Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

When trying to cut a outside frame The cutter does not line up with the part. I'm using a 1 2 3 block to trace around the shape. The tool path will be off in both the X and Y directions but not in both plus and minus directions. I also have pictures of the track and pictures of my screen where I set up the frame. I have tried using the center as my orientation and have tried the corners. I just checked the steps per revolutions and I am with in about 8 thousand.

This is likely an error setting your Part Zero location.

After you have set your X and Y axis part zeros, then jog Z just clear of the surface, and use the F3/MDI prompt to run: Does the tool (spindle centerline) line up over where you thought you set part zero?

Yes, everything lines up and tracks right in both axis.

carl,
hello.
which way does the table move when you press x+ jog key

The tables moves to the left with the pendant x+, mdi x+ and x+ on the panel.

Okay, let's revisit your original description of the issue.

The tool path will be off in both the X and Y directions but not in both plus and minus directions.

Is the frame that the tool traces:
1) Too large or too small in X and/or Y?
2) Off center in X and/or Y?

It would help if you would post a copy of the Intercon program (.icn file from c:\intercon) and the posted CNC program (.cnc file from c:\cncm\ncfiles).

A screen shot of the F8/Graph preview screen would also help. Unlike the runtime graphics display in your above picture, the F8/Graph screen has rulers at the left and bottom, so you can see the toolpath size and position.

Also: if you run this same program repeatedly, does it repeatably trace the same path? Or does it move farther and farther away from your intended part?

I'm using a 123 block. I'm also using a 90 degree 3/8 chamfer as the tool to trace around the 123 block. I have tried to set the frame up with the orientation in the middle of the block and also used the lower left corner. I get similar results.

Do you have cutter comp turned on in the wrong direction? Posting your Intercon file would let us see.

I'll post some more pics tomorrow. I thought maybe there was an old cutter com code in there somewhere so I inserted a cutter comp off command at the beginning. And this afternoon I also wrote a very crude g code program to follow the 123 block. Started with a g91 and then with all the normal movements. It work fine.

Posting the requested files and picture. The answer to the question is that the issues will repeat every time it runs.
Would it be possible to send a screen shot of how you would set up using the canned cycles menu. Basically I go to the cam tab, select insert tool, then cycles and outside frame. Then fill in the appropriate information. I really think I am doing something a little wrong when I am doing this.