[One of Many]

This must be an R8 spindle? The power drawbar is only engaged when the quill is all the way up. That is the way it is , so it is working as designed. You do not want the power drawbar engaged with the spindle on. Drop the quill to disengage it before starting the spindle.


In the main menu, you will see a HDW F-key. Within this mode you can lower the head with the selected Z-axis using the Handwheel. Each HDW detent distance step rate can be set with the feed rate knob. This helps to give rapid or fine feed control in setups and quick milling without actually programming.

The Jog screen has similar functions, but can be controlled by the desired distance for each key press using the number keys as pictured in the graphics jog screen. You can zero out each axis in these mode too. Using the DIST key for point to point with feedrate control allows power feed in all axis.

In a programmed mode. You do have a lot of Z travel, but this is associated with the tool length offset. If you request a move in Z but get an error knowing the cutter should reach and the Z looks to have room to travel, the tool length setting can prevent a move it views as out of limits. It may just be the wrong tool offset or it is too close to the soft limits. With this machine, I'd expect that more in a positive Z, but it is something to be aware of. More of a newb learning curve, but it catches me every now and then. All be that on a different model machine.

The Z-tool (in HDW or JOG modes) is best done with the handwheel for better control. You can get close, drop the cutter to the top of material with the quill, the press SET Z or Z-tool(can't recall what that was off hand) and follow the prompts for cutter number and diameter. Although cutter diameter could be left at .000 if your cam software offsets for you. Coversational programs will need the cutter diameter set. After Z-zero is set for tool 1, do not move the quill again. All remaining tools must be set with the HDW against a tool setter or paper shim on top of the material, or the same surface as tool 1. Successive tools are/should always set in relation to tool 1.

As a word of caution. Whenever possible, get in the habit of using the mill with the quill at least an inch down(maybe 2") and locked and no top quill stop set. If there is a crash in the Z direction, the quill will be pushed up without doing immediate damage and this may also give you a chance to pull the quill up in an emergency condition during X and Y moves.

You really should get the operators/programming manual for this machine. It has a lot more details to keep you from developing bad habits that could risk the health of the machine. If you do not already have them, Maintenance manuals and schematics are a wise investment too.

DC