Project cuts very small, not to scale.

[mmitchell]

Hi and I hope someone can help.  I have a Pro V-6 and am running v-carve pro.  For some reason all my files are running but cut very very small, I mean a template that should be 20” tall is now just an inch.  When I run files on the PC the previews all look normal.  Files that once ran fine now cut very small.  I’ve tried reformating my thumb-drives, resetting my machine a number of times, please help   

[eagle55]

Maybe if you could articulate a little more information might be helpful. Like when did you last successfully fun a file that cut right? When did the problem of scaling first happen? Was there an occasion when you went i to the menu key where the programing of the controller is? (I’m not that familiar with all the various programming functions, but suspect that there is a scaling function that may have been inadvertently changed with out noticing… but I think you might have had to go into the controller program to do it even though it might have been done by accident). While I wait for those answers, I will look at the manual and see if I can spot what value might have been changed.

[eagle55]

Ok, I didn’t see a setting in the controller (not saying its not there). But hearing more of what happened from the time it ran right until the time it was messed up. Maybe someone with more experience will answer with some suggestions.

[joeblow]

First place I would look is in your V Carve file…did you inadvertently switch from designing in imperial to metric?

A 20” design accidentally set to 20mm will yield a cut of approx. .79”. Dang close to that 1” finished cut you referred to.

[mmitchell]

So I went back and checked all the settings, for sure everything is set to inches.

The last time is worked was a few days ago, the machine sat unpowered. When I discovered it not running correctly I restarted (full power cycle) the machine, still no effect, still cut very small. I changed our my thumbdrive with a freshly formatted drive, no effect. Then I pulled-up a program I ran a week ago with no issues, put it on a new thumbdrive, no change, still ran small.

As I sit and rack my brain and re-read your comments I do recall V-Carve popped-up a window saying, “your toolbase is out of date, do you want to update?” I did check “yes”. But I think, not sure I ran a successful cut after the update….

[mmitchell]

Quick update…. I deleted the updated tool database and reloaded my orginal database. No change, its still no change. The machine still cuts very very small

[jrg]

Yool database wouldn't affect your cutting size as it just keeps track of your tools. Check your Post Processor and make sure it didn't get changed to metric.

[eagle55]

I believe the “metric” post processor is the only one available. I use it and design in inches all the time. It works (yeah I didn’t think it would either, but it does.)

[mmitchell]

YAHOO, I got it working. Eagle55, when you mentioned Post Processor I dove into that, somehow, and I don’t know how, the post processor had changed to something totally random. I switched it back to the correct PP and the machine works again.

Thank you all for your help.

[eagle55]

Actually it was jrg that mentioned the post processor. I was just challenging his comment about inch vs metric post processor. I thought I had to have an inch post processor. The Next Wave Automation Shark that I have had both and it kind of messed with my mind when I was told that I need to use the Metric one even with me working in inches. That just shows the value of brainstorming and teamwork in finding problems. Accumulated there is a lot of experience available on the forum (even as quiet as it is a times) Glad enough was said to get you where the problem was. We all learn by the problems others have. Actually you were fortunate that it didn't turn out much worse. Instead of shrinking the movements greatly, what if you had accidentally seleceted one that went the other direction and drove the bit down into the bed with no intention of stopping! 🙁

[jgarciaa]

Jan 20, 2024 22:39:39 GMT -5 mmitchell said:

Hi and I hope someone can help.  I have a Pro V-6 and am running v-carve pro.  For some reason all my files are running but cut very very small, I mean a template that should be 20” tall is now just an inch.  When I run files on the PC the previews all look normal.  Files that once ran fine now cut very small.  I’ve tried reformating my thumb-drives, resetting my machine a number of times, please help   

Certainly! It seems like you're encountering an issue where files cut much smaller than expected on your Pro V-6 CNC machine despite appearing normal in previews on your PC with V-carve Pro. To troubleshoot, first, check the toolpath settings in V-carve Pro to ensure correct dimensions. Verify machine calibration and material setup match actual dimensions. Confirm software compatibility and file transfer processes. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Monport's technical support or V-carve Pro's support team for further assistance in resolving the problem. 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