Gero - the router power cable and the control cable for the Z access motor are near each other for the first inch or two, but they are not “bound”. Based on force of worm screw turning, the Z axis motor is not just getting some minor current from power cord induction. It’s “On” with enough torque power to strip my plastic shaft coupler.
Diang - I’ve not tried deleting the log file, but will give it a shot tonight. I have tried shutting down laptop and maslow (unplugging everything and heading to bed) after zeroing Z axis, then next day “skipping” through calibration to initial test cut. That didn’t work either, the Z axis motor still turned.
What do you mean separate the power cable from the router from the z-axis cable. Wouldn’t the router cable (in my case the Ridgid) be going straight to an outlet and the z-axis to the arduino?
I have read this thread and the replies. What I can’t find is a clear answer to this issue. Did I just overlook it? I am having the exact same issue. I really really really want to cut something with the Maslow.
The high current high voltage router power cable will have an electric and magnetic field that surrounds it when the current is flowing or rather, when the router is on. This field can induce undesired current in nearby wires. That induced current can do one of two things in your zaxis motor cable. It will either cause unexpected movement or prevent expected movement. The easiest solution is to separate the wires by a few inches. The next best thing is to shield the zaxis wire with a metal cladding. Don’t let them touch and keep them a few inches apart. Don’t wire wrap them in the same bundle because it will look nice. I imagine you could bundle them with your dust collection hose if they were on opposite sides, but I have not done the math on this to see how strong the fields are and how much current we are talking. This is just a general overview of why the answer is to keep them separate.
Hello All, I am having this exact same problem. I zero the z, define zero, done, and start. The router raises and the sled starts the cut, but it’s never down to the wood. I’m just using a simple easel icon to get started. Everything in my router and movement is tight and is moving correctly. I’ve glued on the brass piece as well, so nothing is binding up. I would think that it would be something in my mechanical setup, but when it does this, it moves exactly the same movement every time. I’ve attached my g-code to see if anyone sees anything glaring. Second Cut.nc (188.1 KB)
Also, I was just looking at the settings on Easel, and I have the Safety Height at 0.15in, Step Over at 40%, and V-Bit Detail Set Over at 1%. I really just want to cut something…
a plunge of -0.028 isn’t very far for a z cut depth. Have you tried cutting 0.125? If you axis is not zeroed at the surface of the work piece, then it just may not be reaching. If the z axis is going up instead of down, then you may need to change the sign on the z-axis pitch from + to - or vice versa. If you are using the default zaxis, then it should be + 3.17. What is the z axis pitch you have set?
Well that did it! Sort of… I changed my z-Pitch from 3.17 to +3.17 and it seems to be working better. My problem is now that it came out kind of squished. I attached at a picture, it’s supposed to be a cat face. Kind of wondering if my calibration may be off???5323453E-4C60-4197-98DA-CF577BD86531.heic (1.6 MB)
Ok here’s a quick video, I was trying a little v-carving and I still have the same problem. I zero my z, and it still stays way above the work surface. Here’s a video of it happening as well as the code I’m using. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! (311.8 KB)
These questions may be super simple and I’ll apologize for asking the obvious. Two things come to mind:
Is the z axis actually going to zero when you click the button?
Your z axis motor sounds weird to me in your video. Is the z axis working right? Can you retract it 0.5" and then go back 0.5" to be in the same spot? Can you do it again with an inch? Do you have a bungee over your router to hold it down and make sure the backlash isn’t the problem? Is the router jamming or the z axis screw slipping in the coupling? To me it does not look like it is moving when it is supposed to be going down.
I like super simple questions, most of the time that is my problem! I tried your suggestions there, and it was definitely not returning to the correct spot each time. I pulled out the router and I see in the housing where the little nub sits in the track is having some issues. The track wasn’t straight and it looks like it was binding up there a bit. So I filed it down and now the router slides freely. The problem is though, I took the Z-axis motor off to check it and, just like you said, it is having some problems. I’ve attached a video, but it sounds like it is hitting a bad spot and kind of catching. I can feel it torque in my hand when it run it on a longer run. Think maybe something is stripped out?
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