Won't find bit

[otherguy]

I load the bit and it goes through the motions then the head centers itself and says load bit. I even changed bits and it does the sane thing over and over.

Suggestions?

[fwharris]

When the truck travels to the far side is the bit plate coming out all of the way and does the bit touch down 2 times on the bit plate? It sounds like it is not doing that. If the bit plate does not get pushed hard enough by the Y truck there is something interfering with it's movement. It can either be dirty Y rails/bearing, Y belt not tight enough, cut motor wires not tucked back into the corner of the top cover (if not the back of the Z motor will hit them) and/or the spring on the bit plate is dirty and needs to be cleaned and lubed.

[otherguy]

here is what it does.
It goes up and down twice on the left side, then the truck moves all the way over to the right side and goes up down three times but there is nothing for the but to touch on the right side. Just goes up and down over that steel roller that is between the belts.

85445

[fwharris]

So the bit plate is not coming out then as it looks like in the picture the truck is not traveling far enough over to push the bit plate out. Go through the list of things to check. Also, with the power off push the truck over by hand to see if you feel any resistance and that the truck can move all of the way over to push the bit plate out.

[otherguy]

I must not have a bit plate, here is a better pic of the right side.

85446

[otherguy]

I actually thought it was supposed to touch the plate clamp that holds the board but its been so long I don't remember.

[okmatt]

You might check out this video from carvewrightd youtube channel.
https://youtu.be/uFZoXpstO0c

[otherguy]

Yeah, my machine doesn't have one of those, never did. My machine is a really old one, as in one of the first.

[okmatt]

Wow! I wonder if you need an older version of the software to be able to run without that.

[otherguy]

Wow! I wonder if you need an older version of the software to be able to run without that.

I was wondering that too, might have to call support on Monday to see what version of software that I need. If I remember correctly it supposed to hit the plate/clamp on the right side to find the bit, but it's been so long.

I looked on my computer and I don't have the older software anymore.

Anyone have 1.182? not sure that is even old enough, the last one I show on my Flash Manager is 1.180

[fwharris]

It looks and sounds like you might of been one of the Beta testers since your join date is 2006.

[bergerud]

Anyone have 1.182? not sure that is even old enough, the last one I show on my Flash Manager is 1.180

Try this link: http://www.carvewright.com/assets/downloads/designer_1_182.exe

You can change the version number to get older or newer versions. I am not sure how far back you can go.

(I have versions back to 1.126.)

[Digitalwoodshop]

Almost looks like a flat spot that the bit could touch... Another picture with the head about 2 inches away of the bit plate area would be good. IF the machine worked in the past, my first thought is that the Cover Wires back by the cut motor might be out of position preventing the head from getting to the plate. The THREE times tells me it is missing the plate.

What is the prefix on your serial number?

Never saw a BETA Machine.... I agree, 2006 likely a BETA.... I ordered the first Sears Machine in 2007 ten minutes after seeing the TV Ad.

The Z Homing Sensor is still in place but it does look damaged. It is not used anymore.

Another picture with the head slightly away from the right would be nice.

What is your Location? Someone might be near you.

When you are moving the Z Around and up, beware you can pinch your finger on the Z Flag, a FIN near the top of the Z. We removed them after the software stopped using it and just bumps into the top pin. You Truck looks different too, below the lower belt pulley.

AL

[otherguy]

Try this link: http://www.carvewright.com/assets/downloads/designer_1_182.exe

You can change the version number to get older or newer versions. I am not sure how far back you can go.

(I have versions back to 1.126.)

I was able to install older versions doing what you suggested, I went back to 1.179 which was a project I had on my flash drive that I know worked.
But after redoing the project in 1.179 and uploading to the card, the machine still has the same issue of not finding the bit.

Yes I do have a BETA machine.
For the life of me I just can't remember how the finding bit is supposed to function on it, I know it didn't have the bit plate that the newer ones have but I am wondering if it had something else and is missing now.

I will get with support on Monday and see what might be done.

[otherguy]

talked to support, nothing I cam do but buy another machine.

[okmatt]

THAT IS A BUMMER! I wonder if someone reading this post might have a copy of the older software?

[otherguy]

***UPDATE****

My Beta machine is operational once again. There were two issues, one was that I was not supposed to go past 1.186 designer/firmware and I did not know that, and I downloaded 1.187 did my project, then when I uploaded to the machine it update the firmware.

When I went back to older versions of the software I re did my project but the machine was still acting funny, what I didn't realize was that I only did the project in the older version, I had to go into the Flash Manager and push back the Firmware version as well. Once I pushed the firmware back and uploaded to my machine it found the bit like it should.

After watching it I now remember the process, it finds the bit on the left side by the using the sensor and reflecting off of a mirror, then it touches the wood to find it's depth, then it goes to the board clamp plate and touches it.

Anyway, back up and running, thanks for all the suggestions and help.

[fwharris]

Thanks for the update. There are not many, if any at all, of the ole beta testers around the forum any more. I thought there use to be a forum area just for beta testers. You might just be one of a kind! Keep us posted on how things are going.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Good you have a operational machine. GOOD JOB !!!