Z punching in too far

1

I see this posted elsewhere but no solution for me. I have the Pro XXL, so screw on the Z access rather than a belt. Here is just one scenario tonight.

I put in a project and run it and it carves everything fine. I start with a bowl bit, move to a vee bit, then finally a straight bit. The project comes out great.

I put in a new board, exactly the same size and thickness. But to be sure, I rezero everything using the Bitzero probe (and the round bar used for this). I start the same exact program. It tells me to change the bit to the bowl bit, goes to the bitsetter and presses it. It tells me to start the router and I do. Then it plunges the bowl bit straight through the wood and into the waste board.

Again, same exact file. I didn’t even reload the file. I just started it again. Used bitzero and bit setter. and I only changed the bit when it told me to. The bit is tight in the router, I can’t wiggle it or push it. And the piece is locked down to the table with both hold-downs and double-sided tape. I can’t move the wood either.

I’ve been ruining so much wood with this. When it works, it’s awesome. But I’m about 60-40 in working or ruining.

One thing that I have noticed, if it helps - every bit that I use seems to dig too deep on the first pass. Then it settles in. For example, using a contour to cut out a shape, the first pass is always at least twice as deep as every other pass.

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2

Check your machine config and see if you have the correct selection for your Z assembly selected.

If you open Carbide Motion and don’t have your machine turned on you will get this screen

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Select (Setup New Machine) and verify the correct settings. Follow the steps and your problem should be corrected

Anthony

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On another note you should check all your connectors and look for any damaged pins and pins not making good contact.

Anthony

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4

Thank you for your reply. I did that step last week trying to fix the same issue, but will do it again. But if you’re suggesting that somehow Z is mixed up with X and Y, remember that it just finished carving the very same file. It literally was 10 minutes between finishing the first one and starting the second.

5

I just purchased a used Shapeoko 4 xl and I have a similar issue, my Z-axis measurement on carbide motion does not reflect the machine’s movement. It’s like the pulse per rev is wrong. One revolution of the motor is approx 8mm in travel. Any suggestion?
Thanks

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Which version of Carbide Motion are running?

Which Z-axis does your machine have?

If you set the origin with the tip of the tool at the surface of the MDF and jog up 1" how much does it travel?

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I finally got it. When I initialized the machine for the first time I set the wrong Z-Axis device. I set it correctly and now it working as it should.
Thank you for your prompt response.

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