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Question #: 14286

Question: I am having issues with the laser firing. Seems like there is an arc in the end of the tube where the elctrode is but i am not sure if i am doing something wrong.

Current Solution

Has the tube functioned properly prior to this issue?

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • connected 625oz motor using wire diagram, but motor sounds like it's skipping, am I doing something wrong or is this part DOA? I tried every combo of wiring up, some errored the controller, but the ones that 'worked' still sound terrible. Where do I go from here? - thx! -james

    Are you referring to the 425 oz-in motor? How many motors and drivers have you connected? If you have connected more than one, are they all sounding the same?

    Additional Information:
    it's the 650oz motor. but I think I've got the problem solved. The motor tuning was way out of whack.. I hooked up the smaller 425oz motors and they were ALSO acting funny so I knew it was not them. Software.

    I'm still trying to find out what the best speeds are, so there is still some stutter and skipping. thanks for the quick response though, much appreciated.

    -james

    Additional Information:
    You will also want to look at your microstepping. Consider determining your expected mechanical steps per inch and desired jog speed (ipm) and you should have fewer issues. Use the formula: (motor steps * microsteps) / (number of inches of travel in one turn). The ipm for pulley or sprockets should be in the 500-1000 ipm range and for 5 start lead screw, in the 100-200 ipm range. The acceleration can be in the range of 10-40 depending on the mechanics and inertia involved.

    Additional Information:
    If you ask a question here like: what steps per inch should I set my axes? You will get the standard settings for our machines.

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    connected 625oz motor using wire diagram, but motor sounds like it's skipping, am I doing something wrong or is this part DOA? I tried every combo of wiring up, some errored the controller, but the ones that 'worked' still sound terrible. Where do I go from here? - thx! -james

  • If a person wanted a larger laser machine than what is offered would they simply mount a laser on one of the larger machines, or is there a problem with doing this?

    Adding a laser tube and supporting electronics and mirrors to larger milling machines is problematic unless a proper mount is provided, as in the greenBull CNC (https://buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head).

    The existing larger machines (other than the greenBull CNC machine) are designed to be used as milling machines and the laser will not be able to be easily mounted on these machines. Modifications can be done to accomplish this task, but there is quite a bit of effort needed.

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    If a person wanted a larger laser machine than what is offered would they simply mount a laser on one of the larger machines, or is there a problem with doing this?

  • Is there a better manual for the laser engraving controle having problems with the set up of the stepping motors etc

    This "question 12186" could be a good place to house questions on the laser controller. We are in the process of creating thorough video instructions, but please add specific questions by clicking the "submit additional information" and we will answer questions regarding the laser controller with detail.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Is there a better manual for the laser engraving controle having problems with the set up of the stepping motors etc

  • [575] Hi, I recently purchased this board and everything seems to be fine! But I am not being able to jog two axis at same time as I used to do on my older board. Did I do something wrong?

    with parallel port controllers, you have the ability to jog using two axes at the same time, but with USB controllers, this is not possible.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Hi, I recently purchased this board and everything seems to be fine! But I am not being able to jog two axis at same time as I used to do on my older board. Did I do something wrong?

  • [311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?

    This would totally work for that application. This cable carrier is used for any object that needs to move and carries some electrical or tubing within it. This cable carrier is great for cable management where you want to make sure the wires and tubes are in a position that you set, not where the wires and tubing want to go.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?

  • I was wondering what the max depth is for something to go into the 40W C02 Laser cutter and engraver with blacktooth

    Hello, I was wondering if the Blactooth laser cutter can engrave in 3d, different depths in the same piece of wood?

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    I was wondering what the max depth is for something to go into the 40W C02 Laser cutter and engraver with blacktooth

  • Patrick, I am having issues with the x axis on the vlxl..very rough movement. What should I adjust? Check the rail spacing or can I modify anything in the software?

    Sounds like a wire may have worked itself loose. Did this just start happening? If so, check for loose terminals with the motor wiring. Did you solder the motor wires to the extended wires that lead to the driver? If not, I strongly suggest these wires be soldered and a heat shrink tubing cover the soldered connection to eliminate the possibility of shorting.

    Additional Information:
    I am just now starting to work with the machine. Was on vacation. It has never moved smoothly on the X. Was hoping to get some phone time with you or Juan tomorrow. All the connections are solid as far as I can tell. Nothing is interfering. I'm wondering if the rail spacing is off. It moves fine when I manually move it.

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    If it moves smoothly when manually moving it, but the stepper motor runs rough, then it is definitely a motor wire connection. Also, check to make sure the driver is set to 1/16 microstepping and the motor amps is around 5.

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    What gauge wire did you use for the motor to driver connection?

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    It was the black wire that was included. Pretty sure it's 18. I was worried it couldn't take it. Some of the 18 I have seen is only rated for 2A. I can rewire with that 4-lead cable you included If you think I should. The connections seem solid so that might make sense.

    Additional Information:
    It was the black wire that was included. Pretty sure it's 18. I was worried it couldn't take it. Some of the 18 I have seen is only rated for 2A. I can rewire with that 4-lead cable you included If you think I should. The connections seem solid so that might make sense.

    Additional Information:
    18 gauge is more than sufficient for this stepper motor wiring. We use 20 gauge stranded wires in the 4 conductor motor cable.

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    Sometimes wires can get chaffed, or there is a conductivity issue in some wires.I'm wondering if it would be goo to do a test rewiring the motor to the driver, but not putting it into the cable carrier, just to make sure that is the problem.

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    What do you suggest I do? Just go over the wiring? The 18 is fine for 5.5A? All the switches look right. Set at 1/16. What are the natural steps on this motor?

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    I’ll check the conductivity on the wires. I can just re-run it with that four conductor. That cable works fine for you guys?

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    The 4 conductor cable is the only cable we use for these stepper motors. It's a special cable used for motion applications.

    Here is a link to that cable that we sell just to confirm the cable we are discussing:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-cable-wire-20awg-wrcon


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    Yeah, that’s it. However, I ran the stock File on the laser cutter, the duck, it seems to run fine it’s just when you make the small adjustments with the arrow keys that it’s so rough. The other problem is that the speed on the stock file is way too fast.

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    Ah, the jogging speed. I did not consider this. You definitely need to reduce the speed when you press the arrow keys.

    The speed when running a job (the file) can be modified in LaserCad.

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    So, I’ll look into that. Everything is done besides for Putting the tube on and adjusting the mirrors. When are you guys available for a quick phone call?

    Additional Information:
    In LaserCAD, go to the options -> system options -> User parameters. Make sure to click the read button to bring the parameters from the laser controller to the software. Our Key_Move_Speed is 100 and our X/Y_Home_Speed is also 100. I wouldn't go any faster than that. Curious, what are your values for these parameters?

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    Key speed was set to 200 and XY was at 50. On the duck file on the machine, it says the speed is at 200. How can I import that file to change it?

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    Much smoother after that change. File is still too fast, though.

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    In the file, the speed is built into the geometry. You will need to open the file in LaserCAD, select the geometry and modify the speed. Make sure to change the intensity as well to compensate.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Patrick, I am having issues with the x axis on the vlxl..very rough movement. What should I adjust? Check the rail spacing or can I modify anything in the software?

  • HI, I am looking for a drive sproket for a roller chain. The drive sproket should have an ID= 16mm. do you have something like this in your inventory?

    We can special order this part for you. Give us a call and we will either find the part for you, or find a part that we can machine to your specifications.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HI, I am looking for a drive sproket for a roller chain. The drive sproket should have an ID= 16mm. do you have something like this in your inventory?

  • I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL THE "CNC ELECTRONICS 1 - 9" VIDEOS AND I'M USING ALMOST EXACT SAME COMPONENTS (MOTORS RUN SOUND GOOD) BUT MOTORS ARE RUNING VERY HOT IN JUST 15MIN WITH NO LOAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG OR DO STEPPERS HOT?

    If your motors are hot to the touch, this is normal. Current is being drawn by the motor coils as the motor moves and as the motor stays at a position. If the motor is not using the current in the coils to move (holding it's position), the energy will be translated as heat (rather than motion, sound or light). Even while moving, some of the energy will be lost as heat. Remember that energy cannot be created nor destroyed.

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    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL THE "CNC ELECTRONICS 1 - 9" VIDEOS AND I'M USING ALMOST EXACT SAME COMPONENTS (MOTORS RUN SOUND GOOD) BUT MOTORS ARE RUNING VERY HOT IN JUST 15MIN WITH NO LOAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG OR DO STEPPERS HOT?

  • What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?

    It is usually best to mount the motor in a way so it is spinning clockwise to avoid confusion.

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    ok, but lets say the motors turn clockwise. if you mount it to ether side of the y axis it will pull to that side so what are the correct positions of the stepper motors. is it the left side or the right side of the y axis and also is it the front or back of the x axis?

    Additional Information:
    cw250 with mach3 controller

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    What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?

  • AM NOT SURE HOW TO SET THE Z AXIS TURN ON/OFF LASER WHEN CREATE CODE. KNOW THAT ITS TYPICALLY Z-AXIS MOVEMENT DOES THIS - BUT YOU DONT SHOW ANYTHING HOOKED UP IN PLACE OF AXIS.

    When the z axis is going down, the laser turns on. When the z axis is going up, it turns off. The z axis directions is only a signal that is either 5v or 0v. That determines the direction. In vectric, you will need to set your machining operations with a very very small depth so the time it takes to get to its final depth is a very short time.

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    AM NOT SURE HOW TO SET THE Z AXIS TURN ON/OFF LASER WHEN CREATE CODE. KNOW THAT ITS TYPICALLY Z-AXIS MOVEMENT DOES THIS - BUT YOU DONT SHOW ANYTHING HOOKED UP IN PLACE OF AXIS.

  • Where is the best place to see projects made with BuildYourCNC CNCs? I would like to get an idea of carving capabilities and cutting Baltic Birch plywood. Thanks.

    You can always come to our offices in Katy TX. If that is not an option, we can do cut in our shop and record video for you. Specify what you would like to cut and we can consider doing this for you.

    Thanks. I've reviewed the gallery and think my question comes down to this- Can I do hardwood carving like Mike M.'s guitar display cases and cut 3/4 inch baltic birch plywood with the same machine?

    Absolutely, the cutting and machining is more a function of how the machining operations are created and specified. Baltic birch is not a tough material and you will be able to cut very aggressively with any of our machine kits.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Where is the best place to see projects made with BuildYourCNC CNCs? I would like to get an idea of carving capabilities and cutting Baltic Birch plywood. Thanks.

  • [575] Hi, I have an old version of MACH3 V1.84 - Can someone tell me where to place the USB motion drive as there is no plugin folder in this version.

    Are you able to install a newer version of Mach3? If you are worried that your configuration will be lost, you can save the configuration by copying all of the XML files from the Mach folder. The XML files contain all of the settings that you applied in Mach3. Just in case the XML files are not compatible with the new version, make sure not to erase the current Mach3 that you have on the machine.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [575] Hi, I have an old version of MACH3 V1.84 - Can someone tell me where to place the USB motion drive as there is no plugin folder in this version.

  • If I build a Laser with the components on this site, can I cut the 0.1mm and 0.2mm board? Is it cut in optimal conditions, or if not what you recommend ?!

    What material is the 0.1mm and 0.2mm board?

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    Steel sheet


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    Steel Sheet

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    Thanks for the response. CO2 lasers unfortunately cannot cut metallic materials. Metals are best cut with other types of lasers, or by using oxygen assist. The oxygen assist method is not encourages as the combination or CO2 laser and oxygen is very volatile.

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    and I can not do this laser to cut the steel plate, but instead of the CO2 tube I put the oxygen tube, or do not I know ?! Do I have a chance in the products on the site to create a laser for 0.1mm and 0.2mm steel sheets?

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    I can help with an answer, Thanks!

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    I can help with an answer, Thanks!

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    Can you help me with an answer? Thank you! **

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    If I build a Laser with the components on this site, can I cut the 0.1mm and 0.2mm board? Is it cut in optimal conditions, or if not what you recommend ?!

  • I have a MK1 board that I just got running and I am having issues. Do you have an MK1 board at your shop that I can send you my G-Code to run? The freexing/zeroing in the middle of the program issue happens even with no step drives attached to the board.

    My apologies for not getting back to you. We always answer the phones during business hours, so I would try that first. Our emails on Monday generally is stacked up as we are closed during the weekend. We can try your g-code here. Please send the g-code to the techsupport@buildyourcnc.com email address and we will test the code to see if it works.

    By the way, do you get movement on the planet-cnc UI screen?

    Additional Information:
    The program starts and runs normal. I have all the correct movement on the mill and the UI screen. Then one of two things happens. It either stops and resets all axis to zero in the middle of the part or it freezes in the middle of the part. When it freezes, it is not moving on the cnc or the UI screen. Sometimes after a freeze it will come up with an 'IO timeout error', but the only way to clear is to unplug USB and start over.
    I will send my settings and g-code files over tonight. Please be sure to load my settings when running the g-code. No movement of the cnc is necessary as the controller will do these issues without power to any drives and just the USB board connected, on my board at least.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I have a MK1 board that I just got running and I am having issues. Do you have an MK1 board at your shop that I can send you my G-Code to run? The freexing/zeroing in the middle of the program issue happens even with no step drives attached to the board.

  • You can set the Index input with Mach3 Turn and check that the Index is lit on the screen, but it is not reflected in the rotation speed. Is there any way?

    Yes, you will need a sensor to determine the speed of the rotation. For instance, you can use a hall effect sensor and put a magnet on the shaft of rotation. By installing the hall effect sensor near the shaft that contains the magnet, you can use this to determine the RPM of the axis and reflect this value in Mach3 using an input in your controller and setting that input in the index line item of the Mach3 input signals dialog box.

    Here is a great video that shows the circuit and process:

    &t=300s

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    You can set the Index input with Mach3 Turn and check that the Index is lit on the screen, but it is not reflected in the rotation speed. Is there any way?

  • I want to order 8 Hiwin Blocks. Is there a cheaper shipping option? $70 is too much for something that weighs less than 5 lbs. I live in the continental US.

    Prices on amazon are fixed costs for shipping. The website generally reports high costs for international shipments but we can give you a better quote if you care to email sales@buildyourcnc.com

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I want to order 8 Hiwin Blocks. Is there a cheaper shipping option? $70 is too much for something that weighs less than 5 lbs. I live in the continental US.

  • I am having trouble with my cutting precision. I can cut a 1" box within 0.005" accuracy, but when I try to cut something with a 6" profile, it cuts almost 0.125" heavy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Dealing with a larger offset when cutting a larger object, try calibrating your machine accordingly (

    ) now you will have to do the last couple of steps a few times to get your machine as accurate as possible.
    Also if this does not correct your issue, try looking at the tightness of your x/y/z - axis chain, bearings, and also your sprocket/rod, the chain must be viewed as a bicycle chain if too tight it might snap when the machine moves but if to loose then it will be off. The rod is not totally flat where the set screws are suppose to hold down the rod, so sanding it to a flatter surface section might fix the offset.

    Additional Information:
    accuracy

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I am having trouble with my cutting precision. I can cut a 1" box within 0.005" accuracy, but when I try to cut something with a 6" profile, it cuts almost 0.125" heavy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  • I have NEMA 34 motors for a GreenBull 6x12. After 2 weeks of use, my Y axis motor has developed play in the front but not rear of the motor. Is this a motor defect or has something come loose somewhere? Thanks,

    If there is play within the motor itself, then that motor may be defective. Call us to provide us more detail on this issue.

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    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I have NEMA 34 motors for a GreenBull 6x12. After 2 weeks of use, my Y axis motor has developed play in the front but not rear of the motor. Is this a motor defect or has something come loose somewhere? Thanks,

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