1F missing steps and going off course (solved, too many nodes)

Original/PRO Series (Buildbotics) (Gen 1)
1

I need a bit of help here and I hope I can explain.

I’m making a small jewelry box. I have the lid finished and am trying to do the bottom box.

I’m running a profile path around a vector using a 1/4 DC end mill.

It starts out fine, but about 1/2 way around the first pass (there will be two), things go wonky (is that a word)

sounds like it is skipping steps or binding up.

this is a link to the video showing the problem.

The profile toolpath shows conventional (clockwise) but the video shows it going counter clockwise

Screenshot 2026-01-01 163046
Screenshot 2026-01-01 163046348×753 56.2 KB

Not sure what other information would help with this.

Thank you

Mike

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2

I am also wondering if my speed may be to fast for the machine to keep up with all the curves?

I currently have it set to 200 IPM, maybe reduce it by 100?

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3

Have you run the gcode through one of the online simulators to make sure there is no coding issue to start?

4

Yes it works just fine in the simulation of Vectric vcarve pro.

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5

I always thought vcarve did write the gcode till the end when you are actually saving as you can change your machine settings at the very end but I might be wrong. I usually use something like NC Viewer // GCode Viewer and Machine Simulator where you throw the code file in. Im sure its not that but its a good place to start.

Looking at your video I dont think 200IPM is too high I typically run my elite at 190 when I use a .25” end mill. Plus in your video you are doing an air carve which is much less stress on the machine so I doubt thats an issue. Have you tried another file with a larger shape to see if the issue persists? Would be able to tell if the size of the issue scales or not.

Otherwise Ill let others chime in with their ideas.

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6

Sounds like some binding going on

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7

I did try moving my work piece to a different location and I get the same results.

If it was a machine or ball screw binding at a certain place that should have changed the results.

However I get the same resuts.

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8

There could be 2 different things causing this on BB Buildbotics controlled machines:

  1. File issue. To test, run this test file: Having issues with your machine? Run this test file (Circle, Square, Diamond)
  2. File issue. Check node view: Losing Steps on Tight Curves or Arcs? Here’s Why the BB Controller Struggles With Heavy Node Counts (FAQ)
  3. Hardware issue. Go through this FAQ: Troubleshooting: Rail is getting hung, stuck, grinding, or moving in opposite direction
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9

So I have solved my issues.
I did use the “fit curves” in node editing, I also changed direction to “climb instead of conventional”
The last thing I did was slow down my IPM to 100 instead of 200.
I then took a scrap piece of wood and tried my toolpaths.
Everything went as it should, no missed steps and no binding.
I really didn’t think it was something wrong with my machine.

I believe it was #2 on your list. Tight curves and heavy Node counts.

Thank you all for the help.
I always learn something with every job, Just hope I can remember it all :slight_smile:

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