Carving has deeper cut towards upper left side - why?

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Arlene Martin
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:21 am
Model of CNC Machine: No idea

Carving has deeper cut towards upper left side - why?

Post by Arlene Martin »

Hi,
I am attempting to use PhotoVCarve (sometimes I get good results and sometimes not so good :-)

With all carvings though, I am getting a deeper cut on the upper left side of the carving. I have set the carving depth at 0.05 inches. It starts off at this depth but as it continues along it gradually digs deeper into the wood. The final depth on the far upper left can be just shy of 1/4 inch deep.

I have surfaced the board prior to cutting.
I zero the XYZ in the centre.
I am saving the file as a .PVC and then importing the file in VCarve Pro 8.

The preview image does not show this increased depth.

Any ideas?

Thank you,
Arlene.

Pete Cyr
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 240
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 4:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Camaster Stinger II

Re: Carving has deeper cut towards upper left side - why?

Post by Pete Cyr »

Perhaps your bit is slipping.
Measure before and after to confirm or dispell.

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 14504
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
Location: Surrey, UK

Re: Carving has deeper cut towards upper left side - why?

Post by Adrian »

Could be several things, the router/spindle may not be plumb, the Z axis could be losing steps, the spoilboard could be uneven etc etc.

You need to eliminate one thing at a time until you come to a conclusion. Check the Z axis for any loose fittings/connections. Check the collet is tight and not worn. Cut a simple rectangle at half depth and see if that shows similar issues.

If the preview is correct then the issue is with your hardware or (unlikely in this context) your control software.

Arlene Martin
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:21 am
Model of CNC Machine: No idea

Re: Carving has deeper cut towards upper left side - why?

Post by Arlene Martin »

Thank you for the suggestions.

I believe we have found the issue. The holder for the router/spindle is made of plywood. It probably is not holding the router as tight as it once did. I tightened that the best I could and tightened the collet holding the bit as tight as I possibly could and it made a huge improvement.
In the next 2 weeks we are changing out the plywood for metal/aluminum and will let you know how everything is working.

Again, thank you for your ideas.

Arlene.

Arlene Martin
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:21 am
Model of CNC Machine: No idea

Re: Carving has deeper cut towards upper left side - why?

Post by Arlene Martin »

To the person that private messaged me, thank you. I haven't found the reply button in messages. :?

Thanks,
Arlene.

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