I just purchased vcarve3d pro from vectric and besides the learning curve coming from carbide create I keep running into issues with carbide motion. The vcarving runs like a dream. I then try to run the perimeter profile cutout and have everything set right, depth per pass at .02inches and the machine tries to plunge nearly 3/8" on the first perimeter pass. I keep losing my shit checking everything 50 times and still same problem. Never had this issue in carbide create especially on such a sim pl le task. Anyone know what it can be, is there an issues between carbide motion and vcarve pro, did I not adjust something, is there a better gcode sender I should be using compatible with with the shapeoko 3xxl and vcarve3d pro. I’m an absolute noob to CNC but have been using my shapeoko and carbide create for about half a year with great results.
Follow me on Instagram @the_woodologist to see some of the signs I made
In advance I would like to thank anyone that’s willing to give a noob some advice !
Can you share the v-carve file?
This is also my first post on the forum, how can I share the file?
If the upload button isn’t available for you, you could upload it to Google Drive or DropBox and post a link here.
What post processor are you using?
Do you have your Z-zero set to the top or bottom of the stock?
Vectric has included a post-processor since v8.5
There are some notes, and links to other post-processors at: https://wiki.shapeoko.com/index.php/Commercial_Software#2.5D_CAM
When you select the bit you want to use click the edit button in that section and check out all the settings for that specific bit. I know I had to change a few things in there for my liking. I’ll check back on this post when I get home and see if i can’t help more.
vectric success
use machine bed for Z-zero. makes reading the g code easier
set up your tools. pay attention to depth per pass
set up material correctly especially thickness ( measure dont assume)
open the “passes” tab when editing the toolpath. very intutitve and tells you z height of the passes
open the gcode in notepad and read it.
under job set up on the toolpath tab double check your safe height distance
Thank you all for your help, as mentioned in original post I’m a complete noob! I have adjusted the depth per pass but in vectric I didnt realize I had to click “apply” for the changes to take effect. Just assumed once you hit ok or done the changes are already applied. That plus I had to tinker with my probe. All is good now and I’m cnc-ing like a pro, without the pro that is. Once again, thank you all for your input.