I’ve used the 3D function to cut Topographical maps many times with minimal issues. (I had one where the bit seemed to slowly raise throughout the cut, and eventually cut air on larger models, but this ended up being a set screw that needed tightening, and the Z axis tracks needing oiling). Now I’ve got a new issue, but it’s only happening now that I’m cutting a large topographical map. This topographical map takes ~12hrs to rough out on default settings with a 1/4in bit for reference. I’ve lowered all of the settings so it ends up taking ~36hrs to rough out because it’s being cut on hard maple. This does mean the routing is paused for sleeping, eating, etc… usually about 3 to 4 times. The router never moves in the x or y axis during these pauses though. Occasionally, I will notice it cutting a millimeter deeper than it was pre-stop, but that wouldn’t be the cause of my issue, given it seems to be an X axis issue.
Once the roughing is done, without any issues. I swap the bits to a 1/4in ballnose bit without moving the router or work piece, and start the finishing pass after re-probing my Z axis zero. Due to grain orientation, I’m using the Y axis clearing path, so once start the cut, the router will lift slightly, run all the way across to the right hand side of the roughed piece, plunge to full depth, and begin cutting bottom to top.
The issue is that it’s taking off way too much material, which eventually causes the router to be pulled into the middle of the work piece overpowering the motors trying to keep the bit on track. Aside from starting the router a little bit more to the right (somewhere between 0.05in and 0.1in over), I don’t know what to do. Additionally, starting the router to the right has me worried that the finishing pass will be off and leave some of the roughing pass ridges given that’s further right than the roughing pass was.
If anyone has any advice on what to check, or how much I should “cheat” the X axis zero position, and if this might also be an issue in the Y axis once it reaches the top (it’s yet to complete a full Y axis pass without getting yanked off course), please let me know!