Text Carving Errors

[06Nomad]

Can someone help me figure out what I am doing wrong.

I attached a picture of some Times New Roman text. Notice how the longer strokes (like the vertical strokes of "I" and "T") are flared out at the center. I have tried numerous similar texts with the same results. I have not tried converting the text to curves yet. That might be a way to work around this problem, but I shouldn't have to do that.

The preview image looks great. The screws are all clean and lubed.

Any ideas out there?
Thanks,
James

[tonydude]

Have you checked the couplings to make sure they are all tight?

Tony

[BobA]

James ,

It does look like your tool is moving.
You are sure everything is tight?
Is this something that has just started?

Other elements to consider:
1. Sharp tooling pulling router
2. Excessive Feed Rate
3. Excessive Depth of Cuts
4. Play in router spindle
5. Something loose or moving in X axis

Bob

[jeb2cav]

What toolpath type and cutter are you using in this project?

[06Nomad]

Have you checked the couplings to make sure they are all tight?

Tony

Thanks everyone.

Yes, it was the Z coupling. I tightened/lubed everything, including it but it slipped back again. There is quite a bit of play in them and I have them as tight as I can go without stripping them. Can I get replacement couplings at a hardware store? How long do those motors last?

[jeb2cav]

Here's a good post on tightening the coupler and some ideas on alternatives - http://cncsharktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1422

I think Bob mentions this, but heavier duty coupler alternatives can be found from McMaster-Carr as well as Ungra CNC.