Router is shifting the deeper it goes

[Carlos (Carl)]

This is a job I regularly run on guitar bodies without any issues - same Estlcam file every time. But the last two jobs/runs have ended up leaving uncut ridges which get worse the deeper the Z axis moves; the job before this one ended up with the router taking a dive in the Z direction and bending the router clamps (these, along with associated parts have now been reprinted). I have checked the mpcnc for cracked 3d prints but dont see any but there is a slight wobble on the core:- could this be the issue or is there something else I should check?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

[Tokoloshe (Philipp)]

Try to fix the core, the wobble could lead to it being pulled/pushed, depending on direction, leaving those ridges.

[ttraband (Tom Traband)]

Also check lubrication on the Z lead screws. A lost step or two when rising could cause increasing depth as the job progresses.

[Britt (Britt Percival)]

I would also check the grub screws to see if they have come loose.

[Carlos (Carl)]

Thanks for your advice . I just double checked the core and the clamps - it looks like I may have small cracks on a couple of the clamps. I think I will print all four clamps off again and replace them!

[Carlos (Carl)]

Thanks Tom, good advice! I did that a couple of weeks ago.

[Carlos (Carl)]

Many thanks Britt. I will do this whilst changing the core clamps;-)

[Britt (Britt Percival)]

I had the bottom of the core on my MPCNC crack. I was having similar issues. The only way I saw it was taking it apart and turning it over. Maybe you could use your phone camera to check it.

[Carlos (Carl)]

Hi Britt, Thank you…another good bit of advice …will do!

[Carlos (Carl)]

Ahhh! Found the real issue now:- two of the screws holding the Z axis motor had fallen out and the other two were about to. Mental note to oneself - regularly check Z axis motor screws!!

[ttraband (Tom Traband)]

Sounds like an opportunity for lightweight thread locker.