Hey guys, I bought a workbee, and have it assembled. This is a newbie question. I ran one of the “sample” patterns from vcarve pro and the machine ran great. I saved that file in the “x-carve” option that was listed in the drop down in v carve. Well I have bought the V Carve pro version now. This morning when I went to run the machine none of my tool paths are doing right, the router plunges into the material. I have checked my tool paths, all are on multiple passes, I have tried both x-carve options as well as both GRBL options in the drop down. What am I missing?
If you are using the Grbl (inch) (*. gcode) or Grbl (mm) (*. gcode) post processors did you remember to set wcs zero before running the g-code? If so post your G code file here and one of us will have a look to see if it gives any clues. Alex.
No sir I didn’t do that as far as I know... this is my first time setting up a machine from scratch so to speak... I don’t even know what wcs zero is or stands for. I will try to post the file here shortly.
OK - I'll try to explain this, but I'll also tag @David the swarfer who is brilliant at explaining co-ordinate systems. First do you have limit switches at one end of each axis, and if so have you managed to set up homing? Alex
OK, when you home the machine you set the machine co-ordinate system. The wcs stands for work co-ordinate system. Every time you start a job you should jog to the point on your workpiece where you set the origin and set the wcs X Y and Z - if you are using OB control to send your g-code to your blackbox there is a set of buttons on the left to do this (you can set X Y and Z separately or set all three at the same time). If you are looking at Vectric sample files Edit/Job size and position will tell you where the origin has been set (Z zero and XY datum) - I usually set it left/front/top of the workpiece. Once you have set your work co-ordinate system zero (making sure you have enough space around the workpiece to run the job) you should be able to run your g-code. Alex.
Ok I understand that and can and have done that. My problem is that when I am setting up multiple passes in v carve, when I run the machine it does not recognize the multiple passes and is plunging the bit to the complete depth of the material.
Also, have a look at your vectric file in case you have got wcs Z zero set at the bottom of your workpiece. Alex.
I think I am starting to make some ground. I am pretty sure it is something in v-carve that I don't have set up right. I forgot to mark the "Save all tool paths", so now I have that done, but it seems as though I still don't have something set right in Vetric as it wants to send my bit to the waste board like it is the workpiece.
Hi Mike, You are designing in inches and post processing in mm. (You can do that with the grbl post processors but it adds a layer of confusion) 1) Set your Z zero position in Vectric to material surface (Edit/Job Size and Position) 2) use the Grbl (inch) (*.gcode) post processor when you save the toolpath 3) try again (be ready with the emergency stop) - I usually set wcs Z zero about 20 mm from the top of the Z axis and let the machine cut some thin air when troubleshooting. Alex.
How were you planning to hold that workpiece down? You either need to add tabs to the toolpath or use the masking tape and superglue method - masking tape on the spoilboard and on the workpiece - superglue the strips of masking tape together - create a sandwich - spoilboard/masking tape/superglue/masking tape/workpiece. The bits will fly all over the place if you don't. Alex.
Pleased to hear that @Fat Mike, it is what the forum is here for. I guess you are realising you have a learning curve ahead of you - don't hesitate to come back with further questions. Alex.
