I was doing some tests and found a few things. These were not as noticeable on wood but showed up a lot on the aluminum.
First is my plunge rate with the touch plate was too fast. 10 IPM and causing it to "Push down" on the material too quickly before reading it. I slowed it to 5 IPM then to 2 IPM and at 2 IPM I get much more accurate readings.
Second which kind of relates to the first is the inherent flex in the spindle mount / Gantry also contributed to the depth issues.
Now I tested the touch plate about 15 times at the 2 IPM. Each time I used the touch plate in different areas and then checked it's accuracy manually with a piece of paper and now each time it is very close to zero. Within 1 to 3 thousands. I then ran another test run on aluminum. First pass was set to 0.010 and actually cut that!! I ran a set total depth of 0.030 and ended up with 0.036. For using a machine designed for wood and getting that close on Aluminum I'm pretty happy now.
I was really hoping to not use a spoil board because I use my clamps in a lot of different ways. I may need to look into it more and get creative on the board for for my clamping needs.
Thanks again for all the responses and ideas. Not sure it's 100% figured out but I now know I'm much better!!
WNC_Ed wrote:Just a quick follow up.
Changed the plate plunge rate to 2 IPM.
That certainly seemed to solve the unreliability issue for me.
Thank you again - OCED!
Nice! I'm glad to hear it!! This also helps me prove to myself that this was the main issue I was having. Thanks for the update WNC_Ed!!
I know this may sound a little trivial but where exactly are you changing the plunge rate for the Touchplate process?? The answer will not only help me but others here who have tuned in to this thread!!!
Sharkcutup
V-Carve Pro Tips, Gadget Tips & Videos
YouTube Channel - Sharkcutup CNC
V-Carve Pro 12.004
That seems to be a Shark HD4 thingy. I own the previous a Shark HD3 Pro model which does not have a PENDANT!
I have often wondered if there was a way to slow down the Plunge Rate during a Touch Plate Process. It seems to be a tad fast and sometimes it does not recognize the plate and keeps pushing downward --- not often but it does happen on occasion.
Sharkcutup
V-Carve Pro Tips, Gadget Tips & Videos
YouTube Channel - Sharkcutup CNC
V-Carve Pro 12.004