"Stupid" Questions?

Troubleshooting
1

Hi all. Okay, I finally got my machine through calibration and I attempted to cut my first file. There were some issues. Z did not seem to follow the programmed depth per pass. My material was 1/4" ply so I set the depth per pass at .125" (I’m using Easel for my gcode generation). I set the feed to 50"/min and the plunge at 20"/min. Sled speed seemed to be fine but Z plunged the bit all the way through the material which caused the whole machine to vibrate violently and ultimately knocked the power cord loose. I decided to try again but ran into more issues - Z went absolutely nuts and slammed all the way through the entire material and well into my spoil board. That said, here are my [probably] dumb questions.

  1. Is there a Z calibration that needs to be done?
  2. Does Z home need to be defined before every new cut?
  3. Is there a global “home” for all axis that will take you back to where the calibration was set?
  4. Does retract/extend need to be done every time the machine power cycles and/or looses connection to the computer? I lost connection and the machine wouldn’t move citing “unknown belt length”.
  5. I have a vertical set up. Is it not recommended to leave the machine up? Should I always take the machine down after using?
  6. What are the recommended max speeds for Maslow 4?
2

Firstly - there are no stupid questions!

1.You need to set the max depth - this is done when you calibrate with no bit and the z right down. Only need re-doing if you have a power fail mid cut or the Z raises to high off the screws.
You need to set the Z depth for cutting to where the bit is just above the work area when you change bits.
2. No not usually (unless you chang bits) Check the X,Y and Z values below Green Arrow button to see if they look sane.
If your bit is plunging initially check your gcode (use a text editor) for a G28 code
For understanding codes check Supported Gcodes | Wiki.js
3. No but when you “Apply Tension” it takes the Maslow to a known position. You can set the Home positions for XY & Z from the front screen (move the Maslow then Home XY and/or Z)
4. This is being worked on - at the moment yes.
5. Personally I am supporting my machine on the vertical with an alternate clip on connection. Whenever it’s powered off the belts need to be retracted extended apply tension each time before use so you may as well take it down. Hopefully this will change.
6. Can’t help with this one - still exploring

1 Like