I’m fairly new to the CNC world. I’ve been getting wonky lines when I Vee carve letters (please see attached image, mainly the top bar of the “T”).
The router moves a few degrees when plunging into the wood.
I’m using CC and CM for all my carvings. A 60 Degree V bit and use the feeds and speeds recommended by CC. I tried slowing the plunging down but still get crooked lines. Any ideas why this is happening?
Belt tension — the Z-axis should be guitar string tight (but careful not to bend the motor shaft): http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/shapeoko/xxl/step-5-belting/ on deep cuts it may help to remove one spring from the Z-axis temporarily, esp. if one hasn’t added a spoilboard on top of the wasteboard — it also helps to install the router as low as possible (installing the Makita adapter upside down will help). Some folks have found it helps to remove bolts which won’t stay tensioned (M4 Z-axis tension bolt, various V wheels with eccentric nuts), apply a thin bead of threadlock along the length of the threads, then reinstalling. See the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lIIb_PdziA Note that the X-axis motor is held in place on standoffs and if those bolts are loose this can cause belt tension issues.
It is also important to be sure that the collet is correctly tightened, the endmill fits correctly and doesn’t slip, and the router is mounted securely in the mount, and that the mount doesn’t shift. Note than endmill pullout can happen gradually, especially when profiling against tall walls.[4]
The router speed setting should match the feeds and speeds for your selection of endmill and material. Please see:
(there’s a row matching dial settings to RPMs at the bottom)