CNC Mogul Router

The CNC Mogul is our 4x4 Router located in the back of the Fab Lab. It can be used to cut materials such as wood and plastic. Mach3 software is used to control the machine. The CNC Mogul was HackRVA's first crowdfunded tool.

Access to CNC Mogul requires CNC Training from a qualified member.

Here's some video of it in actionFile:Cnc router.mov

How to start the CNC-Mogul Router

Step 1: Turn on the computer connected to the router (computer on first or they won’t talk). Step 3: Open Mach3 software on the computer. Step 4: Turn on the CNC Mogul using the toggle switch on the left side of the machine. Step 5: Load your G-Code under “file->load g-code” in the top--bar menu. Step 6: Use “tab” to bring up the virtual pendent (so you can jog/move the machine head) Step 7: Position the tool to your 0,0,0 point. (be sure to allow for work piece hold-down screws) Step 8: Zero-out all your coordinates inside Mach3. (the “ref coordinates” button on screen) Step 8.1: ZERO-OUT your coordinates :) This is the most common mistake for newbies. Step 9: Plug in and turn on router with proper spindle speed. Step 10: Hit “Cycle-Start” button on computer screen in Mach3 to begin cutting routine. Step 11: Be ready to hit “stop” on screen, especially on first starting, in case something is wrong.

CNC-Mogul Router Tips and Safety Using the Machine:

• Wear safety glasses. Chips will fly.
• Don’t put your hands in proximity of the cutting spindle while it’s running. The machine might make a move you’re not expecting.
• Watch the machine while it’s cutting. Be ready to turn it off in case something malfunctions.
• Never grab an end-mill or router-bit on the business end. They are sharp. Remove them with care.
• If the machine is flexing or is make a more than usually racket, you’re cutting too deep or the router-bit/end-mill isn’t sharp. Stop the machine and adjust.
• If you have doubts about your G-Code, run the CNC in the air with the spindle off and/or the tooling removed. You can see it’s path without damaging your work piece.

Mach3 Software Tips

• If Mach3 isn’t responding, hit the “RESET” button. There’s a good chance it’s flashing at you.
• If you need to start over on g-code, the “rewind” button takes the code to the start. The “Go Home” button takes the spindle to your original starting place.
• There’s a virtual tool-path graphic in the top right corner of the screen. It can give you an idea of what’s going to happen when you hit start.
• You can pause the machine with the yellow button between start and stop.
• You can edit your g-code inside Mach3 if needed. This is a fast way to make adjustments.
• You can increase/decrease the travel speed inside Mach3. If the machine is going too fast, you can slow it down there with the arrows.

G-Code Tips

• Be aware of your “Z-travel” or “safe-travel” height. You don’t want the tool to bang the work piece.
• Use your feeds and speeds chart.
• Never cut deeper than ½ the width of your tool. For our machine ¼ passes are probably best and in some cases much less.

Some Software for Making G-Code:

MakerCam.com MakerCam.com is an in the browser vector drawing program and g-code generator. Here’s a tutorial.

Inkscape with G-Code Plugin Inkscape is a free and open-source vector drawing tool. Download here. There is a G-Code Plugin for inkscape. Download here. And here is a tutorial on using them together. (this is also set up on the HackRVA Digital Design station)

AutoDesk Inventor with G-Code Plugins Inventor is more complicated, but allows for 3D operations and more robust machine operations with the G-Code plugins. It is typically available for free as an education license. There are two popular G-Code plugins for Inventor: FHM CAM and Fusion 360. I have downloaded the plugins for free as educational in the past. (the landscape on availability of these products is always changing) We will be installing some combination of these on the HackRVA Digital Design station.

Other Information Shapeoko Wiki: The Shapeoko is an opensource CNC tool. Their wiki is a really good resource for makers.

End Mills: End mills and router bits are the cutting tools used with the router Here is a guide for End Mills

Feeds and Speeds Feed or Feed-Rate is how fast your tool moves across the works surface. Speed or Transversal Speed is how fast the spindle/tool spins.

Here is a chart for feeds and speeds: A Chart

Cut Depth or Step Down: This is asking how deep you want to increment each pass. PRO TIP:The general rule of thumb is for soft materials (like pine wood) you can do 1/2 the diameter of your bit. For really soft materials you can do the diameter of your bit. Never exceed the diameter of your bit!. For harder materials choose something light.