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CNC PCB milling

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  • NeverDieN Offline
    NeverDieN Offline
    NeverDie
    Hero Member
    wrote on last edited by
    #158

    I seem to be finished with the mechanical assembly:
    0_1513629200578_mechanicals_done.jpg
    However, these washers came with the kit, and I'm not sure what they're for:
    0_1513629228821_washers.jpg
    Anyone know? Are they for mounting the woodpecker board to the frame?

    Next I need to do the firmware upgrade and then wire things up.

    andrewA rmtuckerR 2 Replies Last reply
    3
    • NeverDieN NeverDie

      I seem to be finished with the mechanical assembly:
      0_1513629200578_mechanicals_done.jpg
      However, these washers came with the kit, and I'm not sure what they're for:
      0_1513629228821_washers.jpg
      Anyone know? Are they for mounting the woodpecker board to the frame?

      Next I need to do the firmware upgrade and then wire things up.

      andrewA Offline
      andrewA Offline
      andrew
      wrote on last edited by
      #159

      @neverdie yes, it is for "isolating" the pcb from the frame.

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • NeverDieN NeverDie

        @andrew said in CNC PCB milling:

        @neverdie unfortunately, as I mentioned, I don't have ER11 (yet), and I just read articles and vendor suggestions on the installation method, so I cannot provide experience based suggestions to that. as far as I remember nor concrete temperature was mentioned, so I would say you should not "overheat" it.

        I slipped it on, no problem at all. After freezing the motor overnight, what I did was heat the ER11 with my wife's crafting hot air gun. I held it with an insulated glove as I warmed it up. When it started to become uncomfortable to hold with even the insulated glove, I slipped it on without any resistance.

        Hopefully this info will help you when you receive yours.

        zboblamontZ Offline
        zboblamontZ Offline
        zboblamont
        wrote on last edited by
        #160

        @neverdie said in CNC PCB milling:

        ER11

        FYI - Was reading on another forum where the user was going to replace the ER11 with a larger version so he could use 8mm bits (fairly standard metric size for wood routing bits, but incredibly strong)...
        Somebody pointed out to the guy that there are collets available for the ER11 specifically for 8mm shafted toolbits...
        https://www.sorotec.de/shop/Spannzange-ER-11---8-00mm-DIN-6499B-4008E-Klasse-II.html

        NeverDieN 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • NeverDieN NeverDie

          I seem to be finished with the mechanical assembly:
          0_1513629200578_mechanicals_done.jpg
          However, these washers came with the kit, and I'm not sure what they're for:
          0_1513629228821_washers.jpg
          Anyone know? Are they for mounting the woodpecker board to the frame?

          Next I need to do the firmware upgrade and then wire things up.

          rmtuckerR Offline
          rmtuckerR Offline
          rmtucker
          wrote on last edited by
          #161

          @neverdie
          You have gone quiet:relaxed:
          Must be beavering away cutting pcb's?

          NeverDieN 1 Reply Last reply
          1
          • rmtuckerR Offline
            rmtuckerR Offline
            rmtucker
            wrote on last edited by
            #162

            Carved this on my home made cnc router recently.
            Bit off topic but good fun.
            It is about 2ft diameter and 8" thick(old millstone)
            0_1513689287536_aa2a84b0-71ec-4d46-9c2d-f2241aa2827a-image.png

            rmtuckerR 1 Reply Last reply
            3
            • rmtuckerR rmtucker

              Carved this on my home made cnc router recently.
              Bit off topic but good fun.
              It is about 2ft diameter and 8" thick(old millstone)
              0_1513689287536_aa2a84b0-71ec-4d46-9c2d-f2241aa2827a-image.png

              rmtuckerR Offline
              rmtuckerR Offline
              rmtucker
              wrote on last edited by
              #163

              @rmtucker
              And this for our lass
              0_1513689365865_382c70bc-e450-4cc8-89c9-f0cc3bd45522-image.png

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • rmtuckerR rmtucker

                @neverdie
                You have gone quiet:relaxed:
                Must be beavering away cutting pcb's?

                NeverDieN Offline
                NeverDieN Offline
                NeverDie
                Hero Member
                wrote on last edited by
                #164

                @rmtucker said in CNC PCB milling:

                @neverdie
                You have gone quiet:relaxed:
                Must be beavering away cutting pcb's?

                No, I've simply misplaced my Dragon AVR programmer for the firmware upgrade, so I need to hunt it down.

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • NeverDieN Offline
                  NeverDieN Offline
                  NeverDie
                  Hero Member
                  wrote on last edited by NeverDie
                  #165

                  Anyway, once I do get the firmware upgraded and it wired up, what's the best way to start testing it? Do I need to learn GRBL as execuval seems to imply, or are there some simple tests I can run? I imagine some kind of calibration would be the need step, but I haven't read that far ahead because there's nothing to read (well, haven't googled it out yet either).

                  rmtuckerR E 2 Replies Last reply
                  0
                  • NeverDieN NeverDie

                    Anyway, once I do get the firmware upgraded and it wired up, what's the best way to start testing it? Do I need to learn GRBL as execuval seems to imply, or are there some simple tests I can run? I imagine some kind of calibration would be the need step, but I haven't read that far ahead because there's nothing to read (well, haven't googled it out yet either).

                    rmtuckerR Offline
                    rmtuckerR Offline
                    rmtucker
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #166

                    @neverdie
                    Stick some g-code in and press cycle start:grin:

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • zboblamontZ zboblamont

                      @neverdie said in CNC PCB milling:

                      ER11

                      FYI - Was reading on another forum where the user was going to replace the ER11 with a larger version so he could use 8mm bits (fairly standard metric size for wood routing bits, but incredibly strong)...
                      Somebody pointed out to the guy that there are collets available for the ER11 specifically for 8mm shafted toolbits...
                      https://www.sorotec.de/shop/Spannzange-ER-11---8-00mm-DIN-6499B-4008E-Klasse-II.html

                      NeverDieN Offline
                      NeverDieN Offline
                      NeverDie
                      Hero Member
                      wrote on last edited by NeverDie
                      #167

                      @zboblamont said in CNC PCB milling:

                      was going to replace the ER11 with a larger version

                      Given how it's installed, I don't see how you can get it off. I would assume it's permanent.

                      zboblamontZ 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • NeverDieN NeverDie

                        @zboblamont said in CNC PCB milling:

                        was going to replace the ER11 with a larger version

                        Given how it's installed, I don't see how you can get it off. I would assume it's permanent.

                        zboblamontZ Offline
                        zboblamontZ Offline
                        zboblamont
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #168

                        @neverdie From memory the guy got it off with a hub-puller, and a persuader, but the point I was trying to make was that there is a collet assembly for the ER11which takes 8mm...

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • NeverDieN NeverDie

                          Anyway, once I do get the firmware upgraded and it wired up, what's the best way to start testing it? Do I need to learn GRBL as execuval seems to imply, or are there some simple tests I can run? I imagine some kind of calibration would be the need step, but I haven't read that far ahead because there's nothing to read (well, haven't googled it out yet either).

                          E Offline
                          E Offline
                          executivul
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #169

                          @neverdie said in CNC PCB milling:

                          Anyway, once I do get the firmware upgraded and it wired up, what's the best way to start testing it? Do I need to learn GRBL as execuval seems to imply, or are there some simple tests I can run? I imagine some kind of calibration would be the need step, but I haven't read that far ahead because there's nothing to read (well, haven't googled it out yet either).

                          First watch the video (now I can't get it out of my head :man-bowing: )
                          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOk6echpeqQ

                          Then, after you update to grbl 0.9j go to chilipeppr.com/grbl, download the SPJS, start it and start playing.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • NeverDieN Offline
                            NeverDieN Offline
                            NeverDie
                            Hero Member
                            wrote on last edited by NeverDie
                            #170

                            I hope these heatsinks that came with the kit don't short things out. Seems rather dicey.
                            0_1513705183502_heatsinks.jpg

                            In any case, until I can find my Dragon, I'm going to limp along with GRBL 0.9j so I can finish up the build. I'll upgrade later after I find it.

                            andrewA 1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • NeverDieN NeverDie

                              I hope these heatsinks that came with the kit don't short things out. Seems rather dicey.
                              0_1513705183502_heatsinks.jpg

                              In any case, until I can find my Dragon, I'm going to limp along with GRBL 0.9j so I can finish up the build. I'll upgrade later after I find it.

                              andrewA Offline
                              andrewA Offline
                              andrew
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #171

                              @neverdie the er-11 should be permanent. this spindle is not powerful enough to handle bigger tools and to mill harder materials.

                              you can start with grbl 0.9j, but it is worth to upgrade to 1.1f.
                              to the fw upgrade you can use a simple arduino as ISP programmer as well if you do not find your dragon.

                              with chilipeppr (in case of grbl 0.9j go for http://chilipeppr.com/grbl , for 1.1.f go for http://chilipeppr.com/jpadie) you can quickly run its default logo engraving path for testing / demo purposes.

                              NeverDieN 1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • NeverDieN Offline
                                NeverDieN Offline
                                NeverDie
                                Hero Member
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #172

                                Done! Jack was certainly, uh, generous with the length of the wiring. I provisionally tacked it out of the way with the zip ties provided. I'll secure it better after I'm sure it's all working.
                                0_1513707091383_wiring.jpg

                                andrewA 1 Reply Last reply
                                1
                                • NeverDieN NeverDie

                                  Done! Jack was certainly, uh, generous with the length of the wiring. I provisionally tacked it out of the way with the zip ties provided. I'll secure it better after I'm sure it's all working.
                                  0_1513707091383_wiring.jpg

                                  andrewA Offline
                                  andrewA Offline
                                  andrew
                                  wrote on last edited by andrew
                                  #173

                                  @neverdie for the cable issue I ordered this cable organizer spiral, although not yet installed it :)

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • andrewA andrew

                                    @neverdie the er-11 should be permanent. this spindle is not powerful enough to handle bigger tools and to mill harder materials.

                                    you can start with grbl 0.9j, but it is worth to upgrade to 1.1f.
                                    to the fw upgrade you can use a simple arduino as ISP programmer as well if you do not find your dragon.

                                    with chilipeppr (in case of grbl 0.9j go for http://chilipeppr.com/grbl , for 1.1.f go for http://chilipeppr.com/jpadie) you can quickly run its default logo engraving path for testing / demo purposes.

                                    NeverDieN Offline
                                    NeverDieN Offline
                                    NeverDie
                                    Hero Member
                                    wrote on last edited by NeverDie
                                    #174

                                    @andrew said in CNC PCB milling:

                                    with chilipeppr (in case of grbl 0.9j go for http://chilipeppr.com/grbl , for 1.1.f go for http://chilipeppr.com/jpadie) you can quickly run its default logo engraving path for testing / demo purposes.

                                    Thanks! That provided exactly what I was looking for. I ran the demo with no etching bit installed, and at first both X and Y seemed to be working, but the adapter coupling eventually loosened on both of them to the point where there was no longer X and Y movement. I've re-tightened tem, and it's working again. I hope it lasts.

                                    Not sure where I should go next from here though.

                                    andrewA 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • NeverDieN NeverDie

                                      @andrew said in CNC PCB milling:

                                      with chilipeppr (in case of grbl 0.9j go for http://chilipeppr.com/grbl , for 1.1.f go for http://chilipeppr.com/jpadie) you can quickly run its default logo engraving path for testing / demo purposes.

                                      Thanks! That provided exactly what I was looking for. I ran the demo with no etching bit installed, and at first both X and Y seemed to be working, but the adapter coupling eventually loosened on both of them to the point where there was no longer X and Y movement. I've re-tightened tem, and it's working again. I hope it lasts.

                                      Not sure where I should go next from here though.

                                      andrewA Offline
                                      andrewA Offline
                                      andrew
                                      wrote on last edited by andrew
                                      #175

                                      @neverdie said in CNC PCB milling:

                                      @andrew said in CNC PCB milling:

                                      with chilipeppr (in case of grbl 0.9j go for http://chilipeppr.com/grbl , for 1.1.f go for http://chilipeppr.com/jpadie) you can quickly run its default logo engraving path for testing / demo purposes.

                                      Thanks! That provided exactly what I was looking for. I ran the demo with no etching bit installed, and at first both X and Y seemed to be working, but the adapter coupling eventually loosened on both of them to the point where there was no longer X and Y movement. I've re-tightened tem, and it's working again. I hope it lasts.

                                      Not sure where I should go next from here though.

                                      so, as this machine does not have limit switches installed, it is your responsibility to move the gantry to a position, from where you would like to start the job and which provides enough space for each direction movement. usually you have to set a relative zero at the given starting point.

                                      what is next? did you adjusted the stepper drivers? if not, then do it (I shared the link above). this is necessary to be sure, that the steppers will be powered with enough current (so they will be powerful enough for the given speed related movement and to provide enough force) or will not be overdriven.

                                      then, I would say try to engrave the chilipeppr logo to a soft material first, have some experience with the cnc.
                                      then, as I mentioned, discover the flatcam tool and try to create an isolation routing job for a test pcb.
                                      I already mentioned my confirmed settings for the given jobs (edge / hole milling, isolation routing).
                                      you should sacrifice some boards for your experience :)

                                      also, try to find your ideal g code sender tool by trying multiple ones.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      2
                                      • NeverDieN Offline
                                        NeverDieN Offline
                                        NeverDie
                                        Hero Member
                                        wrote on last edited by NeverDie
                                        #176

                                        I don't see any plugs on the woodpecker board that are designated for connecting to a touch plate. So, I guess it's configured using the woodpecker header pins? How is that best set up?

                                        By the way, after re-tightening the set-screws on the adapters used to connect the step-motors to the screw rods, they seem to be holding now and not slipping loose. I take it back, one of them just came loose again. :(

                                        NeverDieN andrewA 2 Replies Last reply
                                        0
                                        • NeverDieN NeverDie

                                          I don't see any plugs on the woodpecker board that are designated for connecting to a touch plate. So, I guess it's configured using the woodpecker header pins? How is that best set up?

                                          By the way, after re-tightening the set-screws on the adapters used to connect the step-motors to the screw rods, they seem to be holding now and not slipping loose. I take it back, one of them just came loose again. :(

                                          NeverDieN Offline
                                          NeverDieN Offline
                                          NeverDie
                                          Hero Member
                                          wrote on last edited by NeverDie
                                          #177

                                          @neverdie said in CNC PCB milling:

                                          one of them just came loose again

                                          And now the other one did too. Is anyone using a threadlocker on the set screws to keep this from happening?

                                          I think I'll put on some locktite and let it dry overnight and then see if it still happens tomorrow. I'll start with just the threaded rods.

                                          Anyhow, the good news is that the heat sinks plainly did not short out the GRBL controller boards. I guess the adhesive must act as an electrical insulator.

                                          sundberg84S 1 Reply Last reply
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