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Post by ricphoto on Feb 10, 2018 15:29:30 GMT -5
Just assembled up my A8 Pro+ and I'm trying hard not to get angry...at the extremely frustrated stage now.
As mentioned in another thread I'm a CNC virgin and I found during the assembly process this "manual" is sorely lacking in many respects...from little things (puck what puck?...and it plugs in where? Make sure stand cross pieces are horizontal not vertical...) to fairly critical (actual set-up steps/proceedure).
I just turned on the machine for the 1st time and went looking for the REF/OK button mentioned in the instructions to choose the "home all" function and noticed I don't have that button on my B18...tried just the OK button but no joy...nothing...ok a little further down the page it says you can use the ZRN button as an alternative...opps...Don't have that button either... Only thing that is clear is the statement the "a HOME operation MUST be performed before any other function"...
OK...Thought I'd just head out to YouTube U and see what set up videos they have on the Axiom channel...hmmm all the videos are marketing and accessories / upsell...no walk throughs or set-up videos...Nothing of any substance when you're trying to get your machine up and running...
Being the weekend I don't expect any answer to my support query soon so I guess I'll just sit and stare at my $11k paperweight...I'll just tell my wife I decided to watch the Olympics instead of setting up my new toy/tool...yeah right
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Post by arsystems on Feb 10, 2018 17:22:41 GMT -5
On the back of the gantry on the left side when looking at the machine straight on, there is a hole for a plug. The puck is the little aluminum puck shaped piece with a wire attached to it. The wire plugs into that hole, this allows you to set your z zero.
The OK button on mine is bottom left button. Not sure what it is on that one. Soon as machine starts it will likely ask if you want to home all axis, just press ok once and it should do it.
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Post by savannahdan on Feb 10, 2018 17:34:24 GMT -5
I looked at the new Axiom AR8 manual and the picture for the B18 controller isn't very good. I searched the Rico site and found it but it only let me magnify the picture but not copy it. arsystems is correct, the OK button is the lower left button and should do what you need. Make sure you have it connected correctly and tightly. I noticed you posted on the Vectric Forum. Just keep plugging at things. You'll get there and that's when the fun starts.
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Post by ricphoto on Feb 10, 2018 18:10:29 GMT -5
Thanks Guys...
I just heard from Chad which was a nice surprise on a Sat...He explained that the controller had been updated/renamed like you guys said but not the manual...said he'd get me a newer version of one of those...Also said that the coupler was not one of the things they checked before shipping and he'd get me one of those out ASAP...thinking the lack of a set screw was probably/most likely causing the lack of response.
Sorry for all the venting but I'm sure you can relate to wanting to get going...
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Post by arsystems on Feb 10, 2018 19:22:49 GMT -5
Thanks Guys... I just heard from Chad which was a nice surprise on a Sat...He explained that the controller had been updated/renamed like you guys said but not the manual...said he'd get me a newer version of one of those...Also said that the coupler was not one of the things they checked before shipping and he'd get me one of those out ASAP...thinking the lack of a set screw was probably/most likely causing the lack of response. Sorry for all the venting but I'm sure you can relate to wanting to get going... Had some initial issues with mine as well, VERY frustrating when you pay that much and all you want to do is get it going. Chad is very helpful, and it will be going before you know it! |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2018 9:52:23 GMT -5
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Post by savannahdan on Feb 11, 2018 10:41:01 GMT -5
The Powermatic manual is more detailed but it covers the A11. I downloaded it just to have the additional resource. I also got a copy of the A11E manual but I feel one has to be careful in case some of what is in the manual may not be the way Axiom has it configured. Again, another resource. You can put up a lot by watching the videos other folks make. The latest Vectric project by Michael Tyler has a video and in it are some things you might want to consider. First, when you're changing bits put something soft (rag, foam mouse pad, etc.) on the table below it to catch it. Another is using screws in the project board as a hold-down. Clamps are nice but sometimes the power of the screws can't be beat. I just make sure I use a large enough board in order to keep my bits away from the screws. As to dust collection, I am a firm believer in the cyclone. I just received a larger one to add to my dust collector. I've been using one with my Shop Vac and it's amazing the amount of dust that goes into the waste can below the cyclone and how little goes into the vac's filter. MDF can make some killer projects but it also generates some killer dust. Wear your earphone/earplugs, eye protection and dust mask/respirator.
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Post by ricphoto on Feb 11, 2018 10:42:39 GMT -5
THANK YOU!!! Much better...appreciate the link... |
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Post by ricphoto on Feb 11, 2018 10:51:55 GMT -5
The Powermatic manual is more detailed but it covers the A11. I downloaded it just to have the additional resource. I also got a copy of the A11E manual but I feel one has to be careful in case some of what is in the manual may not be the way Axiom has it configured. Thanks for the heads up Dan...I'll keep an eye out for those differences...Initial impressions are that it's got a lot more of the type of detail I need and was looking for... I've been watching so many videos lately that my wife has begun to wonder...I just tell her I'm watching "wood porn" ;-) |
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Post by keng288 on Oct 12, 2018 7:09:57 GMT -5
I feel your pain, been watching the Vectric videos and trying to make sense out of the Axiom AR8 manual, leaves a lot to be desired ( not at all like the Epilog laser manuals). Going to fire it up for the 1st time today and cut the spoil boards. Worse it can do is tear up the boards or a tool. Wish me luck, and best of luck to you
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Post by laflippin on Nov 25, 2018 13:54:22 GMT -5
ricphoto,
Like many others, I was completely underwhelmed by the crappy printed user manual that came with my Axiom AR8 Pro+ in October, 2018. I had exactly the same set of confidence-deflating issues with the discrepancy between the manual descriptions versus the actual keypad buttons on the controller and I also had to get in touch with Axiom support to sort out these very basic issues.
I noticed that Chad told you back in February 2018 that "he would get a newer version of the manual to you". But, last time I looked at the user manual on-line at Axiom's website (a few weeks ago) I noticed that it seems to be the exact same version that I have--that is, the outdated one that mentions using the REF/OK button (don't have one) and the ZRN button (don't have one).
I was just wondering, did Axiom ever follow through with their promise to get you an updated manual? I also hope someone can shed more light on the advisability (or not?) of using the Powermatic manual discussed above as a surrogate for a decent Axiom manual.
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Post by laflippin on Dec 6, 2018 15:48:17 GMT -5
Sorry to quote and re-post my own unanswered questions about the Axiom AR Pro+ series user's manual, but I am getting the uncomfortable feeling that Axiom support has let the User Manual issue fall completely through the cracks. There's nothing especially difficult about correcting discrepancies in the manual to reflect what is on the controller keypad, but the rest of the Axiom manual is barely informative and I'm guessing at this point that a comprehensive User's Manual is not really on their radar screen. I suppose that traveling to Ohio for a training course might be an alternative to the User Manual concept but personally I do think the company should feel responsible enough to its clients to provide a high quality manual along with its high quality machine. Nov 25, 2018 at 10:54am Quote Post by laflippin on Nov 25, 2018 at 10:54am ricphoto, Like many others, I was completely underwhelmed by the crappy printed user manual that came with my Axiom AR8 Pro+ in October, 2018. I had exactly the same set of confidence-deflating issues with the discrepancy between the manual descriptions versus the actual keypad buttons on the controller and I also had to get in touch with Axiom support to sort out these very basic issues. I noticed that Chad told you back in February 2018 that "he would get a newer version of the manual to you". But, last time I looked at the user manual on-line at Axiom's website (a few weeks ago) I noticed that it seems to be the exact same version that I have--that is, the outdated one that mentions using the REF/OK button (don't have one) and the ZRN button (don't have one). I was just wondering, did Axiom ever follow through with their promise to get you an updated manual? I also hope someone can shed more light on the advisability (or not?) of using the Powermatic manual discussed above as a surrogate for a decent Axiom manual. Read more: axiomprecision.proboards.com/thread/580/trying-hard-angry-more-frustrated#ixzz5YwDOYhcv |
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Post by dharris2488 on Dec 9, 2018 11:11:39 GMT -5
I'm in the same boat as OP, just installed my AR8+ on Thursday and STILL HAVE NOT been able to fly cut my spoilboard. I've pulled the puck out, set my Z, then go to run the program that comes in the control to fly cut, and the Z rises back up to about 5" off the table!!! SO FRUSTRATED and my wife is doing the same thing, why aren't you running your new machine? Is it broken? Severely frustrated right now...
David
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Post by laflippin on Dec 9, 2018 11:40:28 GMT -5
dharris,
In your case I do suggest that you call Axiom. You will probably get a voicemail menu offering to connect you with either sales or technical help---obviously you try for tech help first, but I have found that Axiom is such a small group of people that I can sometimes get ahold of the tech guy (Chad McCarty) by opting for the sales line, if no one is answering the tech line. Chad seems to wear several hats at the company.
If you do get ahold of him, he is pretty good about staying engaged with your technical issue and talking you through possible solutions. I'm not sure that anyone will answer the phones on a Sunday, but give it a try and leave lots of messages. If you don't get a call-back by Monday morning, call 'em a few more times.
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Post by dharris2488 on Dec 9, 2018 13:43:29 GMT -5
dharris, In your case I do suggest that you call Axiom. You will probably get a voicemail menu offering to connect you with either sales or technical help---obviously you try for tech help first, but I have found that Axiom is such a small group of people that I can sometimes get ahold of the tech guy (Chad McCarty) by opting for the sales line, if no one is answering the tech line. Chad seems to wear several hats at the company. If you do get ahold of him, he is pretty good about staying engaged with your technical issue and talking you through possible solutions. I'm not sure that anyone will answer the phones on a Sunday, but give it a try and leave lots of messages. If you don't get a call-back by Monday morning, call 'em a few more times. Thank you for the advice laflippin... I'd really like to see this machine create some chips/dust. I have a few msg's in with Chad and will continue to try and reach him. I need him to go over a few things with me and then I can take it from there. I'm glad they created this forum so I don't feel like i'm out in left field all by myself. I will continue to be patient and wait for a response by tomorrow morning at latest. |
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Post by laflippin on Dec 9, 2018 18:40:54 GMT -5
I've got one other bit of general advice, based on a half-year of experiences with the New Wave Automation forum (my first cnc was a Piranha) and more recently with the Axiom forum (since buying an AR8 Pro+ in early November): Join the Vectric forum! (Assuming, of course, you purchased Vectric software or use with your Axiom machine).
The membership at the VF is very, very large and there are a number of outstanding and highly experienced CNC users there, with all kinds of machines represented. Although some types of problems may be very specific to the exact machine you own... many are not and I believe that the combined range and depth of experience you can find at the Vectric Forum is, in general, much better than you can find at any machine-specific forum. Additionally, since Axiom seems to be a well-regarded turnkey series of CNC machines, even though the company is only about 4 years old you'll now find a growing number of Axiom owners actively engaged at the Vectric Forum.
To be clear, I am not casting aspersions on this forum (or NWA's)… As a newbie myself, it is clear that more access to expert advice is always better than limiting one's self to less expert advice.
By the way, it is not actually mandatory (in my case, at least) to run the fly-cutter program to hone the surface of your spoil board before starting to use the machine for projects...I didn't bother to re-surface the spoil board and I've made a few very nice ZVIP wood inlay projects on mine since getting it set up about a month ago. Being lazy, my reasoning was...as long as my actual projects look completely satisfactory to me, I'll put off the fly-cutter routine until such time as I believe that I need it. So far, so good.
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lesad
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Post by lesad on May 8, 2019 9:26:14 GMT -5
I just expressed these exact same issues yesterday. I feel so much better that I am not alone in my frustrations. I am thankful for the link to the controller from another machine as it looks like what I need. My problem with calling axiom for help is that they are open the same hours I work away from home.  this post lets me know I am not a complete doofus for being lost. LOL |
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Post by buildswithbrian on May 29, 2019 16:35:44 GMT -5
as a total cnc virgin (newbie), there is quite a substantial learning curve.... trust me, most of us here know this.
between the operation & set-up of the machine, and also learning the software, it can get frustrating.
take it a step at a time, after all consider there are people that do this whole cnc thing as a job, its a real skill your teaching your-self.
hang in there and enjoy, but remember to be patient, it take time.
and don't forget to post questions here on the forum when you get stuck...
a lot of good guys here are willing to help.
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Post by Axiom Tool Group on May 30, 2019 8:22:18 GMT -5
I just expressed these exact same issues yesterday. I feel so much better that I am not alone in my frustrations. I am thankful for the link to the controller from another machine as it looks like what I need. My problem with calling axiom for help is that they are open the same hours I work away from home. this post lets me know I am not a complete doofus for being lost. LOL Lisa, we are available beyond the hours which we are in the office. Our support team is available after hours and over the weekend. Please feel free to give us a call when needed. You may need to leave a voice mail message but those messages transfer to our cellphones and we do our best to get in touch as quickly as possible. |
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this post lets me know I am not a complete doofus for being lost. LOL
