Tool markes left in MDF while making one peice MDF doors

[jwrwd]

Hi

I have recently got a CNC for making one piece MDF doors. On the shaker (flat panel) door the are a lot of tool marks left on the flat panel. The larger bit that does the first pass (1 1/2" diameter) leaves lines as it makes it passes. The smaller diameter (1/8") bit that goes around after leaves lines and it is very clear where it cut (often slightly lower of a cut)

I've tired making more passes (which has helped) but still leaves lines. I've made sure all my material is secure, the table has been surfaced as well as varying the speeds and feed rates.

I've also used a small magnetic level to make sure the spindle head is mounter level.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Either machine setup or programming?

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[ger21]

Hard to see in the small pics, but I'd say it's probably a tool length issue.

[jwrwd]

When you say tool length do you mean how far the bit is inserted into the spindle? I try to place it on as far as possible. Am I going to deep?

[ger21]

I mean the Z zero setting is different between tools, so one is cutting deeper than it should.

[skrubol]

The lines from the facing tool probably mean you probably need to tram your spindle. At the least you'll need an indicator holder that you can mount in your spindle. I got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Not a big price difference between the Noga and the off-brands for those. Also of course you'll need an indicator. You'll want to sweep as large a diameter as possible and get the variation in the readings as small as possible by shimming and tweaking.

[jwrwd]

That makes sense. I don't have a automated tool changer so I try to touch the tool off in the exact same place. Any idea on what I could look for to trouble shoot?

[Brad805]

I would look carefully at your Z axis setting. It needs to be very accurate for the cleanup pass not to do what you are seeing. Vortex makes a special bit for a clean bottom mortise too. They have a 0.05" rad at the bottom and this helps a lot. Stock hold down is another common problem. After you clamp your stock down try pressing down your stock all over the part. If you find any movement or hear a noice like the stock hitting the table that will cause endless problems. A vacuum table is much better for this type of work. Before I had my vacuum setup I had far more problem than I do now.

I would not start fiddling with tramming unless you are certain how to do that. I have seen tons of videos of guys doing this without all the correct tools. You can end up spending a lot of time making things no better or even worse.

[WilsonEst]

I've been having the same problem with mine as well. what machine are you using and what kind of bits?

[warrenb]

The lines from the facing tool probably mean you probably need to tram your spindle. At the least you'll need an indicator holder that you can mount in your spindle. I got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Not a big price difference between the Noga and the off-brands for those. Also of course you'll need an indicator. You'll want to sweep as large a diameter as possible and get the variation in the readings as small as possible by shimming and tweaking.

^^^ This ^^^

Tram the head. Not terribly difficult. Though if the table is not level you will have to go through the extra step of getting surface plate, leveling the plate to the XY travel, then tramming to the spindle to the leveled plate, then facing the table.