setting z axis

[Custom carving]

I went to start a project, used my z axis plate like I have done 1000 times. loaded the program into the machine and when I press start it goes to the first position and starts its carving pass but 1/4 in above the surface. What have I done wrong?
It is quiet possibly not 1/4 inch but it is not touching the surface

[Adrian]

Have you got the z-zero position set correctly in the Job Setup in VCarve?

[Custom carving]

yes sir I do. I even tried it on two separate jobs with the same result

[sharkcutup]

Did you make change to your carving program, re-calculate your toolpaths for the changes made and saved them with the correct post processor for machine use?

Or

Is a the same .tap file you have used over and over again maybe a 1000 times? Could it be corrupt? Have you tried saving the toolpath file again using the Correct Post Processor again and using it at the machine?

How are you setting your z-Zero at the machine?

Just some thoughts!

Sharkcutup

[Custom carving]

thanks for the suggestions cut up... when I referred to using it over and over 1000 times I was talking about the z calculation plate.
both files that I tried were both new tap files that I just programed within the last month. one I have used successfully and the other, I had yet carved with

[sharkcutup]

Okay Where are you placing the calculation plate (touch-off plate)? Top of material or machine bed?

Also have you checked to see if somehow the thickness setting for the calculation plate (touch-off plate) may have changed?

Sharkcutup

[Custom carving]

top of material. the plate was bought with my first machine. and have used it successfully on the 520. what else possibly could have changed

[Custom carving]

sorry I just thought of something. I'm not aware that you could change the thickness of the touch plate

[sharkcutup]

sorry I just thought of something. I'm not aware that you could change the thickness of the touch plate

In Earlier Versions of the shark it is located in the preferences of the control panel. It is a one-time setting and over time most forget about it until they get a new touch plate which is different in thickness.

Sharkcutup