when I program in the depth of cut should I go a certain amount deeper to make sure it cuts through all the way?
I like to measure the material and then add 1 mm to that.
3 Likes
Or if you’re typesetting in imperial that’s about 0.236 pica
2 Likes
I think this is more a matter of preference. The Z-axis is controlled directly by 2 stepper motors on lead screws, so it is very precise. If you measure the material accurately and set the Z-home precisely, then I don’t think there’s actually much of a reason to cut deeper. Building a Z-probe will help a ton with setting the Z-home precisely (Instructions - How To Make And Set Up A Z-Probe On The M4). And if a cut doesn’t go all the way through, you can try running a sander over the underside of the cuts until it gives way.
2 Likes
When writing cutting depth programs, try gradually increasing the depth to ensure a stable and accurate cutting process.
1 Like
The machine might be accurate, but that doesn’t mean your material is. If you are cutting plywood it can warp and twist like any other wood. It’s thickness could differ by up to 0.5mm. It’s actually best practice in woodworking to make your cuts just below the surface of the material which helps prevent chip out. Couple that with the fact the machine rides on the surface of the material Anna’s suggestion of adding 1mm to the depth makes a lot of sense.
3 Likes
I didn’t think about trying to step it down through my test cuts, thank you for the idea, I will try that
Right now I’m cutting aluminum but its not screwed down so its lifting and potentially distorting the cut depth but its also making a lot of large chips right now (my first cuts in aluminum)
1 Like