Can't figure this out

[badger2424]

I'm having a roll-up problem where the Carver carved to the letters and then rolls the wood up at the edge of the letters Plus carving seems to be less detailed on optimal than usual. Seems to me I'm getting a irregular death issue as the bit goes across the wood and I have been using a sled but it does the same with just a regular piece of wood. It has changed my sanding from about 10 minutes to over an hour and I can't figure it out. I posted a couple of pictures so you can see what I mean.
Maybe a z truck encoder problem?

[Brad Wardman]

I have had that happen on certain kinds of wood. First two things I would check...the bearings, both directions, on the shuttle (just grab it and make sure it doesnt wiggle around) and make sure your bit is good & sharp.

[cestout]

Looks like a dull bit to me and not the machine - floors are flat and even. The tip even seem to be sharp, just the side cutting part is dull. Just got 10 bit back from Nelson but haven tried them yet, but the ones I inspected (one cutting and one carving) look and feel good. $80 for 10 bits is apt the cost of 2 new ones. He says he can do any of our bits and the long ones are $80 each new. I will be tying one soon and let you know.
Clint

[Dale]

I've had that problem when the bit is dull.

[badger2424]

Everything is tight, checked that an the bit is fairly new with about 60 hours on it. The wood is red oak which I have carved many times with no problems. Have taken the z truck off an put new rails on but that didn't help either. Seemed to happen all at once also which made me rule out the bit.

[badger2424]

Can the 1/16 ball nose bit be sharpened?

[DianMayfield]

If you have carved a bunch of sappy wood, it may also be beneficial to clean the pitch off the bit. I use simple green, soak for 15-30 min, scrub with a brass brush. I have gone from burning the wood to a clean carve with just cleaning.

[badger2424]

Thanks for all the response and you guys were right, dull bit. Sent the dull ones to Nelson, seems like a great fellow by the way, for $8 a piece. Can't beat that! Dian I do keep a bottle trend tool cleaner, works great for the bits an saw blades. Thanks again for all your help.

[fwharris]

Is this the first time and the one and only one it did it on? I would not rule out the bit if you have about 60 hours on it and have been carving oak. Also look at the Y gear box bearings, z encoder, loose Z truck.

Bit sharpening... http://nelcyn.com/ He has posted about sharpening bits.. A few have reported good results.

[badger2424]

No not the first, the pictures are from 2 different carves. Started 3 carves ago. Everything is tight bearing wise and don't know what to do to the encoder except check for dust, none there. Got me baffled.