CNC Shark Problem: Toolpath Shift/Jump
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 5:17 pm
I have owned the CNC Shark for less than a month and there are some issues that I have been having with my machine.
The machine will Shift/Jump its task in either direct by roughly an inch randomly. When it does this it completely ruins the project and an expensive piece of fine wood. I will press E-Stop on the CNC Control Panel and turn off the router, then have it go back to the "Zero" position. When it goes back to "Zero" you can tell the project completely shifted from its original work area to a new work area roughly an inch in either direction. One particular tool path that I completely recalculate, rename, and save new G-Code always jumps at the same position, same distance, and causes the same damage (Work Area shifts X and Y Axis -1 inch).
This problem has caused damage to clamps, router bits, and wood which all has been expensive to replace. Due to its random nature, it doesn't happen all of the time. We continue to cut our projects with our finger on the E-Stop waiting for the machine to act up so we can react. So far we have been good at stopping the machine before it ruins the project or damages anything.
There is no issue loading G-Code, and there is no issue jogging the machine. The issue is intermittent and is progressively getting worse everyday.
I have tried reinstalling the Control Panel, Updating the Firmware (Again), Updating G-Code with a New Name, Updating a Project by Saving Under a New File Name, Switching Computers, Reformatting SD Card, Unplugging and Plugging USB Cord Back In, Closing the Control Panel After Each Tool Path and Opening for Next Tool Path, Checking the Gantry Guides and Screw Rods (No chips, gunk, or defects), Checking the Screw Rod Guides for Damage, Checking the Wire Connections, and Ensuring the Controller and Power Supply is Free of Dust.
The problem STILL exists after doing everything I just listed above, and it is happening more every day. I see it when it happens, and just continues to run like nothing is wrong with it even though it shifted its work area. I don't understand why it does this.
There is one instance that the problem replicated itself and its cause was a brief power loss where it shifted -Z dramatically. However we have had continuous power fed to the system while cutting projects with the machine and we have gone as far as not doing anything that would cause a sudden surge in power (such as turning on the table saw). The problem still occurs.
My conclusion is that either the controller is faulty or the power supply does not provide continuous uninterrupted power to the controller causing the workspace shift. Does anyone have any input or suggestions on this problem? Should I replace the controller or power supply? Can it be the motors?
The machine will Shift/Jump its task in either direct by roughly an inch randomly. When it does this it completely ruins the project and an expensive piece of fine wood. I will press E-Stop on the CNC Control Panel and turn off the router, then have it go back to the "Zero" position. When it goes back to "Zero" you can tell the project completely shifted from its original work area to a new work area roughly an inch in either direction. One particular tool path that I completely recalculate, rename, and save new G-Code always jumps at the same position, same distance, and causes the same damage (Work Area shifts X and Y Axis -1 inch).
This problem has caused damage to clamps, router bits, and wood which all has been expensive to replace. Due to its random nature, it doesn't happen all of the time. We continue to cut our projects with our finger on the E-Stop waiting for the machine to act up so we can react. So far we have been good at stopping the machine before it ruins the project or damages anything.
There is no issue loading G-Code, and there is no issue jogging the machine. The issue is intermittent and is progressively getting worse everyday.
I have tried reinstalling the Control Panel, Updating the Firmware (Again), Updating G-Code with a New Name, Updating a Project by Saving Under a New File Name, Switching Computers, Reformatting SD Card, Unplugging and Plugging USB Cord Back In, Closing the Control Panel After Each Tool Path and Opening for Next Tool Path, Checking the Gantry Guides and Screw Rods (No chips, gunk, or defects), Checking the Screw Rod Guides for Damage, Checking the Wire Connections, and Ensuring the Controller and Power Supply is Free of Dust.
The problem STILL exists after doing everything I just listed above, and it is happening more every day. I see it when it happens, and just continues to run like nothing is wrong with it even though it shifted its work area. I don't understand why it does this.
There is one instance that the problem replicated itself and its cause was a brief power loss where it shifted -Z dramatically. However we have had continuous power fed to the system while cutting projects with the machine and we have gone as far as not doing anything that would cause a sudden surge in power (such as turning on the table saw). The problem still occurs.
My conclusion is that either the controller is faulty or the power supply does not provide continuous uninterrupted power to the controller causing the workspace shift. Does anyone have any input or suggestions on this problem? Should I replace the controller or power supply? Can it be the motors?