on top of the material.
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A good example why measuring thickness in multiple widely-separated locations is a good idea. Surfacing the workpiece with a fly bit ensures a completely flat surface parallel with the router & gantry.
Glad you were able to figure this out!
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Did you just do z with it dropped over the corner?
I think when you just do z it is assuming you have set it completely on top of the work. When you do xyz the z is not taking the thickness of the lip used to position it into account. So if you hang off the edge and just do z, the machine will think the top surface is higher by the thickness of the lips
Try setting z in the middle of the work, setting it completely on top
John
Oops missed that you figured it out
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