Bit Dropping During Toolpath

[goldendad]

I gotta be doing something wrong.

I have had the bit drop three separate times over the last week while running tool paths.  

One was a 1/2" end mill and the other 2 were 1/4" end mills.  When the 1/2" happened, I figured I had inserted the bit too far into the collet beyond the slits (not beyond the top of the collet) thus preventing it from getting a proper grip.  

However, with both of the 1/4" bits, they were inserted past the minimum insertion mark but not past the full length of the collet nor beyond the compression slits.  

The Z servo coupling ring did not come loose or move.  It was clear upon observation the bits had fallen about a 1/4"from the depth I had inserted them.  

The bits were tight and required considerable wrench effort to take them out.  All tool settings were conservative and well below the Vetric tool database settings for each.

If anything, I might be guilty of tightening too much but I am not sure how the mechanics of the that would cause bits to drop in the collets during a tool path run.

Collet and nut are ER-20 and bits are Amana.

Operator, collets or nut seem to be the only possibilities. But it happened with 1/2" and 1/4" collets and different 1/4" bits.  That would suggest I am messing up somehow. Usually I know what I did to create some firewood.

Thanks for any suggestions/ideas.

[Bob]

First check to see if the collet and all parts of the clamping system are clean. Sawdust getting packed into the collet can prevent it from closing properly. Check to see if the bit is the same size as the collet. Are you accidentally mixing a metric collet with a non-metric tool? How worn is the tool shank? How worn is the collet jaw? And collet nut? These parts do wear out and must be replaced. How dull are the bits? If any of the collet parts have slipped in the past, it will cause wear. Is there evidence of overheating on any parts or bits?
...Just a few ideas...
One more: Is there lubricant on the bit shank or the collet where it contacts the bit? This can also cause slipping.
Bob

[jgarciaa]

Dec 20, 2023 19:29:17 GMT -5 goldendad said:

I gotta be doing something wrong.

I have had the bit drop three separate times over the last week while running tool paths.  

One was a 1/2" end mill and the other 2 were 1/4" end mills.  When the 1/2" happened, I figured I had inserted the bit too far into the collet beyond the slits (not beyond the top of the collet) thus preventing it from getting a proper grip.  

However, with both of the 1/4" bits, they were inserted past the minimum insertion mark but not past the full length of the collet nor beyond the compression slits.  

The Z servo coupling ring did not come loose or move.  It was clear upon observation the bits had fallen about a 1/4"from the depth I had inserted them.  

The bits were tight and required considerable wrench effort to take them out.  All tool settings were conservative and well below the Vetric tool database settings for each.

If anything, I might be guilty of tightening too much but I am not sure how the mechanics of the that would cause bits to drop in the collets during a tool path run.

Collet and nut are ER-20 and bits are Amana.

Operator, collets or nut seem to be the only possibilities. But it happened with 1/2" and 1/4" collets and different 1/4" bits.  That would suggest I am messing up somehow. Usually I know what I did to create some firewood.

Thanks for any suggestions/ideas.

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with your end mills dropping during tool path runs, despite being securely tightened in the collets. While the problem occurred with both 1/2" and 1/4" collets and different 1/4" bits, it's perplexing given your observation that everything seemed securely tightened. One possibility could be over-tightening, causing the collet to compress excessively and release the bit during operation. Alternatively, it could be worth inspecting the collets and nuts for any signs of wear or damage that could affect their gripping ability. Additionally, ensuring that the collets are clean and free from debris could help maintain a secure grip on the bits. If the issue persists, reaching out to Monport's customer support for further assistance and guidance on troubleshooting could be beneficial. Their expertise in laser products may provide insights into resolving the problem effectively. monportlaser.com/collections/co2-laser-engravers/products/monport-40w-lightburn-ready-12-x-8-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-with-fda-approval?sca_ref=5031521.ka374VZjm3