Does the machine move smoothly when using the keyboard to jog the machine?

Additional Information:
Sorry it took so long to respond. Yes the table moves very smoothly using the keyboard. I try to reinstall of the drivers but it still moves very jerky with the MPG, sometimes moving back-and-forth.


Additional Information:
Sorry it took so long to respond. Yes the table moves very smoothly using the keyboard. I try to reinstall of the drivers but it still moves very jerky with the MPG, sometimes moving back-and-forth.

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Hi I recently replaced my parallel port breakout bored with a USB breakout board, Motors Earl working properly but my wireless MPG is not working properly, it is jerky when to try to move across the table, is there a setting that I missed?

Is bottom left your zero with regard to screen position, or actual machine position (looking down at the machine)? You will want the zero of the machine to reflect that of the screen. This is to make the safest possible scenario for working with the machine and it insures that the output will match that of the screen.

User response:
I'll answer my own question. Unchecked Dir Low on "Y" text now cuts the way you see it in Mach 3. The only thing now is "Y" is plus moving from right to left. I don't think that makes much difference as long as I know that. I'm not sure what will happen if I used a file from someone else. Any opinions?

buildyourcnc response:
It is still recommended that the origin is located where you would expect it to be on the machine. It sounds like the origin is at the right. It also helps to orient the keyboard when jogging where the machine movement matches the direction of the arrow keys.

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i have cnc router. when I do text I have to flip it upsidedown (in software) else it prints backwards. Bottom left is zero and x and y go plus from there. y has dir low checked x does not.

The best way to determine the cutting speed is to determine this with respect to the edge quality you desire. This recommendation generally comes from the major end mill manufacturers.

The feedrate (travel speed) should be determined by the chip load of the end mill, the number of flutes, material of the end mill (Solid Carbide, HSS - High Speed Steel, Cobalt, etc.) and the RPM of the spindle. You will need to see the manufacturer's specifications of the end mill to determine this information.

Formula:
Chip Load = (feed rate IPM)/(Spindle RPM x Number of Flutes)

or

Feed Rate IPM = Chip Load x Spindle RPM x Number of Flutes

Once you find this information, apply this to the material at the full depth of the end mill. If you find that your edge condition is aberrant, pull back on either the speed, or the depth per pass. If the edge condition is acceptable, then push the speed higher until the edge condition starts to deteriorate in quality and then pull back to the accepted level.

Using this method, you will be able to reduce the wear on the end mil which will be the most expensive consumable on the machine.

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If I am cutting 18mm MDF with 6mm cutting bit (so 6mm pass), what can be the maximum speed rate of cutting and spindle speed of router?

Our hold down method is screws. For a 4'x8' 3/4" sheet, we use 6 screws around the perimeter of the sheet. This provides sufficient hold down for milling. For the vertically oriented machine, the sheet also rests on a small ledge, making it easy for the board to maintain position while fastening.

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Can the vertical CNC router do about what a horizontal router can, like cutting out 3/4" cabinet doors from a 4'X8' formica clad sheet? If so, how do you hold it - with Vacuum? Is a vacuum system available?

If the computer has been tested to be functional, it is most likely the breakout board which is faulty. Replace the breakout board and it should solve these issues.

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My blackfoot 4x8 Starts sending erratic commands to the machine randomly in the middle of a program or freezes altogether. Replaced USB Cable, updated software, updated firmware, tried other computers. What else should I do?

Yes, if you give us a call, we can definitely help you. If you are looking to mod one of our 4'x8' machines, we can provide those changes for you. We have experience with meeting customers' needs where their application requires a machine with small or even large changes.

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I am looking to build a cnc router that will cut 4x8 i wanted to get a cnc kit with some mods i was wondering if there was someone in sales that can help me

Please explain what the number 500 is? Thanks

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ReplicatorG says my white ant extruder is at 500 or more. I've replaced the electronics on the printer but that hasn't fixed it what else can I do?

We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

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I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?

This is correct if it is the Mach3 USB controller. You will also get a rapid flashing led if you jog the machine (assuming the machine is not in reset mode or e-stop mode).

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Is it suppose to be blue or red? Mine is red.

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The instructions for installing the USB board say there should be a blue LED light up when computer is connected. I get a flashing red LED that goes solid when I start

What is the weight of the gantry, number of teeth on the drive sprocket and tooth pitch?

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I build a 3 axis router CNC the gantry is heavy in aluminium plate, witch plug n'play kit you suggest me 1 or two motor on the longest axis this will be drive with chain?

If your motors turn very slowly using your Mach3 USB board, then either the pulse from the board is being output at a slow rate or the motor drivers are set to a higher than expected microstepping:

The Mach3 USB board outputs the pulse rather than the computer, but Mach3 controls this pulse frequency within the motor tuning section. First, determine if the travel distance is correct with the computer and the physical travel of the machine.

If the travel is different, then your stepper motor driver's microstepping is incorrect, or the steps per inch/mm in the motor tuning within Mach3 is incorrect.

If the travel is correct, then simply change the velocity and acceleration parameters to your desired level. If Mach3 will not achieve the velocity you desire, then decrease your stepper motor driver's microstepping setting, readjust the step per inch/mm in mach3 and readjust the acceleration and velocity to your desired levels.

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Text is engraved in mirror image

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I have not used my CNC router (Mach3, USB interface board) for several months. When I tried to use it, all 3 stepper motors moved extremely slowly. Where should I start troubleshooting?

Ok, sure. Let's get the discussion started. Please respond with your questions on this FAQ

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Hi, I am thinking of making a CNC router that I can use in woodworking. I am very happy if you can help me with the necessary parts for this

If your axis shutters and will not move unless moved by another force, that sounds like your acceleration is set too high. Lower the acceleration until it works well, then lower it a bit more to have a margin of safety.

Users response:
I've lowered my acceleration to 1 in the StepCon program and it still shutters when I jog it, anything else I could check?

Buildyourcnc response:
IF that didn't work, try swapping the X and Y drivers. That way you will pinpoint if the issue is the driver. If the proplem persists, then there may be an issue with the motor itself.

Buildyourcnc response:
The X and Y drivers can be easily swapped by swapping only the motor wires.

- Remove the x-axis motor wires from the X driver.
- Remove the Y motor wires from the Y driver.
- Insert the X motor wires into the Y driver.
- Insert the Y motor wires into the X driver.

Buildyourcnc response:
Now the Y-axis will move the gantry. Test the Gantry movement by moving the Y axis using the up and down arrow keys (mach3).

Users response:
Problem is now solved, I switched the X and Y at the redFly and got the same problem, so then I undid the wires going to each motor and switched them there and it I had a bad solder point in the X axis connector, thank you for the help

Buildyourcnc response:
You're very welcome. We will make sure to thoroughly check the solder points on the cable connectors prior to a redFly delivery.

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GreenBull 5x10 X axis shutters and spins out with acceleration at 1 in StepCon, is there anything else I can check?

Hi, you can call me at the 281-815-7701 number. Please leave a message when you call as most of the calls are screened to avoid scam calls. You can also email me at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com or phooddaniel@berkeley.edu.

The newer kits that are featured on the home page include everything you need except a computer and software. The legacy CNC routers that are located in the CNC machines menu selection include all of the parts for the gantry, but you will need to build the table yourself. All of the information on the measurements to be followed for the table construction are on the machine pages.

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I am looking at getting a 4x8 cnc router kit. I am having a hard time figuring out what is included in the kit and what else i will need to buy with it to get off the ground and running. Is there someone i could talk to to walk me through it? If not, can you break down what all I need to go from scratch to a running set up? thanks

a 2' (24 inches) diameter workpiece for a 2'x8' machine may be a bit too much for an overhang. I would recommend the 4'x8' that can house a 4th axis in a cavity within the limits of the machine for a 24-inch part. If you need the rotary axis on the side of the machine, I can design a machine that would work.

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[790] Is there a way to build a 2x8 flat cnc with a 4 th axis on the side so I can do 24” diameter objects. Or have the z axis that tall

The motor is helped by the mechanical leverage of the screw. The 425 oz-in motors that are included in the standard electronics combo has very high torque for that type of machine. You will have no problem using that motor for the book machine.

We use that motor for very heavy spindles on the blackToe and blackFoot CNC Machine kits.

You will need to do the mechanical leverage calculation along with the torque of the motor to determine the actual weight it will lift. The calculation will need to consider the type and pitch of the screw and it would also consider the gravity constant of 9.8 m/s/s.

If you need me to determine this formula and work out the calculation based on the screw you are using, please let me know.

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thank you for the reply. I would be really good to know the calculation. The lead screw is 1/2" diameter with 13 TPI. Please provide the calculation. And one more question. If I am cutting 18mm MDF with 6mm cutting bit (so 6mm pass), what can be the maximum speed rate of cutting and spindle speed of router?
thank you

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I received the electronics for book build cnc machine. I need to know how much weight the z-axis motor can hold since my (craftsman) router seems to be heavy. It is 2HP with variable speed

The book (scratch build) will be able to cut at very high rates of speed, but the speed is partly determined by the mechanical setup. Cutting wood is generally recommended between 60-200 ipm depending on the end mill and spindle being used. The larger the end mill (with increased chip load capacity) the faster the feedrate.

If you are using a standard allthread, you will not be able to have these high feedrates. You will need to purcahse high lead leadscrews: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-leadnuts-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

The stepping motors need to turn 13 times to travel one inch using standard allthread (1/2-13 TPI - threads per inch). The higher lead leadscrews shown in the link provided will move one inch with only two turns allowing the machine to move many times faster.

These speeds are especially important if you are cutting materials that have low melting points like aluminum and thermoplastics like acrylic, Plexiglas, etc. These materials require high feedrates and smaller depth per passes.

Additional Information:
20

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I just made the book build Cnc machine with the feed rate of 11.19 inch/min as suggested in book. Can I increase it to 20 inch/min? I have 2hp of router attached

The greenBull 4X comes with all of the components and electronics to assemble the gantry of the machine. You will need to build the table. We provide the rails and roller chain for the X-axis (along the length of the table for full 8 feet of travel). You will need to provide some wire to connect the electronics and a computer to run the machine. You will also need to purchase the software that you will need to run the machine that matches how you will apply the machine. We suggest the mach3 control program. The CAM program is up to you as there are many options out there.

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I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?

Please use these settings for our 110V VFD's:

Change PD001 to '0' or '1' (source of run commands/one will be computer controlled)
Change PD003 to 300 (main frequency - Hz)
Change PD004 to 300 (base frequency - Hz)
Change PD005 to 400 (max operating frequency - Hz)
Change PD006 to 2.5 (intermediate frequency - Hz)
Change PD008 to 110 (max voltage - V)
Change PD009 to 15 (intermediate voltage - V)
Change PD010 to 8 (minimum voltage - V)
Change PD011 to 100 (frequency lower limit - Hz)
Change PD142 to 7 (rated motor current - Amps)
Change PD143 to 2 (motor pole number)
Change PD144 to 3000 (rated motor revolution)
For further info please refer to (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/spindle-inverter-2!2kw-spindle-novfd#prettyPhoto/9/) for wiring and other specifications.
Please check you wiring to be correct as the illustrated photo on the diagram.

Additional Information:
PD003 should be set to the base operating freq. stamped on your motor/spindle typically 400hz

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How should I configure the 110v vfd with 2.2kw spindle? When I use the configuration on the spindle page, I get an over-current error (e.oc.a).