Bit length and z axis stalls

[dehrlich]

I had this problem yesterday. I am using a Rock chuck in my A machine for the first time. After looking on the forum I did discover the problem was the bit being too long. Only the 1/8" cutting bit caused the problem, and as long as it was inserted into the adapter about as far as possible, meaning just before the taper gets to the bottom lip of the adapter, it worked fine. I saw where a few people talked about putting a dime in the hole on the squaring plate where the bit homes, but I didn't know if they meant on top of or under the plate and rather than break a new bit, I didn't experiment. Perhaps someone else can clear that up.

[henry1]

Since this is really a Computer Problem where the number of pulses from the top mechanical stop of the Z to the bit touching the bit plate is NOT HAPPY.... The Computer is looking for a number between XXXX and XXXX and your numbers is outside that limit causing the fault.

A few weeks ago I tried to get some interest in posting the numbers of working Rock Chucks or A, B, and C but most C have the CT.

Because the standard test for the board sensor is white copy paper where your paper is the same as my paper.... The standard for the Z Stall should be the Z Data between the top post and touching the plate. You start with the head up touching the stop and select Z data on the LCD. This sets 0000 at top mechanical stop, another standard... Then make the measurement to the bit plate.

A measurement of bit length in inches from chuck is like brown wood for a board sensor standard. Everyone's wood brown can be different and if the bit plate is BENT down this contributes to the confusion.

You must think like the machine thinks to solve this problem...

Good Luck,

AL

Have a WORKING ROCK Chuck with the 1/8th inch and the 3/16 post the Z Data... THAT is the number that the program is looking for...

Al hope you can answer my question I just posted asking bergerud about the cut moter not stopping when you press stop button and you lift the cover it stops

[Rocky]

Ok, the carve using the cherry finished on the one side (using the 1/16" carving bit). I flipped the board for the cutout and used my 1/8" cutting bit next. This part of the carve went fine (and, the cutting bit is actually about 1/4" longer than the carving bit...go figure).

Also, I forgot to mention that I did a quick carve (a sign using a 90 degree bit) and it carved normally.

I appreciate the feedback Al provided, but I'm not sure what to do there.

Thanks,

[Digitalwoodshop]

To review, we need to make the bit length for the 1/8th Cutting Bit the same as what the CT bits are as that is the number the computer will be happy with.

IF the bit is longer or shorter than the CT bit than the machine will fault out.

To fix this have a way to make sure that when you install the 1/8th bit in the same location every time. So a Locking Ring or O Ring and Glue is required.

Then play with the length... MOST likely your 1/8th inch bit is installed TOO LONG but only by a small amount... SO KEEP moving it UP making it SHORTER and try again... YOU will eventually find the length that works....

Good Luck,

AL

[eelamb]

Al. I agree with you 100%. Originally when I replaced the qc with the rock, I marked every bit before removing the adapter, and started from that location, using an O-ring. Once I got through the load bit failure (if I got one), I put a drop of CA glue on the underside of the O-ring (side towards the cutting edge).

[skeeterman]

It works fine if you can set the length of the bit, but if you have the 3/16 carving bit that you purchase from LHR it has a set length and will not work in this situation on the version C machines. The version A machines there are no problems with using the longer bit.

[Rocky]

To review, we need to make the bit length for the 1/8th Cutting Bit the same as what the CT bits are as that is the number the computer will be happy with.

IF the bit is longer or shorter than the CT bit than the machine will fault out.

To fix this have a way to make sure that when you install the 1/8th bit in the same location every time. So a Locking Ring or O Ring and Glue is required.

Then play with the length... MOST likely your 1/8th inch bit is installed TOO LONG but only by a small amount... SO KEEP moving it UP making it SHORTER and try again... YOU will eventually find the length that works....

Good Luck,

AL

Thanks Al, I'll give this a try.

[Rocky]

Thanks, folks. I appreciate the feedback. I'm going to give Al's approach a try. After reading all your feedback, I'm becoming more convinced that a recent change in the CW software/firmware is causing the problem. Like I said, I have had the Rock chuck for over 4 years and never had this problem until recently. Perhaps fine tuning the software/firmware for the CT is making it more difficult for the the Rock chuck to function as it did in the past.

[Digitalwoodshop]

I am still running 1.184. It IS possible that the newer programs have tightened the 1/8th bit length. Would like to hear from other users that have upgraded the Designer but still use a Rock. Does it still work with a 1/8th inch bit?

AL

[Rocky]

I am still running 1.184. It IS possible that the newer programs have tightened the 1/8th bit length. Would like to hear from other users that have upgraded the Designer but still use a Rock. Does it still work with a 1/8th inch bit?

AL

Al,

I'm not having a problem with the 1/8" cutting bit. The only bit giving me a problem (at least for now) is the 1/16" carving bit. In fact, the 1/8" cutting bit extends about 1/4" farther from the Rock chuck than does the 1/16" carving bit.

Thanks,