CNC Mill - Revision history

73.128.70.28: add link.

2016-02-14T20:43:44Z

add link.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:43, 14 February 2016
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	[[File:TAIG_CNC_Mill.JPG\|frame\|http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html]]		[[File:TAIG_CNC_Mill.JPG\|frame\|http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html]]

	Our CNC mill is a [MicroMill DSLS 3000], a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig Manufactured CNC Mill].		Our CNC mill is a [http://www.microproto.com/MMDSLS.htm MicroMill DSLS 3000], a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig Manufactured CNC Mill].

	This mill is generously on loan from the Smithsonian.		This mill is generously on loan from the Smithsonian.

73.128.70.28: Add more information about the mill, and attempt formatting fixes.

2016-02-14T20:42:58Z

Add more information about the mill, and attempt formatting fixes.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:42, 14 February 2016
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	[[Category:CNC_Mill]]		[[Category:CNC_Mill]]

	===Type===		=Type=
	[[File:TAIG_CNC_Mill.JPG\|frame\|http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html]]		[[File:TAIG_CNC_Mill.JPG\|frame\|http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html]]

	~~Appears to be~~ a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].		Our CNC mill is a [MicroMill DSLS 3000], a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig Manufactured CNC Mill].

	~~Currently running [http://www~~.~~machsupport.com/ ArtSoft Mach3]~~		This mill is generously on loan from the Smithsonian.

	=== Terms ===		We are running [http://www.machsupport.com/ ArtSoft Mach3] for control software.

			=Terms=

	* Computer Numerical Control (CNC) - The ability to control a machine using mathematical commands		* Computer Numerical Control (CNC) - The ability to control a machine using mathematical commands
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	* [http://www.machsupport.com/ Mach3] - The software used to translate G Code into electrical pulses which can be used by a mill.		* [http://www.machsupport.com/ Mach3] - The software used to translate G Code into electrical pulses which can be used by a mill.

	=== Getting Started ===		=Getting Started=

	To initially get started with the CNC mill, it's helpful to have a basic grasp of G Code. How better to get started with this than to begin playing.		To initially get started with the CNC mill, it's helpful to have a basic grasp of G Code. How better to get started with this than to begin playing.

	==== Turning on the Mill ====		==Turning on the Mill==
	When turning on the mill there are three primary "light switch" style switches which should be turned on. The first is on the back of the black box labeled "MicroProto Systems, MicroMill DSLS 3000". This switch is located on the back to the right side (imagine reaching around on the rear right). Flipping the switch "up" should turn this on.		When turning on the mill there are three primary "light switch" style switches which should be turned on. The first is on the back of the black box labeled "MicroProto Systems, MicroMill DSLS 3000". This switch is located on the back to the right side (imagine reaching around on the rear right). Flipping the switch "up" should turn this on.

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	To avoid unexpectedly turning on the spindle motor when powering on the machine, wait to flip the power switch to the on position until after EMC2 is running. This will ensure that the parallel port is in the appropriate state according to the configuration file to keep all motors off by default.		To avoid unexpectedly turning on the spindle motor when powering on the machine, wait to flip the power switch to the on position until after EMC2 is running. This will ensure that the parallel port is in the appropriate state according to the configuration file to keep all motors off by default.

	==== Starting Mach3 ====		==Starting Mach3==
	This can be done by using the icon on the desktop.		This can be done by using the icon on the desktop.

	==== Spindle control and Emergency Stop ====		==Spindle control and Emergency Stop==

	If the tooling is clear of all obstacles, you can press ''F5'' to toggle the spindle motor on and off.		If the tooling is clear of all obstacles, you can press ''F5'' to toggle the spindle motor on and off.
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	The switch on the right side of the mill, near the top will cut power to the spindle. This is the best way to shut it down in an emergency... but note that the axis can still move after the switch is thrown. Pressing ''Reset'' in the interface will signal Mach3 to make an ''Emergency Stop''. You'll see the ''Reset'' button blink, and the status line at the bottom will read "E-Stop Triggered, press reset...".		The switch on the right side of the mill, near the top will cut power to the spindle. This is the best way to shut it down in an emergency... but note that the axis can still move after the switch is thrown. Pressing ''Reset'' in the interface will signal Mach3 to make an ''Emergency Stop''. You'll see the ''Reset'' button blink, and the status line at the bottom will read "E-Stop Triggered, press reset...".

	==== Making our first motions ====		==Making our first motions==

	===== Jog Controls =====		===Jog Controls===
	To start, we're going to use the "jog" functions to move the milling cutter around and get a feel for what is "positive" and "negative" on the X, Y, & Z axis.		To start, we're going to use the "jog" functions to move the milling cutter around and get a feel for what is "positive" and "negative" on the X, Y, & Z axis.

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	To start, select continuous mode in the jog controls and press the ''Left Arrow'' and ''Right Arrow''. Notice that the mill table moves left and right. This is the X axis. Next, press the ''Up arrow'' and ''Down Arrow'' keys briefly, notice that the mill table moves front to back. This is the Y axis. Finally, press the ''Page Up'' and ''Page Down'' keys briefly; notice that the spindle moves up and down. This is the Z axis. As you were moving the milling cutter around, you'll notice that the coordinates are displayed in the main window. This is where you can quickly survey where your tooling is located.		To start, select continuous mode in the jog controls and press the ''Left Arrow'' and ''Right Arrow''. Notice that the mill table moves left and right. This is the X axis. Next, press the ''Up arrow'' and ''Down Arrow'' keys briefly, notice that the mill table moves front to back. This is the Y axis. Finally, press the ''Page Up'' and ''Page Down'' keys briefly; notice that the spindle moves up and down. This is the Z axis. As you were moving the milling cutter around, you'll notice that the coordinates are displayed in the main window. This is where you can quickly survey where your tooling is located.

	===== Obligatory Setup =====		===Obligatory Setup===

	Sometimes the ''Reset'' button in Mach3 will be flashing. This usually means that you exceeded the movement limits or speed of the mill and the controller has signaled Mach3 to stop. Often clicking reset is enough to clear this error.		Sometimes the ''Reset'' button in Mach3 will be flashing. This usually means that you exceeded the movement limits or speed of the mill and the controller has signaled Mach3 to stop. Often clicking reset is enough to clear this error.

	===== Mill Controller Crash =====		===Mill Controller Crash===

	Sometimes the controller will crash, this is usually evidenced by ''Reset'' complaining that it cannot clear a limit. It will offer a button that says "Fix this for me". "Fix this for me" actually redefines what an error is in the software (e.g. if input low is defined as an error, then it will redifine error as input high). Instead of clicking ''Fix this'', you should try turning off and on the mill controller using the switch on the rear, lower-right side. Clicking ''Reset'' again should clear the trouble.		Sometimes the controller will crash, this is usually evidenced by ''Reset'' complaining that it cannot clear a limit. It will offer a button that says "Fix this for me". "Fix this for me" actually redefines what an error is in the software (e.g. if input low is defined as an error, then it will redifine error as input high). Instead of clicking ''Fix this'', you should try turning off and on the mill controller using the switch on the rear, lower-right side. Clicking ''Reset'' again should clear the trouble.

	===== Advanced Manual Control - MDI (Manual Data Input) =====		===Advanced Manual Control - MDI (Manual Data Input)===
	Click on the MDI tab in the main Mach3 screen to the MDI Controls section. Within this section (the line next to input) we can type in actual G Code to move our tooling around. To start, we're going to use simple "go to" commands. This will rapidly move the tool to the position that we tell it to. Note, at any time, we can stop the execution of these commands by hitting the "stop" button on the screen or typing ALT-S on the keyboard. The first command we will use is "rapid go to" or "g0". As an example: make sure the tooling is well clear of the table using the jog controls and all axis are (roughly) centered. Reset all axis (X, Y, Z) to zero using the ''Zero Axis'' button located to the left of the current axis location. As you click zero axis, you should see the axis change to -0.0000.		Click on the MDI tab in the main Mach3 screen to the MDI Controls section. Within this section (the line next to input) we can type in actual G Code to move our tooling around. To start, we're going to use simple "go to" commands. This will rapidly move the tool to the position that we tell it to. Note, at any time, we can stop the execution of these commands by hitting the "stop" button on the screen or typing ALT-S on the keyboard. The first command we will use is "rapid go to" or "g0". As an example: make sure the tooling is well clear of the table using the jog controls and all axis are (roughly) centered. Reset all axis (X, Y, Z) to zero using the ''Zero Axis'' button located to the left of the current axis location. As you click zero axis, you should see the axis change to -0.0000.

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	Fun math bits... run that command again and note the "distance to go" or "DTG" in the preview area. Note the distance at the immediate start of plotting our 1 inch diameter circle (2 * 0.5 X offset). This should be a predictable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi result]		Fun math bits... run that command again and note the "distance to go" or "DTG" in the preview area. Note the distance at the immediate start of plotting our 1 inch diameter circle (2 * 0.5 X offset). This should be a predictable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi result]

	=== Tool Changing ===		=Tool Changing=
	Use a wrench to gently remove the chuck. Check the toolbox beneath the mill for different bits and other things as required.		Use a wrench to gently remove the chuck. Check the toolbox beneath the mill for different bits and other things as required.

	Little force should be required to tighten the chuck; it has been said that finger-tight is often sufficient.		Little force should be required to tighten the chuck; it has been said that finger-tight is often sufficient.

	=== When you're done ===		=When you're done=

	Please cleanup the mill area and place tooling back into the mill toolbox under the bench.		Please cleanup the mill area and place tooling back into the mill toolbox under the bench.
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	Thanks		Thanks

	=== Caution ===		=Caution=
	Please avoid doing these things, unless you can deal with the consequences yourself.		Please avoid doing these things, unless you can deal with the consequences yourself.

Mirage335 at 14:35, 8 April 2014

2014-04-08T14:35:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 8 April 2014
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	[[Category:CNC_Mill]]		[[Category:CNC_Mill]]
	~~===Bugs===~~
	Mach3 seems to default to absolute arc/circle center coordinates [http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCCNCGCodeArcsG02G03.htm which catastrophically enlarges the arcs/circles]. Since automated tools (eg. SolidCAM, pcb2gcode) seem to require the opposite behavior, always ensure the following G-Code is used at the beginning of a g-code file:
	~~<nowiki>~~
	~~G91.1~~
	~~</nowiki>~~

	~~If in doubt, stay with the mill until the G2 command has shown correct output.~~

	===Type===		===Type===

Mirage335 at 19:55, 5 April 2014

2014-04-05T19:55:27Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Category:CNC_Mill]]
 ===Type===
 [[File:TAIG_CNC_Mill.JPG|frame|http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html]]

Nootrope: /* Type */ Add CNC Mill image

2014-02-27T20:05:13Z

Type: Add CNC Mill image

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:05, 27 February 2014
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	[[Category:CNC_Mill]]		[[Category:CNC_Mill]]
	===Type===		===Type===
			[[File:TAIG_CNC_Mill.JPG\|frame\|http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html]]

	Appears to be a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].		Appears to be a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].

	Currently running [http://www.machsupport.com/ ArtSoft Mach3]		Currently running [http://www.machsupport.com/ ArtSoft Mach3]

	=== Terms ===		=== Terms ===

Mirage335: /* Caution */

2013-04-28T01:47:01Z

Caution

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:47, 28 April 2013
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	Please avoid doing these things, unless you can deal with the consequences yourself.		Please avoid doing these things, unless you can deal with the consequences yourself.

	* Don't loosen the screws on the mill table. That wooden board must be precisely leveled, which can only be done by CNC milling it down.
	* Don't run the mill too far off axis. The stepper motors will usually make a harsh grinding sound when this happens.		* Don't run the mill too far off axis. The stepper motors will usually make a harsh grinding sound when this happens.
	* Don't leave the mill completely unattended. Be prepared to hit the ''Reset'' key within at most a minute of hearing something go wrong.		* Don't leave the mill completely unattended. Be prepared to hit the ''Reset'' key within at most a minute of hearing something go wrong.

Nock at 21:27, 3 February 2013

2013-02-03T21:27:25Z

Show changes

Mirage335 at 18:11, 18 April 2012

2012-04-18T18:11:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 18 April 2012
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			[[Category:CNC_Mill]]
	===Type===		===Type===
	Appears to be a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].		Appears to be a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].
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	Otherwise, the mill is robust and newbie friendly.		Otherwise, the mill is robust and newbie friendly.
	~~[[Category:CNC_Mill]]~~

Mirage335 at 18:10, 18 April 2012

2012-04-18T18:10:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:10, 18 April 2012
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	~~[[Category:CNC_Mill]]~~
	===Type===		===Type===
	Appears to be a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].		Appears to be a [http://www.taigtools.com/cmill.html Taig CNC Mill].
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	Otherwise, the mill is robust and newbie friendly.		Otherwise, the mill is robust and newbie friendly.
			[[Category:CNC_Mill]]

Mirage335: /* Caution */

2012-04-18T18:09:08Z

Caution

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:09, 18 April 2012
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	* Don't leave the mill completely unattended. Be prepared to hit the F1 key within at most a minute of hearing something go wrong.		* Don't leave the mill completely unattended. Be prepared to hit the F1 key within at most a minute of hearing something go wrong.
	* Obviously, don't put your hands in hazardous places.		* Obviously, don't put your hands in hazardous places.

			Otherwise, the mill is robust and newbie friendly.