Static electricity

I have read several posts dealing with the dust collector creating static electricity that causes the controller to disconnect from the computer. Had same issue. I currently do not have the dust collector connected. I have been running fine for many months without any issues. Carving walnut, maple, cherry, hickory, oak, black limba, padauk, purpleheart. Today, for the first time in a long time, i got a piece of cedar. Tried 4 times and every time it disconnects. Each time i restart it gets a little farther.

Could it possibly be some characteristic of cedar wood that is causing this to happen? I tried wetting the wood. That seemed to help in the first pass at clearing out a pocket, but stopped shortly after staring the second pass.

I was going to try replacing the wire connecting the controller to the computer. Thought was maybe a new one may be better constructed to prevent surges… Anyone with this issue try that?

I have a rubber mat…Do you think placing that between the apoil board and the cedar piece would help?

Anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks!