Coster

It took 4 separate g code files to create this coaster. I think it looks great but it would be much easer if the makercam.com allowed me to insert end mill changes. I understand there is software out there that will. In any case I learned allot about returning back to a job 0,0 starting point.  BTW this was cut out of an old scrap plywood.  If you looked at the bottom you would see paint and chips missing in the ply.  Next try I will use oak.

 

Limit switch

Above is the electrical solution I used for the limit switches.  The 330 ohm resistors are not an option as they are needed to pull the voltage up to 5vdc after the limit switches are added. Note that even though the limit switches are normally open they offer enough resistance to drop the voltage on the Arduino to about 4.87. The pull up resistors ensures a 5 volt TTl logic until the limit switch is grounded out. One important note: do not connect the ground for the limit switches to pin 14 as shown in GREEN in the photo, use the ground on the opposite side of the Arduino located next to the +5 pin.

In the above photo you can see a small board I added to my CNC control box. The board has the three 330 ohm resistors mounted (sorry the resistors are not visible this photo). The small board has 4 connections; one connects to + 5vdc on the Arduino and the other three connect to pins 9,10 and 11. You should also notice that these pins have two wires connected, one wire goes to the arduino as mentioned and the other wire goes out to the NORMALLY OPEN limit switch.

Good article on milling circuit boards

Got this is an email from Inventables .. good article about making circuite boards with the Shapeoko 2: http://blog.inventables.com/2014/02/circuit-board-milling-on-shapeoko-2.html

Cut2D Software: https://www.inventables.com/technologies/cut2d-15

http://www.easelcnc.com/

First real attempt at running a job.

My first attempt at doing something useful on the CNC. Unfortunately I did not compensate for the end mill diameter and cut out the inside of the letter "A".  The whole part was cut out of a larger scrap.  Not bad for a first try.  I need to make myself a check list before pushing send. The next try with the correct end mill will cut the same part along with the copper insets for the lettering and anchor,  maybe....... 

Harbor Freight $7.99

GRBL

https://github.com/grbl/grbl/wiki/Configuring-Grbl-v0.8

The above link is a MUST read providing vast info on CNC G Code commands and the controller we are using.  Ever wonder how to identify your CNC machine center on star up. Or how the hard limits work.  This write up in in GITHUB will answer those questions and more.

Threaded rod

This is what the threaded rod on the Z axis looks like when I spin it. Not sure if this acceptable or not for attaching the spindle carriage. It looks like it may be corrected when the rod is threaded in to the nut on the carriage but I really do not want to mess up the nut or the rod. I think I may take the rod out and see if I can get it to run straight.

Z axis partially completed

The Z axis spindle carriage and slide rail are put together ... Though I think I may need to adjust or move the nuts for the Z axis threaded rod. The rod does not spin straight and has a slight wobble to it though it does not hit anything when I turn it.

Setting Motor Current

Check out the following link on how to adjust the current on your grblshield.

https://github.com/synthetos/grblShield/wiki/Using-grblShield

Clockwise increases current, counter-clockwise decreases current.....

Pen test

Pen test went very well!!!!    I'll write more about my overall findings including an overheating z axis stepper.  That's everyone's problem or you might call it my current problem...  More to come on this.