Running GRBL 0.9. Trying to run a helix toolpath, but so far it doesn't do what I want. While trying to travel in a circle path, I also want the tool to lower down. What it does is travels the circle path at the same level, then at the end, it drops down. is there a setting I am missing?
Yes, something is missing. Your control software has zero impact on anything. This is all decided in you CAM package. This "helix toolpath" is called is called a helical ramp. First you need a CAM package that can ramp. Second, your CAM has to be able to specify a type of ramp, in this case, a helical ramp. SketchUp can ramp, but you can't control the type of ramp. Fusion 360 has 3 or 4 different ramp types, one being helical.
Well, GRBL just does what the Gcode tells it to do.... Here is some example code that will use a 6mm bit to make a 10mm wide hole, 10.5mm deep, try it in some insulation foam so you can see what it does. Code: % (Generated by SketchUcam V1.5-814653b) (Bit diameter: 6.0mm) (Feed rate: 200.0mm/min) (Material Thickness: 10.0mm) (Material length: 2500.0mm X width: 1200.0mm) (Overhead Gantry: true) (RAMPING at 10.0 degrees) (Plunge Diam First) (Optimization is ON) (www.PhlatBoyz.com) G90 G21 G49 G17 F200 G53 G00 Z0 G00 X0 Y0 M3 S30000 (Group: _diam_10.0mm) G00 Z5.000 X12.632 Y14.555 (plungeboredepth DEPTH=10.500 DIAM=10.000) G00 Z0.500 G00 X12.6321 Y12.5546 G01 Z0.020 F200 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 Z-0.5539 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 Z-1.1079 I-2.0 J0.0 G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 Z-1.6618 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 Z-2.2158 I2.0 J0.0 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 Z-2.7697 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 Z-3.3237 I-2.0 J0.0 G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 Z-3.8776 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 Z-4.4316 I2.0 J0.0 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 Z-4.9855 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 Z-5.5395 I-2.0 J0.0 G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 Z-6.0934 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 Z-6.6474 I2.0 J0.0 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 Z-7.2013 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 Z-7.7553 I-2.0 J0.0 G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 Z-8.3092 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 Z-8.8632 I2.0 J0.0 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 Z-9.2724 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 Z-9.6816 I-2.0 J0.0 G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 Z-10.0908 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 Z-10.5 I2.0 J0.0 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 I-2.0 J0.0 G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 I2.0 J0.0 G00 Y12.805 G00 Y14.555 Z0.500 G00 Z5.000 (plungebore end) (Group complete: _diam_10.0mm) G00 X0 Y0 (home) G53 G00 Z0 M05 M30 %
So in your code you have lines like this G03 X10.6321 Y14.5546 Z-1.6618 I0.0 J-2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y12.5546 Z-2.2158 I2.0 J0.0 G03 X14.6321 Y14.5546 Z-2.7697 I0.0 J2.0 G03 X12.6321 Y16.5546 Z-3.3237 I-2.0 J0.0 where Z changes down at the same time an arc is performed yet the controller is doing the arc and then the Z change. If this is the case then I don't think you have GRBL (-: I have seen an RZNC501 controller do exactly this where a spiral is commanded but an arc with a step is performed.
Off topic.. just noticed you are in SA.. I grew up in PE... Saw the website in your signature.. it's a little dated
Lekker man! Yeah born in the Karoo, spent my years working GP, KZN, and moved back home two years ago (Beaufort West - peaceful!) David's a little closer to PE (;
I spent most of my years in PE, some in Uitenhage (Muir College) and Somerset East (Gill College).. well a year each.. I hated boarding school.. I live in the US though, Washington DC area.
Well life moves on, I used to spend a lot of time in the workshop and updating my website and then I got interested in Cnc and now I spend that time here on the forums instead (-: I do have a new video series planned... I am in Grahamstown, my father and wife grew up in PE.
Hope you don't think I'm being nosey but; what is The Karoo - PE - KZN - GP? Is it code or something?
Not at all man Karoo: Karoo - Wikipedia (PS we have a LION on the loose near town (; Fresh spoor 60km from Karoo National Park brings new hope of finding lion lost for 2 weeks ) PE = Port Elizabeth - Wikipedia KZN = KwaZulu-Natal - Wikipedia GP = Gauteng - Wikipedia Just different regions of South Africa - kinda each with its own culture differences. All over though, we are all into BRAAI though: Regional variations of barbecue - Wikipedia
And Biltong.. don't forget Biltong.. US Beef Jerky is garbage.. Fortunately being in the DC area with people from all over the world running shops... I can at least get Beef biltong, sausage rolls and steak and kidney pies. Sadly the Cadbury's they sell are UK and Canadian..
Been a little busy, but finally got back to my project. With little more research, I looked back and found my issue. I was trying to give the command as a full circle, rather then only 90 degrees at a time. Found out you can only go 90° max on each command. It works now.