Still working through air carving problem. Need help on the calibration of depth.

[vltrnjd]

I have worked on checking the depth calibration of the Z truck. It instructs me to remove the bit and board and I get two numbers. At the lowest crank: 51.53 and 154.59. It asks me to set the depth of the board. The number entry is supposed to allow for up to three digits as a decimal. It will not accept 075 as a 3/4 calibration - it deletes the 0 then states that the board is over 1" thick. I have played with both left and right arrows and eventually I get a note to reboot the machine. The version check shows it is on the correct version. I programmed the board in the design as 1/2" and it made a very shallow outline of the pattern. Is this a pad error and I need a new pad - is it a ztruck error? Should I upgrade to the Ctight truck? I sent message to the company and did not get a response yesterday morning. Today of course they are closed. I am trying to get a project done. I am refurbishing an heirloom cedar chest for some folks after it took a float in Harvey. The bottom rails and supports were damaged - I need a decorative carve across the top of the replacement boards. I am stuck going no where fast with this issue. I appreciate all of the time you folks put into answering questions and providing expertise. I love my Carvewright and would go with anything else. Vicki in Cypress Texas

[fwharris]

To input a board thickness of 3/4" either input 3/4 or .75 .

[vltrnjd]

To input a board thickness of 3/4" either input 3/4 or .75 .

Of course -duh. It comes back with a calibration range Error- think that is the problem. I measured the board with a sterrett - precisely .75 - I tried the depth check both ways and then went incrementally up and down and still got the error code within a 1/4 each way.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Is it possible you are not entering the decimal point like .75 ?? The keypad has a decimal point.

Just asking the obvious....

[vltrnjd]

Is it possible you are not entering the decimal point like .75 ?? The keypad has a decimal point.

Just asking the obvious....

At first you are right I was not entering it correctly. Now I have both as a decimal and as a fraction. The board is a sound 3/4 measured by a Starett square and it was one of a load I planed for barrel staves to an exact 3/4. I get a calibration range error now. I moved the entry measurement up and down incrementally and always get the same error out to 1/4 inch either way. I am searching for a way to re-calibrate or fix the depth function now.

[bergerud]

As far as I know, the depth calibration is really a board thickness calibration and it does not have anything to do with your problem. If the bit touches the bit plate and the top of the board, the bit should carve properly into the board. If it does not, then there is a software or hardware problem.

Since you have reformatted the card, software would seem to be eliminated, unless, it is the card itself. Trying another card would be good.

You should check that the z encoder is working properly. It could have dust in it or the encoder disk could be damaged or loose. The FFC ribbon or its connections could also be the problem.

Another possibility is that the factory z calibration has been forgotten by the EEPROM. Only LHR can help if that is the case.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Any chance your bit flag is bent up or down 1/4 inch?

[vltrnjd]

As far as I know, the depth calibration is really a board thickness calibration and it does not have anything to do with your problem. If the bit touches the bit plate and the top of the board, the bit should carve properly into the board. If it does not, then there is a software or hardware problem.

Since you have reformatted the card, software would seem to be eliminated, unless, it is the card itself. Trying another card would be good.

You should check that the z encoder is working properly. It could have dust in it or the encoder disk could be damaged or loose. The FFC ribbon or its connections could also be the problem.

Another possibility is that the factory z calibration has been forgotten by the EEPROM. Only LHR can help if that is the case.

I agree with you - it is odd that it does hit the strike plate and finds the surface correctly but the pattern carving does not go to the proper depth. It is also a problem that the board depth calibration always gives me an error. I will check the z encoder and the ribbon. Then I think I am stuck waiting until I can talk to someone. Thank-you for your help!

[vltrnjd]

Any chance your bit flag is bent up or down 1/4 inch?

The bit is straight and it does it with different bits. But it is an older machine with the quick change bit and not the carvetight. I wonder if that is the difference?

[vltrnjd]

OK I don't know where the Z encoder is - the support documents do say that calibration could be off if there is dirt in the encoder. It doesn't tell me where it is.

[cjones]

If it is something you have to get out today, I am only a little further out 290 and you can come and use my CW if needed. I have a new one purchased from the conference last year. I also have an original CompuCarve A model but it is currently not in service.

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Chris

I am in Hockley south of 290 between Kermier and Kickapoo

[vltrnjd]

If it is something you have to get out today, I am only a little further out 290 and you can come and use my CW if needed. I have a new one purchased from the conference last year. I also have an original CompuCarve A model but it is currently not in service.

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Chris

I am in Hockley south of 290 between Kermier and Kickapoo

Nope it can wait - but you are very kind to offer! I am at 290 and Telge. Thank-you! Let's stay in touch.

[bergerud]

OK I don't know where the Z encoder is - the support documents do say that calibration could be off if there is dirt in the encoder. It doesn't tell me where it is.

It is on the back of the z motor. See https://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?28783-Z-Test-amp-Cut-Motor-Test-give-Z-Axis-Stall-Err-E06-0313&p=259216#post259216 for a picture.

[vltrnjd]

It is on the back of the z motor. See https://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?28783-Z-Test-amp-Cut-Motor-Test-give-Z-Axis-Stall-Err-E06-0313&p=259216#post259216 for a picture.

Thank-you that helps! It was cleaned and no help. I have surrendered and decided to upgrade to the CT z truck to see if that helps. Needed to be done eventually anyway. Once I get it and get it in I'll let you know how it goes.

[bergerud]

Did you make sure the disk was tight and could not "free" spin?