I've got a Workbee CNC (with GRBL + CNCJS), which I'd like to use to cut some holes in an aluminium bed which will be used in a 3D Printer. I've got a 304x304x8mm cast aluminium bed that is the exact dimensions I need, but I need to get 4 x mount holes aligned right next to either edge of the bed. What would you recommend I do to align this piece correctly? If it's not aligned perfectly to the X/Y axes then I'll end up with holes drilled incorrectly. I was going to manually jog the machine and draw some temporary lines - which will be reasonable accurate. Is there a better way? Can I use an XYZ probe and somehow correct for any workpiece skew?
EstlCam can do this. They offer a very generous full function trial. Estlcam: 2D / 3D CAM und CNC Steuerung...
I like this idea, I think I'll do this! Thanks, I'm testing EstlCam at the moment as it happens, but only for GCODE generation. Unfortunately, I need to keep the machine running CNCJS. Is there no other way to do this?
I surface my spoil board and always leave a lip on the y axis edge. I know that when I place material - or spacer blocks to align material- along this edge, it is always parallel to the y axis and perpendicular to the x. You could do the same by attaching some thin material and cutting an L shape or just a parallel strip. It would take about 5 minutes.
bCNC can probe and adjust for alignment... have not tried it myself yet, I just use a square off the edge of the spoil board.