LOST STEPS----
I was losing steps on my "Z" axis a LOT - but I made a counterbalance to minimize the weight of the router head so the stepper didn't have to work so hard to pull it up. With the counterbalance - problem solved.
SPEED - there is a LOT of inertia in changing directions. Ramp up/down acceleration settings can be adjusted to help, but slowing down the cut speed helps even more.
Depth of cut, and cutter geometry will dramatically change the forces on the axis slides. This is learned through experience.
LUBRICATION / Start up --- I find this one to be HUGE. I clean my screws and slides ever use. I also use a silicon lube on the screws and slides. Sometimes I paste wax my "Y" axis slides. That axis on my machine is a problem axis. After all that I go through a routine to move all axis's to the extreme away from home and I auto home the machine. I then am ready to run.
My machine is 10+ years old with 2 years usage on it. I CANNOT cut at 150-IPM so my speeds are more like 40-70, and occasionally up to 100 IPM depending on the cut.
Reading a forum such as this where many of the members here have new heavy duty machines - it SOUNDS - like EVERYBODY should be able to cut at 150 IPM. THAT is FAR - FAR away from true. TRUTH is - not all machines are capable of that - and when you try --- LOST STEPS will be commonplace for you.
Help with first V carve project
- Leo
- Vectric Wizard
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Re: Help with first V carve project
Imagine the Possibilities of a Creative mind, combined with the functionality of CNC
- tmcrocker
- Posts: 6
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Re: Help with first V carve project
I had same problem with a 60° V-carve bit that was somewhat inexpensive. I then bought an expensive bit and the problem went away. There was still a visible line but you could not catch your fingernail on it and it's sanded out easily.
Therefore I can only conclude that the original bit was not truly 60°.
Therefore I can only conclude that the original bit was not truly 60°.
Tom Crocker
- SIBUD
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Re: Help with first V carve project
Leo,Leo wrote:LOST STEPS----
I was losing steps on my "Z" axis a LOT - but I made a counterbalance to minimize the weight of the router head so the stepper didn't have to work so hard to pull it up. With the counterbalance - problem solved.
SPEED - there is a LOT of inertia in changing directions. Ramp up/down acceleration settings can be adjusted to help, but slowing down the cut speed helps even more.
Depth of cut, and cutter geometry will dramatically change the forces on the axis slides. This is learned through experience.
LUBRICATION / Start up --- I find this one to be HUGE. I clean my screws and slides ever use. I also use a silicon lube on the screws and slides. Sometimes I paste wax my "Y" axis slides. That axis on my machine is a problem axis. After all that I go through a routine to move all axis's to the extreme away from home and I auto home the machine. I then am ready to run.
My machine is 10+ years old with 2 years usage on it. I CANNOT cut at 150-IPM so my speeds are more like 40-70, and occasionally up to 100 IPM depending on the cut.
Reading a forum such as this where many of the members here have new heavy duty machines - it SOUNDS - like EVERYBODY should be able to cut at 150 IPM. THAT is FAR - FAR away from true. TRUTH is - not all machines are capable of that - and when you try --- LOST STEPS will be commonplace for you.
Thank you so much for that information. Just the kind of stuff I would learn if I were in your shop watching you work. Very helpful to a NOOB such as myself. Yes, I was one of those who thought 150 ipm was kind of normal. Or at least, faster was better.
I see that I can edit the bit setup to change both the plunge and cut speeds. I will slow both of those down to see what difference it makes. And in this case, if it improves the cut and eliminates the ridges.
This thread is another example of how members here go out of their way to help and encourage beginners. W/O this Forum I would be sitting in my shop, scratching my head w/o a clue of what to do.
Bud Meade
Nashville, IL
I don't own too many BMW motorcycles, I just have too little time.
Nashville, IL
I don't own too many BMW motorcycles, I just have too little time.