I created a simple file for a sign using text and an image. The image is being cleared out for an inlay. The text is a font that I uploaded into Easel.
The first time I created this sign, it worked out OK. I had a few issues with lining up the detail carve to the rough carve, but that was probably an ID10T error. More on that later if it continues.
I have the depth of the letters set to .0937, and they are carving to a depth of .209. I have the image inlay field set to cut to .125 and it is cutting to a depth of .209. The image was created from Easel Pro shapes. I used the Combine feature for that image and double checked the cut depth. I did nothing special with the text except add it and size it appropriately. On the first plunge, it cuts really deep. The following cuts appear to be at .03, what I have the cut settings set at.
When the bit moves across the area I am clearing out, when it moves from right to left, the step over looks great, When it goes left to right, it moves over about 1/8 of an inch, literally leaving a strip of wood as it passes, so it is going to far back for the left to right pass.
I am using a 1/8 inch upcut bit, rastering with the grain with a 5% ramp. I zero out manually on the top of the workpiece every time I run. I am not carving through, but I have the workpiece depth set to .75 as I am carving (and just wasted) a nice 3/4" thick piece of red oak.
I am on a 4040 and my laptop, and like I said, am using a file I created in Easel Pro, I turned off and turned on my machine and even uninstalled and reinstalled my machine in the project. I logged out and back into Easel and the file. The only thing that I have not done is reboot the laptop.
Why would this work the first time, and not the second?
Hi Karen,
Can you share a link to your Easel project? To do this, click on “Project / Share” and then “Shared via Link” as shown in the screenshots. Copy and paste the link in a reply on this thread.
Here is the file. I created a very simple line just for testing purposes.
I tried several files, new and old, and have the same issue across the board.
The first cut runs deep, and the subsequent passes appear to follow the Depth per Pass settings.
Hi Karen,
I downloaded the g-code for the workpieces in that project, and the g-code is correct. Easel is telling your machine to go to the correct depth on ALL passes, including the first one. This means it is a hardware issue, not an Easel issue.
I am not familiar with the 4040 machine, so am unsure of what could cause this on that type of machine, but here were some possible causes I found while searching:
- Coupler slip: The 4040 uses a flexible coupler between the Z stepper motor and the leadscrew. If the set screws aren’t very tight (and aligned on the flat of the motor shaft), the first plunge can twist/slide the coupler and drop deeper.
- Backlash in the leadscrew nut: The delrin nut on the Z leadscrew can have a bit of play. On the first plunge, gravity + spindle weight can take up that slack and overshoot.
- Loose V-wheels: If the Z carriage V-wheels are too loose on the extrusion, the spindle can shift forward/backward slightly on that first downward force, cutting deeper.
Thank you very much for the insight. I did a remote session with Easel yesterday and the tech came to the same conclusion. I have a 3018 from the same MFG and am going to run the file on there, too, to see the difference.
I will check your 3 bullet points on my machine and will work with the MFG on that.
I appreciate you help!
.Everything you bulleted for me looks fine on my machine. No loose screws, etc. In talks with the mfg, not sure where to take it from here. Easel tech support says all my codes for my machine also look fine. I am using the default codes it loads when I set up the machine. I was carving fine until I wasn’t, so I am also leaning heavily towards a machine issue.
