Virtual Zero

[moccasin]

Hi All – first post here:

I was about to order another brand CNC then read a review where it had some chatter and would only handle ¼” bits in the spindle. The same post recommended an Axiom. The one I was looking at had what they call “virtual zero”. I am currently using my 4x8 Arclight Dynamics Plasma table with a Porter Cable router. Granted, the table was not specifically designed for CNC work but I have turned out some great stuff - IMHO. I notice it most when working with something I cannot surface first – finished stock and Lexan LED edge-lit signs. My primary issue is twofold, dust and the fact it takes the better part of a day to switch over from Plasma to CNC. It doesn’t help that it has a water table so it needs to set for a day to dry out. I use the Plasma a lot and have never cut anything larger than 24 x 48 with the router so I decided to buy a real wood routing table. Is “virtual zero” available for the Axiom line and how important is it? I am aware of G-Code Ripper, that does this but would rather have it incorporated into the software. BTW: I did use the search function looking for this first.

Thanks so much

Moccasin

[traindriver]

Cool projects! If you are referring to the virtual zero feature from Next Wave Automation's machine, no, there is no feature like that on the Axiom. I mainly use hardwoods, and I run them through my drum sander usually to get them flat, so a feature like that wouldn't really help me. I don't think it will be that big of a help once you surface your table. I imagine the polycarbonate sheets are of fairly uniform thickness, so it shouldn't be a big problem. On ordering a CNC - I kept seeing forum posts that said save your money and buy your second router first, so that's what I did, and I'm extremely happy with my choice (AR8 Pro).

[Deleted]

You'll be happy you didn't get the Next Wave Automation machine. The service is terrible, so are the machines, they aren't rigid at all so they need a Virtual zero to be useful but that still doesn't make them anywhere near as useful as a rigid accurate machine like the Axiom. Beside being rigid, each axis needs to be perpendicular to the others so make sure you tram your spindle and as long as all the mechanicals are tight to eliminate backlash you're golden. Where did you get the hydra artwork? Nice work with your current solution, when you have a dedicated machine you'll be cranking out even more.

[aluomala]

Dec 7, 2017 7:32:43 GMT -5 @fean said:

You'll be happy you didn't get the Next Wave Automation machine. The service is terrible, so are the machines, they aren't rigid at all so they need a Virtual zero to be useful but that still doesn't make them anywhere near as useful as a rigid accurate machine like the Axiom. Beside being rigid, each axis needs to be perpendicular to the others so make sure you tram your spindle and as long as all the mechanicals are tight to eliminate backlash you're golden. Where did you get the hydra artwork? Nice work with your current solution, when you have a dedicated machine you'll be cranking out even more.

That's the Targaryen clan sigil (Game of Thrones). Here's one version (vector) for you: link

[Deleted]

Dec 25, 2017 13:50:41 GMT -5 aluomala said:

Dec 7, 2017 7:32:43 GMT -5 @fean said:

Awesome site. Thanks for the link.