PECULIER? bonkers, distriction derby more like.. Or were you sugar coating it? Lol. .

There are a few post processors on the ooznest website..tbere website says vetrick uses Grbl and mm. Link here WorkBee Firmware Releases

 

Looks like @GeoffH was right Colin. Thanks @GeoffH sorry to contradict you, but I remembered the problems @Colin Hart had with the grbl post and Fusion.
Alex

 

No problem Alex, I was wrong in thinking that the Duet was using grbl firmware. I just reviewed the standard vectric grbl post and notice that there is no G92 output at the start. This is certainly something that I have changed. If you want a copy of my grbl (mm) post, let me know.

 

Thanks @GeoffH, I am happy using Fusion 360 and the post Oozenest have written for it, but newbies like me and @Colin Mccourt need reminding about g-code features - we are trying to get our heads around all of this. For Colin's benefit what does G92 do (is it absolute movement) and how does he add it to his g-code if he needs to?
Alex.

 

Yes, I know it's not much good for you Alex, but maybe for Colin. The G92 code is important for me because it tells the CNC where it is in XYZ, other codes like G54, G55 do similar things but probably for more sophisticated machinery than ours. The grbl(mm) post outputs absolute coordinates which is given with the G90 code, but after that the file should also say where it is, with the G92X...Y...Z.... When you program the part, the start position is selected in relation to the part, then before running the program, I jog the cutter to the start position in X & Y, which is normally one of the corners or centre of the workpiece; then jog the cutter to the top of the part, I use a 1mm feeler gauge (higher tech solutions are available), then move the Z up 9mm, so that it's 10mm above the part; I mostly set the top of the workpiece as Z=0 in absolute, then all cutting moves are -ve in absolute Z, but the start point 10mm above. So for example, after the the G90 comes G92X-100.0Y0Z10.0, which must correspond to the Vectric start position in your program. I think some users may rely on the limit switches but I'm not a fan of that method, probably my age

 

Look at your gcode, top of my head g54 on the duet take it out of work coordinates and puts it back into machine coordinates..

 

Good to see that @Colin Mccourt.
Alex.

 

Party time!!! !! Congratulations and welcome to the first cut club...

 

This probably isn't a good time to mention it, but in the future you could install a VFD Spindle, the Vectric Tool Database Spindle Speed is output as an S code in the NC File and automatically set the spindle speed, with the correct wiring of course. My first effort at doing this nearly resulted in disaster, everything was going well until I decided that Chinese products ought to be earthed. Not sure what I did wrong yet, but nearly set my house on fire. I should have spotted that Dewalt and probably Makita don't earth but double insulate.
But I admire your first solution, this is a good practical way.

 

That will be useful @Colin Mccourt - see also Speeds and feeds .
Alex.

 

sorry for your issues Colin, I don't understand the wireless need.(I run my CNC on USB direct form the Mac.) However I do have wireless and use it, but any mission critical or large files I just plug into ethernet and problem is solved. I have 1-3 ethernet jacks in most every room in the house. (I'm an electrician- I run wire, thats what i do!) I find the Ethernet is more reliable , faster (especially if many family members are online), and less likely to drop in the middle of download etc.

 

Sadly @Stan Howe the Duet controller @Colin Mccourt is using comes with a WiFi connection or an ethernet - but not both. I have the ethernet version and would be interested to know which proves the more reliable. Alex.

 

Hi @Colin Mccourt, it really depends on what you want to do with your machine. If, for example, the tramlines you are getting are 0.1mm high, then the router is off vertical by a fraction under 1 degree. I rather doubt that your wooden device will help you get any better than that. I also doubt, for most woodwork projects if you would be aware of that level of error.
If your tramlines are 0.1mm or less with your 25.4mm tool then think how small they will be with a 3mm bit. 1 degree, or less, error on the side of a part is also likely to be insignificant.
I would leave well alone until you find it's a problem - ie when you are trying to do some precision engineering.
Alex.

 

Agree with Alex regarding lines, more than good enough for wood working with typically 6.35mm and less size cutters. I'm always concerned when tool changing, tightening / undoing the collet to feel lateral movement of the z axis; but in practice, not a problem.
Many of my programs for machining 3d surfaces can run for 6 hours and more, and I would be loathe to trust wifi, an ethernet connection to an old laptop is my method and the laptop connected to my house network with HomePlug PowerLine Adaptors. I am very old school, so I make sure that all data is local and I use the graphic verification of the toolpath in UGS before starting, lifes too short

 

There are some jobs I would like to be able to work more accurately on and I would try to set the router up more accurately using a dial gauge. Fix the gauge to the spoiler board so that the plunger rests against the shaft of a bit in the collet (or better a length of ground rod) jog the Z axis up and down - the dial gauge will show the deviation from vertical. But then there is the problem of accurately adjusting the router mount and fixing it to the Z axis extrusion. When/if I try this I am going to see if I can modify the Z axis extrusion to allow a screw adjustment on each side.
Alex.

 

they make special tram dial indicators, but they can be pricy. https://www.cnc-tool.com/cnc-accessories-tram-dial-indicators.html

 

I've already got a general purpose dial, but I think the main problem will be adjusting the router mount.
Alex.