Having some trouble with my LEAD 1515 CNC Router. As I am adding the logo, I am not getting a flat bottom on my engraving. I have no idea what the problem is nor how to fix it but the differences between the high and low spots are quite noticable and something I would like to address. I have attached two images of different engeravings with a conventional and raster engrave. I am on a time crunch so any help/recomendations are appreiciated!
Your images didn't upload. What cad/cam software are you using? Could you post your tool and toolpath settings? Check what your stepover is set to - it needs to be pretty small if you have set a maximum depth (flat depth in Vectric). Alex.
I got the logos to upload this time. I was not happy with the Raster carve (first photo) for leaving the "spikes" on the edges even with the use of a profile path to try and clean this up, but this was just an attempt to quickly patch the issue using a different method. I would prefer to use a pocket path to carve this logo (Second photo). I am using VCarve pro, and I have a 40% step over, should I be using a smaller step over? I have uploaded my CRV files, as well as my GCODE files.
Misread your original post. Thought engraving meant a V-engraving toolpath. From the look of your pics you probably need to tram your router/spindle (it's not far out though). 40% step over would be OK for a roughing pass - try 1/2 that. What is the material? Alex.
I am using Red Oak with a black stain. Are their any guides you know of on how to tram this machine? I know the tramming is slightly off from a bed leveling that I did but I am still new to this machine (and CNC work for that mattter) and have not been able to find much about tram adjustments for this CNC.
American red oak has a fairly coarse structure - it's a bit "fibrous". It's very difficult to avoid some roughness to the surface when cut.You might get better results on the top surface with a downcut bit, but be aware that they tend to push chips down into the cut area and you need to keep them away from the cut area as much as possible. As well as the link @Peter Van Der Walt gave you there are lots of videos on tramming available if you google it, but you don't need an expensive tramming tool - a home made gadget using two pieces of rod that fit your collet and a length of wood works just fine. Alex.
I had the same problem here and what fixed it was Tramming and using spiral down cut bits. The step over for that would be something like 0.05" for a 1/4 inch bit. Same applies with an 1/8" bit but the step over should be 0.025" 20% step over.
