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MaxNC
This is a donated MaxNC 10 CL that has been hacked into functionality. MaxNC electronics have been replaced by an Arduino/gShield combo running GRBL. All of the stepper motors on the X/Y/Z axes have been replaced. Technically the machine has a 4th (rotary) axis, but the current electronics do not support it.
Current Status:
90+% usable at this point, but be careful.(see Caveats)
Caveats:
- endstops are currently non-functional, so automatic homing does not work.
- For some reason (EM Interference, probably), turning the spindle off/on will sometimes cause the Arduino to reset. This usually happens when turning the spindle off.
Proposed Upgrades
- Coolant drip pump
- Vacuum for dust collection
- Air blowing for chip clearing
- Upgrade electronics to a 4-axis capable board so we can use the 4th axis (should probably also get an appropriate tail stock as well)
Instructions for use:
First: You should have some in-person training before using this tool. Wear safety glasses if the box is open.
Second: Your first job should probably not be done in metal. Try using wood, plastic or foam first to get a feel for how the machine works.
Generating Gcode: On the machine itself, we have Inkscape with gcodetools (probably better for more precision work) and MakerCAM (easy for beginners, but not very precise).
Running Gcode Sender: right now this is run from the command-line. I'll get a clickable launcher going soon.
Zeroing: In Gcode Sender, use the arrow keys to move X&Y, and Page Up/Page Down to move Z. You can set the step size in the software - 1mm is good for big moves, and .1mm when closing in on zero. Get your endmill to within a few thousandths of the material (use a sheet of paper, and you're there when moving it is “tight”). Click “reset zero” and the work position will be set to zero.
Run your job. Attend the work. If cutting metal, apply cutting fluid every few passes. If something goes terribly wrong, hit the emergency stop.
Suggested usage (set these things in your Gcode)
- Keep feed rates relatively low for now (~10 inches per minute seems ok for aluminum)
- Keep your depth of cut light for aluminum