If your machine goes off course or the cuts shift over while cutting, it is called an offset or loss of position. In some cases, the issue will look like a double cut or a "ghost" cut.
Here is an example of an offset:
This issue is most often due to:
- Incorrect firmware settings
- Inadequate clamping and material shifting
- The bit hitting a defect in the material or not clearing material properly (due to incorrect cut settings)
- Aggressive or incorrect cut settings
- Loose motor connection or loose belt tension
- Insufficient greasing or maintenance on the affected axis
To resolve this issue, try these steps:
- Ensure you are using the most up to date firmware: X-Carve Pro Firmware Settings
- Add more clamps or "bump stocks" to ensure material is not shifting side to side
- Ensure the dust collection is adequately removing chips from the work and the dust shoe is not crashing against a clamp: Using the Dust Shoe
- Checking your bit and material cut setting combination are correct
- Power off the controller (at the back of the controller) and check all of the cable connections. The cables should push in to the connectors and twist a couple of times.
- Clean and grease the rails following this guide: X-Carve Pro Maintenance and Service Procedures
Please note, you should only use the grease approved by Inventables. We sell it here.
Once you've gone through these steps above, to avoid wasting material, you can run a test project "in the air" so the machine is moving under 0 load.
Follow these steps to run an air carve:
1. Start by homing your machine and setting up your project as normal.
2. In the "Work Zero" step, select "Manual" and jog the machine over to the XY starting point.
3. Lower the z-axis to lightly mark the material or surface with the bit. Once you've set this point, raise the z-axis about 1", or high enough, so the bit does not touch the material as it moves down.
4. Proceed to the Carve menu and send the project over and let it run to completion or for most of the carve.
5. When the carve ends, check to see if the machine returns to the point you marked in Step 3.
If it returns to the same point, the issue is likely related to aggressive cut settings. You can find additional troubleshooting here: How do I calculate the right cut settings for my bit?
Please make sure you power off the controller (at the back of the controller, not the emergency-stop button) when checking connections and when the machine is not in use.
If you still have issues, please send pictures of the carve, your Easel project, the exact bit you're using and cut settings to help@inventables.com so our Support Team can review.