# Totally new to CNC I'm having Z axis troble

**URL:** <https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/totally-new-to-cnc-im-having-z-axis-troble/8005>\
**Category:** Troubleshooting\
**Created:** [December 5, 2018, 11:31pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/totally-new-to-cnc-im-having-z-axis-troble/8005 "2018-12-05T23:31:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 3

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**Author:** ![tinker](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/tinker/32/9747_2.png) [@tinker](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/tinker)\
**Post date:** [December 6, 2018, 4:26am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/totally-new-to-cnc-im-having-z-axis-troble/8005/3 "2018-12-06T04:26:55Z")

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> [@deger](#):
>
> I set my depth to deep on my first attempt and the sled was not keeping up. I adjusted the depth to 1/16 of an inch for a 1/4 bit and resaved my file.

For a 2 flute 1/4 bit try tool settings (images for reference only - do not use values in images):

![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/6/6a46abb67d12795bf96e20d0ba546114e23570a5.gif)

- Spindle Speed: 10000 (set your router to this)
- Cutting feedrate: 30 in/min
- Lead In/Out: 20 in/min
- Ramp Feedrate: 13 in/min

**Cutting operations → Passes (such as 2D Contour)**

 ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/c/ced7021d603fd3ffcc32e1484bef1224ea9bc05a.png)

[**TIP** : for any text input in Fusion360 operations, make change, then right click and chose “Make default” to keep this setting for all future operations.]

- Use Multiple Depths
- Max Roughing Stepdown: 0.125 in (assume you are cutting 3/8 stock)
- Use Even Stepdown: Checked

**Cutting operations → Heights:**

 ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/7/70cf28cc0bd3188054b2ef062b25f7e9c2dc8056.png)

- Clearance height: 0.125 in from Retract height
- Retract height: 0.125 in from Stock top

> [@deger](#):
>
> On my second cut attempt the Z axis immediatly lowers into the surface of the plywood instead of traveling over it to the first plunge… I am a little worried I over tightened the bolt on my routers sleeve, but I thought that I would get an error similar to the sled not keeping up if it wasn’t traveling correctly.

I assume you adjusted the z-axis and set zero depth.

If using the Ridgid 22002 router check that the z-axis adjustment arm has not popped out of the router body. This happened to me a number of times without any reported errors in GroundControl. This is a very weak link, and requires little force to pop out, so GroundControl will not register it as ‘end of extent’. Highly recommend doing [Cheap z-axis fix](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/cheap-fixes-for-z-axis-slop-on-the-ridgid-r22002/4031) if you have not already done so.

The router sleeve bolt should allow the router body to move freely in z-axis without wiggle in x/y axis. Many people find it easier to always keep the clamp open and adjust the adjusting nut.

In your screenshot you have ‘Bottom height’ set to -0.375 in from stock top. If you do not use “Multiple Depths” as mentioned above then this will be way too deep.

**Questions:**

- What thickness is the wood stock you are cutting?
- How many flutes does the bit have?
- Can you post sample Gcode as File upload or Preformatted text?

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