z axis settings help needed!

[Scoyle7832]

Hi,

So we have the Planet-CNC USB software up and running and we have the new limits installed, the old Larken CNC router table has come to life. Now I'm having some problems setting the plunge depth of the router head.

Z0 is at the TOP of the router travel
Z-13.5 is at the bottom of the router travel (with Z each full 1unit = 1/4in)


we have a built in Tool Length Sensor located at X:60.5, Y:49 that the table can hit every time from home - thanks for the calibration help on that one guys.

Now, when I insert text for cutting, the safe travel height in the software is set to -9 Material Height is set to 4 (1in) is this right or should it be negative?

I'm missing something here, but I don't know what. Any help would be appreciated.

[-Chris-]

We have a multi cam router at my place of employment,I'm not an operator of this machine but i know that you should have to set the tool lengths your home position for X & Y and set the top of your stock to be cut. for each and every new thickness material you cut.Now i also know that on our router your cutting material with any positive z value and rapiding with all neg z values witch sounds like maybe what you've got but you don't give any info about your controller or machine type -Chris-

[Phife]

Z home is at the top of the Z travel, Z 0 is the tool tip at the surface of the material typically sometimes Z 0 is the tool tip at the table surface.

A Positive Z value would be the tool in the material and a Negative Z value is above the material.

So for a safe Z travel you want something like -0.25 so the tool is 0.25" above the material, or whatever height you need to clear any hold down clamps..