Surfacing a workpiece

Software / Firmware EstlCAM
1

Hello, I am trying to flatten a workpiece. I want to check with you guys to make sure I am setting the software correct.

I place my desired size in estle cam.
Next I go to my tool. I usually select the first tool, top left. I Set the size to 25.4mm since that is the size of the flattening tool. I set the debt per pass to 1mm to try it out.

Next, I select hole, then pocket. I set the depth to 3mm. On liner I select my tool.

I preview to make sure it cuts how I want, which it does. Shallow passes. I save the gcode to a thumbdrive.

When I place thumbdrive into the touchscreen, I print the file.

My problem is, it dives into the workpiece about an 1/8 of an inch or double everytime. Then starts to flatten once it dives in the 1/8 inch. Im running out of test pieces. I feel I’m missing a step. Just not sure what.

1 Like
2

You need to probe Z and set Z=(probe thickness,).

1mm DOC may be too much, I did mine at 0.5mm/pass using a much smaller bit (1/2")

I found that EstlCAM pocketing left some noticable grooves, even after tramming. Instead I recommend @jamiek 's surfacing g-code generator, as it does all passes in the same direction. Sorry, I can’t post a link at the moment, I’ll try to post it late once I’m back on my computer (currently on my phone)

1 Like
3

https://vector76.github.io/gcode_tpgen/

It sounds like it’s doing what you are telling it to do, isn’t it? Or did I miss something?

With a bit that big, I would be careful about going too deep. If your piece needs a bit of work, you are going to be asking it to do a lot.

4

I think he was using 1 mm/pass, total DOC 3 mm

1 Like
5

ah

I missed that part.

1mm still might be heavy on the first pass, just in case it’s got some pretty unlevel chunks.

If you think it’s doing something it shouldn’t be, post a picture of your tool settings, and toolpath settings, and paste in your gcode.

Generally though, the only time I’ve seen it dive in farther than it “should”, has been a CAM problem, or a “bit too big” problem.

Screenshots and more details will help find out where the error is.

1 Like
6

Ok, When I get back home I will send pictures of my setup and setting. I literally was going to try (.5) tomorrow. That was my next step.

7

One other thing to consider: when you set your Z=0 when probing, it may be that you’re doing that at a low point on the table. That means that when you get to the high spot, you’re actually cutting way more than the depth per pass setting.

Try to determine where the high spot is, and probe at that location.

Another thing, make sure your router is properly trammed. With a bit so large, even a tiny amount of angle will cause grooves in your cut.

1 Like
8

I was going to say the very same thing.

Also…

I agree with this:

1mm is a lot for a bit that big!