Difference between revisions of "ACCTECH 4'x8' CNC"

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(Overview: part 1)
(Getting Started: fleshed out article)
Line 8: Line 8:
  
 
==== Getting Started ====
 
==== Getting Started ====
# Start with a DXF file.
+
1. Start with a DXF file.
# Open in CAM software, produce GCODE.
+
CamBam can open other files, but I have only messed with dxf so far.
# Load GCODE onto a thumb drive, then plug it into the CNC's Controller.
+
2. Open in CAM software, produce GCODE. Make sure you are set to metric.
# Turn on the CNC, Navigate to the File menu.
+
<gallery>
## Remove the old job, leaving the two default jobs alone.
+
File:Cambam1.png|open cambam
## Copy the new job from the thumb drive to the Controller.
+
File:Cambam2.png|open file
## Ensure that the bit is correct for the GCODE you CAMmed.
+
File:Cambam3.png|unify the lines (select all, ctr-j)
## Set your origin.
+
File:Cambam4.png|align to origin (select all, right click->transform->align, left,bottom,none)
## Start the job!
+
File:Cambam5.png|verify scale (select all, right click->transform->resize, look at original size column)
 +
File:Cambam6.png|select profiles, pockets, and drills
 +
File:Cambam6.png|add config settings
 +
File:Cambam7.png|generate gcode
 +
</gallery>
  
 +
===== add config settings =====
 +
* Profile
 +
** Inside/Outside - pick the side that you want the bit to cut around
 +
** Clearance Plane = ===== 15 ===== this is how high to raise the bit in mm when travelling
 +
** Depth Increment = ===== 1/2 the bit diameter ===== this is how deep the bit cuts, I fudge a bit for 1/8" bits and sometimes do 2mm it the wood is soft
 +
** Target Depth = ===== The thickness of the workpiece + 1mm ===== this is how deep to cut, it can be less, but should not be greater
 +
** Feedrate = ===== ignore this =====
 +
** Holding Tabs = ===== RECOMENDED.===== Set to auto, the generate toolpaths, then click and drag to position tabs as desired. I usually set ti to square, and make it at least 5mm high and 10 mm long
 +
** Corner Overcut = set this to introduce dog boning
 +
** Tool = set this to the diameter of the tool
 +
 +
3. Load GCODE onto a thumb drive, then plug it into the CNC's Controller.
 +
 +
4. Turn on the CNC, Navigate to the File menu.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:20160420_173028.jpg|Turn on the cnc
 +
File:20160420_173028.jpg|Remove the old job, leaving the two default jobs alone.
 +
File:20160420_173028.jpg|Copy the new job from the thumb drive to the Controller.
 +
File:20160420_173028.jpg|Ensure that the bit is correct for the GCODE you CAMmed.
 +
File:20160420_173028.jpg|Set your origin.
 +
File:20160420_173028.jpg|Start the job!
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
* Remove the old job, leaving the two default jobs alone.
 +
* Copy the new job from the thumb drive to the Controller.
 +
* Ensure that the bit is correct for the GCODE you CAMmed.
 +
* Set your origin.
 +
* Start the job!
  
 
==== What to do if something goes Wrong ====
 
==== What to do if something goes Wrong ====

Revision as of 17:52, 20 April 2016

Creator:
EnabrinTain
Status:
Active
Born On:
11/17/15
Last Updated:
17:52, 20 April 2016 (CDT)

Overview

Getting Started

1. Start with a DXF file.

CamBam can open other files, but I have only messed with dxf so far.

2. Open in CAM software, produce GCODE. Make sure you are set to metric.

add config settings
  • Profile
    • Inside/Outside - pick the side that you want the bit to cut around
    • Clearance Plane = ===== 15 ===== this is how high to raise the bit in mm when travelling
    • Depth Increment = ===== 1/2 the bit diameter ===== this is how deep the bit cuts, I fudge a bit for 1/8" bits and sometimes do 2mm it the wood is soft
    • Target Depth = ===== The thickness of the workpiece + 1mm ===== this is how deep to cut, it can be less, but should not be greater
    • Feedrate = ===== ignore this =====
    • Holding Tabs = ===== RECOMENDED.===== Set to auto, the generate toolpaths, then click and drag to position tabs as desired. I usually set ti to square, and make it at least 5mm high and 10 mm long
    • Corner Overcut = set this to introduce dog boning
    • Tool = set this to the diameter of the tool

3. Load GCODE onto a thumb drive, then plug it into the CNC's Controller.

4. Turn on the CNC, Navigate to the File menu.

  • Remove the old job, leaving the two default jobs alone.
  • Copy the new job from the thumb drive to the Controller.
  • Ensure that the bit is correct for the GCODE you CAMmed.
  • Set your origin.
  • Start the job!

What to do if something goes Wrong

  • Pause the Job
  • Stop the Job
    • Restarting a saved job

Files

See this pdf for directions