CNC Router: Difference between revisions

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This portal mill was bought in 2022 from a maker that build and used it to machine aluminum parts for other CNCs. Main features and specs:  
This portal mill was bought in 2022 from a maker that build and used it to machine aluminum parts for other CNCs. Main features and specs:  


- Portal Mill driven by 3 stepper motors, 80kg, t-slot table  
* Portal Mill driven by 3 stepper motors, 80kg, t-slot table  
 
* Spindle: 800w China HF spindle with ER11 collet  
- Spindle: 800w China HF spindle with ER11 collet  
* Work area: 3000x3600x80mm  
 
* Controller: SMC5-5-N-N with jog-wheel
- Work area: 3000x3600x80mm  
* Power Supply: add details  
 
* Stepper Drivers: add details  
- Controller: SMC5-5-N-N with jogwheel
 
- Power Supply:   
 
- Stepper Drivers:   


{{MachineInfoBox
{{MachineInfoBox
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# Edit the machine settings. Under "post processor", import the post file (add GitHub link). Make sure to save the post under "local".
# Edit the machine settings. Under "post processor", import the post file (add GitHub link). Make sure to save the post under "local".


Info about the post processor: The SMC5-N-N-5 processor uses the "mach3" post processor. The one included in Fusion360 is reported to sometimes cause erratic behavior with this controller. The prepared post on Github is modified to avoid this (add link).
The SMC5-N-N-5 processor uses the "mach3" post processor. The one included in Fusion360 is reported to sometimes cause erratic behavior with this controller. The prepared post on Github is modified to avoid this (add link).


=== Machine Control===
=== Machine Control===
Line 155: Line 150:
On the panel, use the XYZ +/- buttons to move the spindle. Always home the spindle at the beginning of your session. If properly homed, softstop settings should prevent the spindle from crashing into the sides of the machine, but navigate with caution. (add info how to change the distance per button press on the panel)
On the panel, use the XYZ +/- buttons to move the spindle. Always home the spindle at the beginning of your session. If properly homed, softstop settings should prevent the spindle from crashing into the sides of the machine, but navigate with caution. (add info how to change the distance per button press on the panel)


When using the jogwheel, press the button on the left side and then move the wheel. The X1, X10, X100 switch controls how far the spindle moves per click of the wheel. If set to X1, one click is 1/100mm. X10 is 1/10th and at X100 one click moves 1mm.
When using the jogwheel, press the button on the left side and then move the wheel. The X1, X10, X100 switch controls how far the spindle moves per click of the wheel. If set to X1, one click is 1/100mm. X10 is 1/10th and at X100 one click moves 1mm.  


'''Zeroing the machine coordinate''' on the workpiece origin:  
'''Zeroing the machine coordinate''' on the workpiece origin:  

Revision as of 20:17, 10 August 2022

CNC router.gif

A CNC router is a computerized woodworking machine - basically a router mounted on a positioning system. While it may also be able to handle other materials than wood depending on the bits you use, a proper CNC mill is more precise for machining parts out of metals and other non-wood materials.

To use this machine, you need to familiarize yourself with at least two pieces of software:

There is also an interesting new approach of handheld CNC routing coming out which may remove the size constraints that come with any fixed-frame machine.

Uses

You can make furniture or even build a house. For more ideas, check out the CNC Milling Ideas.

WorkBee

MachineInfoBox

Ooznest WorkBee CNC

Ooznest WorkBee CNC.JPG
Synonyms: DE: CNC-Fräse, Portalfräsmaschine
Material: wood
Used with: 6 mm, 8 mm, 1/4" or 1/8" end mills;
some kinds of router bits
Location: wood workshop
Access Requirements: CNC Router IntroductionSome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "".
Status: [[Has InfoBox Status::out of order (see issue 104)]]
Firmware: grbl
Software: LaserWeb, Fusion360, see G-Code Sender
Manual: product page, click "documentation" tab
Tutors: NitramLegov
Pakue
Johannes
LuzianSome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "".
Similar (More or Less): router, CNC mill


We built the 1500mm x 1500mm version of the WorkBee CNC, which is based on the Openbuilds OX. It can currently cut sheet material of up to 50 mm thickness on a work area of approximately 1250 × 1250 mm. The surfaced (plangefräste) spoilboard area is 1260 × 1160 (x × y) mm.

Our plans for further improving it up can be found in our "WorkBee CNC" github project - maybe you would like to help?

Router

The router mounted to it is a Dewalt D26200 (GB; known outside Europe as DWP611). You need to consider the sizes of its collets (Spannzangen) when buying your router bits.

  • no-load speed: 16000 - 27000 rpm
  • max cutter diameter: 30 mm
  • available collet diameters:
    • 6 mm
    • 8 mm
    • 1/4 inch (6.35 mm)
    • 1/8 inch (3.175 mm)

The collets of the DW613, DW620 and DW621 also fit the router and are easier to get in Germany than the original ones.

Spoilboard

Ooznest recommends a 6mm spoiler board, our first one is 20mm thick. It is mounted to the frame using 4 drop-in T-slot nuts. Cutting into the boards will make it uneven, from time to time it is neccessary to surface the spoiler board again.

The total size of the spoilboard is currently 1445 × 1370 mm.

When there is time, we would like to drill workholding holes into the spoilboard.

Electrics

(partially outdated - no dedicated CNC room since 2020!)

The spindle and the CNC controller (CNC xPro v3) + motors are hooked up to an electrical box on the left wall. You'll find a switch and an outlet for the spindle there. In case of an emergency the whole box can be shut off via one of the two emergency stops (inside the CNC room and on the outside above the access control). Everything except the Raspberry Pi will be turned off in that case.

The wiring of the CNC Controller board is as follows:
CNC Router Wiring.jpg

The wiring of the electrical box is as follows:
CNC Router Power Supply.png

Dust Extraction

We have added a cyclone dust separator between the shop vac and the CNC router itself. Thereby, the bulk of the shavings and dust should be collected in an easily emptied box rather than the shop vac's bag.

The part that attaches the dust extraction hose to the router is called a "dust shoe". We are currently using this one designed by Patrick. The next version should ideally fit the dust extraction hose without an adapter and include a kind of transparent, flexible "skirt" to optimize the airflow.

Other interesting designs:

Workflow

This is just an overview and does NOT replace the personal introduction!

  1. create the tool paths in a suitable CAM software (e.g. Fusion 360)
  2. secure your workpiece on the machine's bed
  3. insert the appropriate collet & bit as defined in your tool paths
  4. turn the positioning motors on, home the machine and define the workpiece origin
  5. put on personal protection and turn the spindle on
  6. send the tool paths to the router in real time via the serial interface (USB)
    1. options can be found under "G-Code Senders"



Portal Mill Kress CNC

This portal mill was bought in 2022 from a maker that build and used it to machine aluminum parts for other CNCs. Main features and specs:

  • Portal Mill driven by 3 stepper motors, 80kg, t-slot table
  • Spindle: 800w China HF spindle with ER11 collet
  • Work area: 3000x3600x80mm
  • Controller: SMC5-5-N-N with jog-wheel
  • Power Supply: add details
  • Stepper Drivers: add details


MachineInfoBox

Portal Mill Kress CNC

Kress CNC.jpg
Type: CNC (subtractive manufacturing)
Material: wood, metal
Used with: endmills
Access Requirements: CNC Router Introduction
Status: [[Has InfoBox Status::[1]]
Tutors: NitramLegov
Pakue
Johannes
Luzian
Similar (More or Less): CNC router


Workflow

This is just an overview and does NOT replace the personal introduction!

  1. create the tool paths in a suitable CAM software (e.g. Fusion 360)
    1. post and export the correct G-code flavor
  2. Homhe the machine to zero the machine coordinates
  3. secure your workpiece on the machine's bed
    1. if you plan on cutting through the workpiece use a spoil board.
  4. insert the appropriate collet & bit as defined in your tool paths
  5. set your workpiece zero
  6. put on personal protection and turn the spindle on
  7. start your job from the USB stick


Fusion360 setup

  1. Import the machine settings file (add GitHub link)
  2. Edit the machine settings. Under "post processor", import the post file (add GitHub link). Make sure to save the post under "local".

The SMC5-N-N-5 processor uses the "mach3" post processor. The one included in Fusion360 is reported to sometimes cause erratic behavior with this controller. The prepared post on Github is modified to avoid this (add link).

Machine Control

The machine itself is mainly operated by the control panel located on the right side of the machine box and the jog-wheel (SMC5-5-N-N).

The main switch turns on the power for the CNC, the spindle, light and the controller.


Homing the machine: This CNC has no auto-home. Always run the homing operation as first step directly after startup!

Start by homing the machine. If the text „Reset“ blinks red on the screen, press the reset button (1). Press the “Origin Operation“ button (2). In the menu, select „Return To Home“ (3).



Navigation basics:

On the panel, use the XYZ +/- buttons to move the spindle. Always home the spindle at the beginning of your session. If properly homed, softstop settings should prevent the spindle from crashing into the sides of the machine, but navigate with caution. (add info how to change the distance per button press on the panel)

When using the jogwheel, press the button on the left side and then move the wheel. The X1, X10, X100 switch controls how far the spindle moves per click of the wheel. If set to X1, one click is 1/100mm. X10 is 1/10th and at X100 one click moves 1mm.

Zeroing the machine coordinate on the workpiece origin:

Tips & Tricks

  • to avoid tear-out at the edge of a sensitive workpiece, it may be worthwhile to surround it with some sacrificial material (like MDF) before routing [2]

Materials

(For more details, see "Milling Experiences")

CNC routing is most appropriate for non-metal panels/boards. The exact material might dictate your choice of endmill or router bit!

Cutting certain metals, e.g. millable aluminum, may still be possible with a lot of extra work, but a rigid and liquid-cooled CNC mill would be the proper way to go.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber (CF) dust can be harmful if handled improperly. If you intent to route CF parts on the CNC (like plates for quardrocopter parts) please follow the workflow below:

  • Route carbon fiber only in a submerge water path e.g. in a large enough tray (keep enough towels near in case of an 'accident')
    • Afterwards filter the water through a coffee filter or similar
  • Don't vacuum the dust - instead, wipe it away with a moist towel or use some tape to pick it up
  • Only wet sanding
  • Keep the parts that came into contact with the carbon fiber dust in a sealed plastic bag until they are discarded
  • Discard the remains at a local special waste disposal and don't put them in the garbage!

Helpful Links

  • our page on choosing the proper feedrate