CNC router, benchtop (SIENCI LongMill) ID:143

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Type	LongMill Wood CNC
Make/Model	Industrial
Serial number	N/A
Original owner	Protospace
Loan status	Current
Arrival date	Oct 28th, 2021
Location	Wood Shop
Functional status	Waiting for training material
Usage permissions	Members & Friends Only
Certification	Must complete CNC-LongMill Certification
Wiki-ID	143
Label	1.0" 1.5" 2.0"

Update: (11/1/2021)

The LongMill has been installed on the shelf in the "Large Projects" area, along side of the MiniCNC.==

Machine Overview

This is a SIENCI (pronounced "CNC") Labs LongMill ( See https://sienci.com/product/longmill/ ) with the short rails. The web page says it is 12"x12" but in fact it is more like 10"x13". The controller is an Arduino running GRBL.

Bed size: 250mm x 340mm (10"x 13")

Spindle: Makita Trim Router Model RT0701C ( https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/RT0701C). The Makita Router has a 1/4" collet, and a also a 1/8" collet insert. Manually controlled, this router has variable speed spindle from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. It is manually controlled (Not controlled in software). There is a collection of bits in the red toolbox under the CNC.

Currently, the Spindle power is not controlled by the CNC Controller and must be turned On/Off manually. This is on the list of improvements.

Machine Control: GRBL on a SIENCI Milling Labs LONGBOARD Controller.

User Interface: a RaspBerry PI is connected to the Controller via USB. It has Universal G-Code Sender (UGCS) as well as bCNC installed.

RaspPi Login: It is autologon on startup, so you do not need to log on. But if you need it for any reason, it is pi/Protospace.

Hold down method: Screws, nails, clamps(must make these).

Note that the base plate mounting board is MDF but IS NOT A SACRIFICIAL BOARD. The mounting board has threaded inserts on a 10cm x 10cm grid. You can supply your own hold down board with whatever system you wish. Simply drill holes in your board so that you can mount it to these threaded inserts. The threaded inserts are 10x24. There are a sample supply of different length screws for you to use.

Dust collection?: Yes, requires a ShopVac. Probing: plate style. Plate is 10mm thick as well as X and Y 10mm offset.

Suitable stock materials: Wood, plastics, foams, other.

Unsuitable stock materials: Zero metal, metal alloy, or metal composites are to be cut on this. If the CNC machine was on the rolling cart, it possibly could be moved outside to do some aluminum milling, but for now don't do it.

Instructions and Training

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How to turn on the machine

The main power is turned on by turning on the common power bar for the shelf. This also turns on the lights as well as power for the MiniCNC

.

There are 2 power switches to be turned on (not counting the monitor).

• The Raspberry Pi has it's own wall wart with a switch.
• The SCENCI Longboard has a power switch.
• And finally, when you want to start the Router, you also need to turn on the switch on the router. (Note: that this will be put on a more convenient switch and even maybe software control in the near future. )

Once the power is turned on, you will see the Desktop on the Raspberry PI. You now need to launch one of the programs that will talk to the Controller.

• UGCS Platform (Universal G-Code Sender Platform), ( https://all3dp.com/2/universal-gcode-sender/ )
• bCNC ( https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC#readme )

UGCS is written in Java, and bCNC is a Python program. I refer bCNC and will document that here.

How to Jog and position the Router:

The LongMill does not have travel switches. ( https://resources.sienci.com/view/lm-adding-limit-switches/ ) Instead, you manually jog the router to a position that you wish to use as a starting point, and then zero the XYZ references.

There is also a touch plate to assist in getting precise Z (as well as X and Y) references for you particular material.

Fusion 360 Notes and Tweaks

The SIENCI LongMill is not currently listed in the machine library of Fusion 360. You can however import a definition using a file created by one of the members of a LongMill facebook page.

Follow these instructions:

• Download the file from the LongMill and Mill One User Facebook Group ( Longmill3030.cps )
• Following the instructions to install this file from AutoDesk on how to import a CPS file

Reference links

• CNC Basics - What You Need To Get Started -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ-MYnyxh7M (Has a LongMill in the demo)

• CNC Basics - Make Your First Cut -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rt5sC9DrEQ&t=297s
• CNC Basics - How to use Easel (free CNC software) -> https://iliketomakestuff.com/how-to-use-easel/
• Fusion 360 CAM tutorial for CNC beginners - Making "Kevin" -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqnvzxuXFTQ

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Planned Updates

• Add Power Switch for Router Power
• Add E-Stop switch
• Add e-relay for Router Power (Power control in G-Code)
• Add Travel Switches.

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Tool history

Original CNC when donated

The LongMill CNC was donated by Peter Carless. He built the stand as well as the shelf and power bars for the electronics.

The first training session has yet to be held at the date of writing