Starting Depth VS Max Depth

Hello, beginner here.

Id follow all the procedures regarding initializing the machine and using the bit zero and bit setter for XYZ, I would run my file and it would not cut anything except skim the surface of the material around .5 mm above, and I went into the program and set my starting depth to.05 inches and max depth to .25 inches and then when I ran the file again it cut everything in one pass at .5 inches.

I think something’s wrong because when I watched the carbide 3d v carve video they have starting depth at zero.

CNC test 6.c2d (68 KB)

Depends on where you’ve set the Z-zero at in the design file & on the machine before you run the program. The machine Z-zero needs to match what was specified in the design.

You’ve got the Z-zero set for the Top of the stock. So before you run the program you need to Z-zero the end of the V-bit at the top of the stock on your machine. Also, you probably don’t need a retract height of 1/2" - just adds a lot of time with slow Z-motion unless you need to clear above hold-down clamps.

yeah I think I have that down. I get the XYZ with the Bit zero and then when I switch the bit it does and to the bit setter for readjustment.

I know what u saying… id go to verify where this XYZ is and I jog the machine to the spot, and it goes exactly to the top of the bottom left of the stock… but when it cuts, it cuts air… (if starting point is 0)

I changed out the piece of mdf and it works good now…

Starting depth should normally be 0.0. Your first cut will be Start Depth - Depth per cut.
Depths are measured from Top of Stock.

If you mill out a pocket & want to carve something in the bottom of the pocket, then you would set start depth to the depth of the pocket.

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what is the mdf I have the same problem but my is .575 high