Hi All,
I'm looking for advice on a problem that I just cannot seem to sort out.
I have a 4x8 CNC router, running Mach3 (recent version), stepper motors, 3 axis, 5hp spindle.
Over the course of, say, 100 cuts, my Z axis is cutting progressively deeper. About .040" Travel up and down on each cut is .500"
Here's what's really stumping me:
It started doing it all of a sudden - no changes to my setup, just randomly started one day.
We cut a lot of the same thing over and over, so these are not new programs.
I've tried to rule out every variable - I can run the program in the air with no problem. I can run it in the air with the spindle and compressor running with no problem. I've tried every combination of things on and off. It only seems to do it when I have "real" material being cut.
My original suspicion was the parallel cable - I haven't replaced it, but I cannot seem to induce an error by moving it, etc. It's not crossing or touching anything with current in it.
I upgraded Mach3 from an old 2.6x version hoping maybe new drivers would help - no change.
I've greased, checked and rechecked all of my mechanical movements - all is smooth, no binding.
So, that's it... I'm stumped. Software? Machine? Angry ghost in my shop? Any Mach3 settings I need to check?
Thanks!
Dave