Loss of detail in finish pass

Hello all,

I am new to the CNC world and recently purchased my Probotix comet. My issues when I am working on a finishing path for a 3D program I lose the detail. The items is a 3D set of cards for a royal flush and the detail i am loosing is the spades and the 10- A on each card. The Spades are very light and the letters and numbers are not even cut. The last attempt was using a Ball Nose Bit at 0.125 in diameter for my finish cut with a step over of 5%. This was lowered from a .0125 with a 12% step over.

Does anyone have any suggestions what I am doing incorrect?

Using the same setup I was able to complete a 3D beer glass with foam and it turned out ok with the depth.

Thanks in advance.

I thought about the loss of Z steps but I agree being that consistent would be unlikely.

I think you maybe right as to the issue is in the Cam but not sure what I would be looking for in the G-code to show the relief. This is my setup for completing the code.

Roughing Tool Path:

End Mill 0.25
Pass Depth 0.125
Step over 0.05 = 40%
Spindle speed 16000 rpm
Feed Rate 100.00
Plunge Rate 30.0
Machining Allowance 0.1
Raster Angle 45
Rapid Clearance 0.2

Finishing Tool Path:

Ball Nose 0.125
Pass Depth 0.125
Step over 0.0063 = 5%
Spindle speed 16000 rpm
Feed Rate 100.00
Plunge Rate 30.0
Raster Angle 45
Rapid Clearance 0.2

Those are the settings I am using in my tool path g-code creation. I am using VectorArt 3D Machinist then importing it into Vectric Cut2d.

finishing passes are usually around 20% or less than the standard pass both in depth and step over
they are meant to bring item to final size , by being literally a hairs depth etc ,

this is meant to correct for tool flex and for finish

you are cutting to the same depth as normal passes

also if possible show a before and after picture would help diagnose

Ok so cncbasher your saying I should be doing more like this?

Roughing Tool Path:

End Mill 0.25
Pass Depth 0.125
Step over 0.05 = 40%

Finishing Tool Path:

Ball Nose 0.125
Pass Depth 0.15
Step over 0.0063 = 5%

Or should my finish step over be more like 47%

I can make these adjustments and post pictures tonight.

Ok so image 1520 was my first attempt and the spades are recessed very little.

Now image 1519 is the second attempt with the settings previously posted and they still are recessed very little.

For my third attempt I changed settings by 20% like recommended and they are almost not even visible and do not show up in a picture.

Does anyone have any advice?

Image 1519

Image 1520

Hello all,

I am back at it this morning trying it again. I have gain some detail but only by going backwards to my original start settings.

This is what it should look like.