As you can see from the build picture, there are cables everywhere. I want to get the machine running and use it to mill parts for my enclosure. Moreover, I want to sleeve all the cables with the exception of the one for the spindle.
I just sent G91 G0 X30 and G91 G0 Y30 and measured the distance travel in both direction and they were 30mm. I need to find a way to calibrate the z-axis.
It can easily be calibrated using a dial indicator or a set of calipers or even using a ruler set vertically against the face but if you're using the same screw on the z-axis as the others, it will have the same input value as the others.
First engraving test went well. Initially, the text was inverted. I had to change $3 in the configuration to fix it. I will play with the maker a couple of time before jumping to using bits.
I have been able to get grbl to turn my spindle on and off. However, the spindle runs at the maximum rpm. Issuing the command S8000 has no effect on the speed at all. I will be glad if I can get some assistance to in setting up grbl to control the speed of the spindle. I am using bCNC. Moreover, I have attached the wiring diagram from my controller board (Phoenix) to the VFD below.
I connected a 1K remote potentiometer, with the VFD 10v to one leg of the pot, VI to the Wiper Center leg and other leg to ACM. I was able to control the speed using the potentiometer with PD001 = 1 and PD002 = 1. However, once I hook up the VI and ACM to the phoenix CNC controller board, I am unable to control the spindle speed. It seems the VFD is not the problem. The problem might be the CNC controller or grbl settings. I will be glad if anyone can help with fix this issue.
Awesome wasteboard! I attempted to do the same thing but I damaged my t-tracks when trying to enlarge the screw holes. Mine were drilled for some strange size countersink screws that I didn't have.
I'm still trying to figure out a near perfect solution to work holding. Actually, if I would have done research begore I bought my cast tooling plate, I would have bought a cast aluminum t-slot plate. I see them on eBay but they're really spendy.
I just did something similar. I put 8 48 inch t tracks 2.75 inches apart on my work surface. I too have been trying to come up with the "perfect" clamping solution. This should help.
This is the current state of my CNC. I am using a spring loaded pen to test and calibrate the machine. Also, I am using ESTLCAM with an Arduino Uno since the spindle control does not work on the phoenix controller.
I remember you saying something about your Phoenix controller having issues. Do you like the arduino? Your test looks good dude! I bet you could test cut something. You should try cutting HDPE cutting boards with a single flute cutter. Literally zero effort for the machine.
Did you calibrate your steps per mm? Like tell the machine to move X axis so far and measure actual moved distance?
I have done that. But, I will do it once again. I bought a digital indicator to help with calibrate the whole CNC. I am putting together a dust collection system. These the items I am using. High Efficiency Dust Separator, 12 in. dia, with 2.5 in hose, 36 in. long 5 gal. Homer Bucket 12 Gal. 5.0-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac with Tumbler Dust Shoe I have a shop vac but it is not as powerful as the one listed above. I hope to sell it and use the funds to purchase the 12 gal one. The above is another drawing. Once I get the dust collection system in place, I will do some test cuts.
I decided to re-calibrate my X and Y axes and also optimize my ESTLCAM settings. Machine was able to draw this Mickey Mouse with no issue.
That's pretty cool dude. I've never done anything like that but have wanted to try it. I think I've seen people use spring loaded pen holder devices for whatever reason although you seem to be doing fine with it chucked up.
Is it a purchased pen holder, or a 3D print with files available. Recently, I have been using one I printed from this this file, but it is not the best for drawing small circles. It is this one:
That is way to easy and brilliant. My problem is I stumble across things on thingiverse I really didn't know I needed until I saw one. That was how I ended up with an overly complicated pen mount.
This is my simple solution. Once I get a 3d printer, I will go with a different solution. This has helped me to calibrate the feedrate and accelerate in ESTLCAM. My machine was skipping some steps during some drawing.
I just finished my first mill on my CNC. In as much as everything went smooth, there is a slight issue with the part I milled. As indicated in the picture, the part marked is not vertically straight as the other parts. What could be the cause of this? The machine bed is not level yet. Could this be the issue? Thanks.
I try surfacing a piece of MDF to test a new bit I bought. It seems some layers are slightly higher than others after surfacing. Any clue what the issue might be? Thanks
I think, looking at your picture, you're going to need to do some "Tramming". i.e. Either your spindle, your X-axis, your Z-axis, or all three, are not square to the bed. You need to get out your best and most accurate squares and have a check.