CNC Mogul Router
The CNC Mogul is a 4x4 CNC Router located in the HackRVA Fab Lab. It can cut materials such as wood and plastic. We use Mach3 control software. The CNC Mogul is HackRVA's first crowdfunded tool. The router is the Dewalt DW618. There is a Dewalt repair center at 2256 Dabney Rd (804-353-1197) that sells replacement collets and other parts.
Access to CNC Mogul requires CNC Training from a qualified member.
Quick-Start guide for 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 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 a feeds and speeds chart to guide you on setting parameters.
- Never cut deeper than ½ the width of your tool. For our machine ¼ tool width passes are probably best and in some cases much less.
Software for Making G-Code
CamBam
CamBam is probably the most frequently used g-code generating software at the space. There are many tutorials on how to use it and a 50 use free copy is available from the website. This software is installed on the digital design station for your convienience (be sure that it isn't set to laser). (Note that the URL is at "cambam.info", not ".com". Documentation pdf is here: CamBam documentation
MakerCam.com
MakerCam.com is an in the browser vector drawing program and g-code generator. There is a tutorial and help button on the site.
Inkscape with G-Code Plugin
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector drawing tool. There is a G-Code Plugin for inkscape.
There are tutorials on youtube on how to use these together.
(Inkscape with g-code plugin is also set up on the HackRVA Digital Design station)
AutoDesk Inventor with G-Code Plugins
Inventor is complicated compared to makercam and inkscape, but it's also true 3D, and supports 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 these plugins for free as educational in the past.
(the availability of these softwares and plugins as "free" is always changing, but in general, a little digging and persistence, they can be had as educational free or as a trial)
We will be installing some combination of these on the HackRVA Digital Design station.
Blender CAM
Has lots of options, and can give great results, but it isn't well documented. Excellent if you're comfortable with Blender.
Using Blender CAM with the HackRVA CNC router
Other Software
There are many cool softwares out there for making g-code. Especially artistic stuff, like reliefs. Some of them are terrible, some are great. Don't be afraid to explore. We'll update this page as we find new ones that work.
Additional Information
Shapeoko Wiki
The Shapeoko is an opensource CNC tool.
The Shapeoko Wiki is a really good resource for beginners to learn about CNC Routing.
End Mills
End mills and router bits are the cutting tools used with the router.
Here is a basic introduction to end mills.
Here is a a more extensive guide to end mills.
Feeds and Speeds
Feed or Feed-Rate is how fast your tool moves across the works surface. Speed or spindle speed is how fast the spindle/tool spins.
Here is a chart for feeds and speeds: A Chart
Cut Depth or Step Down
Cut Depth or Step Down prompts from software are 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.
Remaining Tasks
- Wire limit switches
- Add physical E-STOP button