carving words and phrases

[mtylerfl]

Can you remember what the solution was? That's about the vintage of my machine -- could be a machine problem or a software problem.

The Draft feature was added with the specific purpose of adding a gentle angle to the outer edge of lettering (or anything you want as it turns out now), thereby reducing chipout during the machining process - especially thin parts of lettering. The Small Draft is a 7 deg angle, the Medium is 25 deg, the Large is 45 deg (if my memory serves correctly).

[SteveNelson46]

Not sure what you mean by adding draft. I usually only get to work on my wood projects over the weekend, that's why I haven't replied. I'll try to take a picture of one of my carvings along with the mpc. I've been carving for about three years now, but this is the one bugaboo that always gets to me. I make an ambo for church with a lot of parts in oak, and all the letters carved great -- of course they were about 2 1/2 in. each. OOOPS! Sorry -- just went back into the program and saw the draft feature which I never noticed before. Can't wait 'til the weekend to see if adding the draft makes any difference. Also will try to maintain heighth and width. Also will take a picture of carving and include mpc. In the meantime, thanks to all who have replied to my post. Wish I had more time to play -- I probably could figure some of this out if I had time.

This is an example of draft. The appearance will be affected by the height and depth of the object you are applying the draft to.

[cestout]

Besides Draft, you need to set Bit Optimization to Best.
Clint

[joesprin]

It wouldn't let me post the pictures. Said I didn't have permission to post them. New problem this AM. When I turned the machine on, I couldn't read the display. Tried changing the contrast, vacuumed everything, checked memory card -- nothing seems to help. Has something blown -- such as system card. LATER POST -- took memory card back to memory reader and did update firmware. Brought it back to the carver and it started up okay -- so at least for now that problem is solved. I'm now trying to get the z-truck tightened. There is quite a bit of wobble, which I think accounts for lots of the poor quality of carves. Going to go back to step one when I get a chance and re-install z-truck. Would it be advantageous to get a carvetight spindle with a new z-truck. Are most people happier with that??

[bergerud]

Is it getting power? Try to move the carriage by hand. If it is getting power, you will feel resistance.

[DickB]

Would it be advantageous to get a carvetight spindle with a new z-truck. Are most people happier with that??

Yes, definitely. Big improvement in quality and noise.