pass depth issue

[Robert_Lee]

Hello everyone!
I have a really odd situation occurring that I have not experienced before. Quick back story:
Using V-carve Pro. Carving a very simple plaque that includes a 3d panel.
3D roughing toolpath with 1/4" endmill. I'm attaching photos, but the parameters for this toolpath are all appropriate:
Pass Depth: .125
Feed: 60"/minute
Plunge: 30"/min
Stepover: 40%

The toolpath appears to begin correctly, but rapidly ramps down and gouges 7/16" deep.
Ideas?
Thanks
Robert

[ohiolyons]

In 3d work did you set your depth of the model?

In my example the model is all the way down to the bottom.

[martin54]

As has been asked what is the model position within the material block?

Whats the model height & the material thickness? Is the machine cutting 0,125" per pass

[ohiolyons]

Uploading your file would help too.

[Robert_Lee]

Sending it in a zip now

[Robert_Lee]

Here is the file...

[Robert_Lee]

As has been asked what is the model position within the material block?

Whats the model height & the material thickness? Is the machine cutting 0,125" per pass

The material thickness is 1.5". Model height is .5379. SUPPOSED to be cutting at .125 / pass

[litzluth]

Looks to me like your .250 end mill slipped in the collet at the beginning of the roughing toolpath (or the Z zero wasn't set right). The carve simulation shows a diagonal red line to the upper right (which means non carving safe travel, and the end mill should have cleared the surface by the .2" set for the safe z). It didn't and instead carved a line.
If you set the Z zero correctly, look inside your collet and see if there is debris there or shiny spots that indicate it is time for a replacement.

[Robert_Lee]

I actually thought the same thing about the end-mill slipping, so I re-ran the program and ensured the collet was tight. This time the gouge occurred again, except a bit later in the toolpath. I'm 100% certain z-probe was accurate. I'll inspect that collet.
Thanks!

[Robert_Lee]

Update to the solution, with the hop it helps someone in the future. Litzluth was absolutely in target. My collet was jammed packed with sawdust, prohibiting a snug tool fit. The end mill was slipping out.
Cleaned, tightened, and carving as it should!

[litzluth]

As Robbie O'Brien likes to say "yeah, that happened to a friend of mine, learned from that."
Been there, done that.