CncMill
Running A Milling Job ← Older revision Revision as of 12:30, 3 May 2026 (5 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) Line 2: Line 2: == Machine Overview == == Machine Overview == === Hardware specs. === === Hardware specs. === * Modified 3-axis OpenBuilds [https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/c-beam%C2%AE-machine-plate-maker.2020/ C-Beam 'Plate Maker' CNC Router]. This machine is an X/Z gantry with a moving Y-table (bed). The nominal machine travel is X 350mm, Y 280mm, Z 160mm, however the Z clearance (max. work height) is only 60mm, and we loose a bit of X and Y to limit switches etc. so a more realistic workspace is 340 x 240 x 55. The gantry is nom. 480 mm between uprights which limits work overhang off the sides. * Modified 3-axis OpenBuilds [https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/c-beam%C2%AE-machine-plate-maker.2020/ C-Beam 'Plate Maker' CNC Router]. This machine is an X/Z gantry with a moving Y-table (bed). The nominal machine travel is X 350mm, Y 280mm, Z 160mm, however the Z clearance (max. work height) is only 60mm, and we loose a bit of X and Y to limit switches etc. so a more realistic workspace is 345 x 240 x 55 mm . The gantry is nom. 380 mm between uprights which limits work overhang off the sides. * GRBL Control board is [https://github.com/Spark-Concepts/xPRO/wiki CNC xPRO Controller v3] from [https://web.archive.org/web/20200925063008/http://www.spark-concepts.com/cnc-xpro-controller-v3/ Spark Concepts] * GRBL Control board is [https://github.com/Spark-Concepts/xPRO/wiki CNC xPRO Controller v3] from [https://web.archive.org/web/20200925063008/http://www.spark-concepts.com/cnc-xpro-controller-v3/ Spark Concepts] Line 42: Line 42: # Check that there is nothing obstructing Y axis (machine table) movement, or X axis movement across the gantry. # Check that there is nothing obstructing Y axis (machine table) movement, or X axis movement across the gantry. # Check each axis turns freely without rubbing - turn them by the coupler between the motor and the leadscrew. # Check each axis turns freely without rubbing - turn them by the coupler between the motor and the leadscrew. # Check each axis limit switch is secure (black microswitches on white plates at top front of machine, right side front face of gantry, and top front of Z axis assembly. If any of the plates are loose, ask a maintainer for help. # Check each axis limit switch is secure (black microswitches on white plates at top front of machine, right side front face of gantry, and top front of Z axis assembly. If any of the plates or switches are loose, ask a maintainer for help. # Check the spindle collet nut isn't loose - if it is snug it up finger tight. # Check the spindle collet nut isn't loose - if it is snug it up finger tight. Line 68: Line 68: # Load the G-code file into UGS (the "Browse" button in the toolbar of UGS Platform). # Load the G-code file into UGS (the "Browse" button in the toolbar of UGS Platform). # Using the jog controls in UGS, move the cutting head to the appropriate "zero" reference point on your workpiece. This depends on your design's coordinates. Common choices are top center of the workpiece, or top front left corner. # Using the jog controls in UGS, move the cutting tool tip to the appropriate "zero" reference point on your workpiece. This depends on your design's coordinates. Common choices are top center of the workpiece, or top front left corner. # There are two choices here, either zero manually or use the probe module. # There are two choices here, either zero manually or use the probe module. #* Once all three axes are aligned relative to the workpiece, press the "Reset Zero" button. ''N.B.'' be sure not to confuse it with the similarly-labelled "Return to Zero" button; which performs an entirely opposite operation! Very thin smooth paper (e.g. receipt paper) under the bit can be used to check the bit is barely touching the workpiece, or for X and Y try spinning the spindle by hand and check whether or not the bit rubs on the side of the workpiece. You can also zero individual axes one at a time in the DRO window, which can help if you need to pick up on existing features of a part. #* Once all three axes are aligned relative to the workpiece, press the "Reset Zero" button. ''N.B.'' be sure not to confuse it with the similarly-labelled "Return to Zero" button; which performs an entirely opposite operation! Very thin smooth paper (e.g. receipt paper) under the bit can be used to check the bit is barely touching the workpiece, or for X and Y try spinning the spindle by hand and check whether or not the bit rubs on the side of the workpiece. You can also zero individual axes one at a time in the DRO window, which can help if you need to pick up on existing features of a part. #* Probing requires a conductive workpiece (or foil tape on it) or the probe puck. The spindle must first be grounded to the green terminal on the right side of the enclosure and the workpiece or probe puck connected to the yellow terminal. You have to tell the UGS Probing Tool the direction and distance to move the bit when probing and set the tool diameter, and if using the puck, the touch-plate thickness. It will stop when the bit makes contact completing the circuit, and auto-zero the axes you selected to probe. Finally you *MUST* remove the ground clip from the spindle and the probe lead or puck from the work. #* Probing requires a conductive workpiece (or foil tape on it) or the probe puck. The spindle must first be grounded to the green terminal on the right side of the enclosure and the workpiece or probe puck connected to the yellow terminal. You have to tell the UGS Probing Tool the direction and distance to move the bit when probing and set the tool diameter, and if using the puck, the touch-plate thickness. It will stop when the bit makes contact completing the circuit, and auto-zero the axes you selected to probe. Finally you *MUST* remove the ground clip from the spindle and the probe lead or puck from the work. # Jog the cutting tool tip to a safe starting position where it can spin up without touching the work, and wont hit anything moving to the first cut. # Double-check the positioning is correct, and if you're happy, hit the green "Go" button in UGS to start the job. # Double-check the positioning is correct, and if you're happy, hit the green "Go" button in UGS to start the job. #* GRBL now has full control of the spindle speed, so it will start as soon as the G-code program commands it with <code>M3S...</code>. You can stop the spindle at any time by pressing the red STOP button on the VFD, and it wont restart until the G-code stops it with <code>M5</code> and subsequently restarts it. #* GRBL now has full control of the spindle speed, so it will start as soon as the G-code program commands it with <code>M3S...</code>. You can stop the spindle at any time by pressing the red STOP button on the VFD, and it wont restart until the G-code stops it with <code>M5</code> and subsequently restarts it. Line 80: Line 81: === Afterwards === === Afterwards === # Remove cutting bit and put it away. # Power down the machine using the rotary switch. # Remove chip fan, collet, and cutting bit . Brush them clean and put them away . Replace collet nut finger tight . # Remove workpiece holding clamps, studs & etc. and put away, taking care not to loose the M6 reducer bushings. # Remove workpiece holding clamps, studs & etc. and put away, taking care not to loose the M6 reducer bushings. # Power up the machine using the rotary switch. # Brush down machine and vacuum up swarf, chips and dust from the machine and enclosure. Pay particular attention to the Y axis, and under the table, moving it to the back with G53G0Y-240 and back to the front with $HY for access. <br> '''DO *NOT* use any sort of oil, spray lubricant or cleaner &etc. on the C-beams (where the V-wheels run)!''' # Brush down machine and vacuum up swarf, chips and dust from the machine and enclosure. Pay particular attention to the Y axis, and under the table, moving it to the back with G53G0Y-240 and back to the front with $HY for access. <br> '''DO *NOT* use any sort of oil, spray lubricant or cleaner &etc. on the C-beams (where the V-wheels run)!''' # Home the machine then disconnect UGS and the USB cable. # Home the machine then disconnect UGS and the USB cable. Line 173: Line 176: How it's all wired together (motors, control board, spindle drive) How it's all wired together (motors, control board, spindle drive) [[https://wiki.richmondmakerlabs.uk/images/4/4a/CNCRouterWiring.pdf | CNCRouterWiring.pdf]] [[https://wiki.richmondmakerlabs.uk/images/4/4a/CNCRouterWiring.pdf | CNCRouterWiring.pdf]] [[File:CNCmill XProV3.jpg|thumb|GRBL controller terminals]] ===Spindle Control=== ===Spindle Control===