Help my x-carve keeps starting too low and cutting right away on the edge. I homed the machine, i have all the right depth settings, used the z-probe and still it plunges too deep right away.
The only thing i can think is my macOS update to Mojave is causing an issue 
Maybe I’m forgetting something stupid.
Update. Used manual method for setting the height and zero point. It went okay for a bit but then went too deep by a lot, almost bit into the clamp holder screws underneath the scrap board, also didn’t make any tabs like I had set in easel.
What is going on!!!
Check the pulley set screws on the Z-axis.
The tiny hex set screw on the top? Yep its tight. 
Sounds like a clear sign of lost steps on your Z axis.
Something binding causing it to loose steps upon retraction (=deeper plunge)?
Do Z move in the right direction when you jog all the time? (a broken motor wire/connection will make the motor move but direction will be random)
What are your Z feed / acceleration rates? ($112 and $122 value)
So each time I would use the z-probe then go to run the cut it would just plunge like .2" deep into the wood right away and move over. Then when tried 3 times and failed to get it to begin at the right height I tried setting the z work height manually. Inching the bit down to the top of the material, hit carve. Then it cut mostly well but I didn’t notice it was going so deep past my material, probably about .2" past it. For some reason even tho I selected tabs it cut with none and started binding up and I hit the red button. Most shapes were pretty good though.
I am just really confused. Yes, it moves in the right direction. Don’t think its loosing steps, just think 2 things, 1 the z height is off somehow, maybe I need to re-calibrate it, steps wise maybe, not that I know how or can find a great example of how. Also 2 why are the tabs missing?
Thanks for your help. I’ll post my settings info tomorrow.
I assume that machine is calibrated on distance and say a 10" jog = 10" travel.
If not => X-Carve DIYCNC Router - Calibration of steps/mm - YouTube
The probe issue probably relate to incorrect block thickness used. Running machine setup will make you able to edit that. Measure with a caliper the precise thickness and enter that value.
As to why it go deeper and deeper during carve absolutely = steps lost.
Why two tabs are not carved can be due to the above reason or uneven cut surface / incorrect material thickness entered. 1/2" material is rarely exact 1/2".
You know what I triple checked this and noticed one of them is just spinning and not fastening to the metal and seems as if it’s shaved off a bit of the z bolt. Just need to figure out where i can get new screws and possibly new threaded z bolt.
Thanks it might just be this.
