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MiniCNCBasics: Difference between revisions
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Added comments on the position of the Spindle switch and speed control.
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== Protospace Mini CNC User Basic Instructions:== | ==Protospace Mini CNC User Basic Instructions:== | ||
These instructions are intended for the most basic of users. Note that using this CNC is fairly manual and requires an attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. | These instructions are intended for the most basic of users. Note that using this CNC is fairly manual and requires an attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. | ||
Things are easily broken and you can (and probably will) do harm to the bit, machine, and possibly yourself if you do not pay attention, and above all else THINK. | Things are easily broken and you can (and probably will) do harm to the bit, machine, and possibly yourself if you do not pay attention, and above all else THINK. | ||
== Step 1 – Starting up the Computer and CNC == | ==Step 1 – Starting up the Computer and CNC== | ||
1. To run the Mini CNC, boot the PC into XP. | 1. To run the Mini CNC, boot the PC into XP. | ||
<br>[[File:141-Grub.jpg]] | <br>[[File:141-Grub.jpg]] | ||
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<br>[[File:141-Mini-CNC-3040.png]] | <br>[[File:141-Mini-CNC-3040.png]] | ||
== Step 2 – Introduction to Mach3== | Note: The Power switch is ON (1) and the Spindle is OFF (0). The spindle is controlled by the program but the speed is not. Turn the spindle speed knob up to either max or near max. If you flip the spindle switch ON(1), the spindle will spin up. You only need to do this to test the spindle speed, or if your G-Code fails to turn it on and off automatically. The normal position for this switch is OFF(0). | ||
==Step 2 – Introduction to Mach3== | |||
You should now see the Initial screen: | You should now see the Initial screen: | ||
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<br>[[File:141-Ref-All-Home-2.jpg]] | <br>[[File:141-Ref-All-Home-2.jpg]] | ||
== Step 3 - Getting ready to mill your piece == | ==Step 3 - Getting ready to mill your piece== | ||
7. Mount your piece on the milling table. | 7. Mount your piece on the milling table. | ||
You need to be careful of | You need to be careful of | ||
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Once you have positioned the carriage in the perfect position, click on each of the “Zero X” buttons. | Once you have positioned the carriage in the perfect position, click on each of the “Zero X” buttons. | ||
== Step 4 – Determining the Bit height == | ==Step 4 – Determining the Bit height== | ||
The tool probe height sensor allow you to accurately control the height of your bit. | The tool probe height sensor allow you to accurately control the height of your bit. | ||
To set the bit height, follow these steps: | To set the bit height, follow these steps: | ||
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Note as well: This sensor can also be used for edge sensing. This will be investigated in future. | Note as well: This sensor can also be used for edge sensing. This will be investigated in future. | ||
== Step 5 – Loading and editing your G-Code == | ==Step 5 – Loading and editing your G-Code== | ||
13. The next step in milling anything is to load a G-Code file. | 13. The next step in milling anything is to load a G-Code file. | ||
Note that instruction on how to create a G-Code file is beyond the scope of this tutorial and is up to you. | Note that instruction on how to create a G-Code file is beyond the scope of this tutorial and is up to you. | ||
You can use programs such as [https://www.autodesk.ca/en/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] or a simpler program such as [http://easel.inventables.com/users/sign_in Easel] | You can use programs such as [https://www.autodesk.ca/en/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] or a simpler program such as [http://easel.inventables.com/users/sign_in Easel] | ||
* Beginners can get started with [[Easy_CAM_Guide|Easy CAM Guide]], which explains how to create milling files using Easel's browser-based CAM. (See this sample [https://boxzy.dozuki.com/Guide/Easy+CAM:+Creating+a+Milling+File+with+Easel/104 Easy CAM: Creating a Milling File with Easel] until we get our own added) | |||
* Advanced users can learn more about CAM with Autodesk Fusion 360 by checking out this [https://skippy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/09_CAM.pdf Fusion CAM writeup]. | *Beginners can get started with [[Easy_CAM_Guide|Easy CAM Guide]], which explains how to create milling files using Easel's browser-based CAM. (See this sample [https://boxzy.dozuki.com/Guide/Easy+CAM:+Creating+a+Milling+File+with+Easel/104 Easy CAM: Creating a Milling File with Easel] until we get our own added) | ||
*Advanced users can learn more about CAM with Autodesk Fusion 360 by checking out this [https://skippy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/09_CAM.pdf Fusion CAM writeup]. | |||
I have documented a very very simple sample in order to demonstrate the concepts of how to use the tool.<br> | I have documented a very very simple sample in order to demonstrate the concepts of how to use the tool.<br> | ||
To load a g-code file, simply click on “Load G-Code” button. | To load a g-code file, simply click on “Load G-Code” button. | ||
Now that you have loaded your G-Code, I would like to run you through what I have learned about the dialog's. | Now that you have loaded your G-Code, I would like to run you through what I have learned about the dialog's. | ||
*By clicking on the G-Code Dialog box, you can then scroll up and down the file. It appears that you cannot edit on the screen, but you can start selecting some other nifty controls within the file. | |||
*By clicking on the G-Code Dialog box, you can then scroll up and down the file. It appears that you cannot edit on the screen, but you can start selecting some other nifty controls within the file. | |||
*To edit the code, you click on the “Edit G-Code” button. This will open the file in a text editor. When you close the file it will automatically load back into Mach3 | *To edit the code, you click on the “Edit G-Code” button. This will open the file in a text editor. When you close the file it will automatically load back into Mach3 | ||
*Also note if your click on the “Tool Path (Alt-4)” then you can visualize the cut path on each line of the G-Code file. | *Also note if your click on the “Tool Path (Alt-4)” then you can visualize the cut path on each line of the G-Code file. | ||
(The sample image shows the tool path after I moved the image slightly to view the Z axis. Do this by click and hold the moue button on the view window and then moving the mouse slowly.<br> | (The sample image shows the tool path after I moved the image slightly to view the Z axis. Do this by click and hold the moue button on the view window and then moving the mouse slowly.<br> | ||
Notice that the line highlighted in the G-Code dialog box is also highlighted in the tool path window. | Notice that the line highlighted in the G-Code dialog box is also highlighted in the tool path window. | ||