Z axis drops at the beginning of the project

I have the original 1F woodworker and controller. The issue I’m having is that when i start a file the Z will drop a couple of MM on its way to the first position to start the peoject in doing so it carves a groove into the surface.

I use Carbide Create and asked in the forums there because i thought it might me a G code issue but several people looked at the file i used and said nothing in the file is making it do that.

A few months ago the joypad started making my Z go up or down drastically when the joypad disconnected from the controller.

I feel like this has something to do with the controller.

Has anyone had this issue before? I am using the makita router.

Hey James,

sounds like the Z axis plunge issue. Maybe this and this will help you.

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Its possible its a wiring issue but i have checked them already with a multimeter. I also have had a drag chain setup for the last few years and no longer use the Z curly cable.

it is unlikely that it is the controller; when such errors were reported, it was always a cable or connector issue. Sometimes a multimeter doesn’t help as the error may be present in one moment and have disappeared in the other. It seems you have wrong signals on the stepper, so I would check the cables and connectors by replacing or exchanging them.

It could also be a EMI issue because the Onefinity stepper cables are not shielded. Heavy sources of EMI are the router’s carbon brushes (over the air, by design), or a not properly shielded, grounded and bonded spindle/VFD (or machine). See spindle cable and spindle cable). But I would think of the stepper motor cables or connectors first.

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You have a good point. It only happens in the first few seconds of a project starting and im unable to check the wiring then.

EMI could definitely be an issue.