http://www.bloominglabs.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Avh.on1&feedformat=atomBloominglabs - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T13:08:05ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.20.2http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-27T02:06:56Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Gamepad Controller */ USB gamepad controller is on order</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-kit-1?variant=41574717358137 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $384.26].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit?variant=41037047824441 The Z-axis upgrade kit] ([https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/upgrade/step7/ assembly instructions]) costs $282.75 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the plastic roller wheels on the Z-axis with linear ball bearing rails (Hiwin HGR20? which are longer-lasting and can hold up to heavier cuts)<br />
* replaces the Z-axis leadscrew with a ballscrew, which doesn't have backlash,<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!), allowing thicker materials and taller clamps to be used,<br />
* increases the z-axis travel to 8 inches, allowing very short and very long tooling to be used,<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds acrylic plates to the sides which serve as dust guards and as stiffeners.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit?variant=41705136783417 The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $142.50 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310. Alex has ordered a secondhand one to try out.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-27T01:42:18Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Future Plans and Upgrades */ Removed "reinforce table", because the x-carve has been moved to a smaller, stiffer table</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-kit-1?variant=41574717358137 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $384.26].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit?variant=41037047824441 The Z-axis upgrade kit] ([https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/upgrade/step7/ assembly instructions]) costs $282.75 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the plastic roller wheels on the Z-axis with linear ball bearing rails (Hiwin HGR20? which are longer-lasting and can hold up to heavier cuts)<br />
* replaces the Z-axis leadscrew with a ballscrew, which doesn't have backlash,<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!), allowing thicker materials and taller clamps to be used,<br />
* increases the z-axis travel to 8 inches, allowing very short and very long tooling to be used,<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds acrylic plates to the sides which serve as dust guards and as stiffeners.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit?variant=41705136783417 The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $142.50 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-26T22:57:07Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Z-Axis Kit */ added link to assembly instructions</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-kit-1?variant=41574717358137 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $384.26].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit?variant=41037047824441 The Z-axis upgrade kit] ([https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/upgrade/step7/ assembly instructions]) costs $282.75 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the plastic roller wheels on the Z-axis with linear ball bearing rails (Hiwin HGR20? which are longer-lasting and can hold up to heavier cuts)<br />
* replaces the Z-axis leadscrew with a ballscrew, which doesn't have backlash,<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!), allowing thicker materials and taller clamps to be used,<br />
* increases the z-axis travel to 8 inches, allowing very short and very long tooling to be used,<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds acrylic plates to the sides which serve as dust guards and as stiffeners.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit?variant=41705136783417 The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $142.50 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-26T21:06:15Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Z-Axis Kit */ mention hiwin, add leadscrew</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-kit-1?variant=41574717358137 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $384.26].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit?variant=41037047824441 The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $282.75 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the plastic roller wheels on the Z-axis with linear ball bearing rails (Hiwin HGR20? which are longer-lasting and can hold up to heavier cuts)<br />
* replaces the Z-axis leadscrew with a ballscrew, which doesn't have backlash,<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!), allowing thicker materials and taller clamps to be used,<br />
* increases the z-axis travel to 8 inches, allowing very short and very long tooling to be used,<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds acrylic plates to the sides which serve as dust guards and as stiffeners.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit?variant=41705136783417 The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $142.50 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-26T10:33:44Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Z-Axis Kit */ confirmed that the stiffener plates are acrylic and that the upgraded travel is 8 inches</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-kit-1?variant=41574717358137 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $384.26].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit?variant=41037047824441 The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $282.75 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the plastic roller wheels on the Z-axis with linear ball bearing rails (which are longer-lasting and can hold up to heavier cuts)<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!), allowing thicker materials and taller clamps to be used,<br />
* increases the z-axis travel to 8 inches, allowing very short and very long tooling to be used,<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds acrylic plates to the sides which serve as dust guards and as stiffeners.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit?variant=41705136783417 The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $142.50 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-24T21:38:40Z<p>Avh.on1: /* X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle */ updated links and prices (cheaper now!), clarified what the kits do/replace</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-kit-1?variant=41574717358137 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $384.26].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit?variant=41037047824441 The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $282.75 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the plastic roller wheels o the Z-axis with linear ball bearing rails (which are longer-lasting and can hold up to heavier cuts)<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!), allowing thicker materials and taller clamps to be used,<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds plates to the sides which serve as dust guards and as stiffeners.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit?variant=41705136783417 The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $142.50 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2024-02-24T20:48:04Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Modifications and Upgrades */ clarify section title</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Completed Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Miller_Syncrowave_350Miller Syncrowave 3502024-01-20T09:25:12Z<p>Avh.on1: one sentence and link to the manual</p>
<hr />
<div>Powerful and multi-functional TIG welder.<br />
<br />
[[:File:Miller-syncrowave-350.pdf|manual]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/File:Miller-syncrowave-350.pdfFile:Miller-syncrowave-350.pdf2024-01-20T09:22:39Z<p>Avh.on1: Manual for the Miller Syncrowave 350 TIG welder</p>
<hr />
<div>Manual for the [[Miller Syncrowave 350]] TIG welder</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Available_gearAvailable gear2024-01-20T09:21:13Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Metal */ add link to page about the Miller Syncrowave 350 welder</p>
<hr />
<div>These are tools and supplies available to Bloominglabs members. Pretty much all of the bench-top and larger tools are owned by members and kept in the space for use by other members. If you are unsure of how to use a tool or want to learn more please grab someone and we'll guide you in the right direction. General safety documentation for common power tools is kept in the black cabinet in the shop area (along with MSDS sheets). Also note that this page is generally out of date, if you are interested in something specific and don't see it here ask us about it.<br />
<br />
Reminder: this list is often out of date. For the most up-to-date information about what tools we have and what condition they are in contact us and inquire or stop in during public hours and ask around.<br />
<br />
* [[Tool Manuals]]<br />
<br />
== Power Tools & Heavy Equipment ==<br />
We require a brief [[safety-qualifications]] walk through before using any power tools in the space.<br />
<br />
===Wood===<br />
* drill presses<br />
* chop saw<br />
* table saw<br />
* 9" band saw (wood, plasic, & light metal)<br />
* [[RBI Hawk 220VS Scroll Saw|Scroll Saw]]<br />
* bench-top router table (with router)<br />
* table-top sander<br />
* wood lathe<br />
* 12" planer ([[Restoration_of_Parks_95_12%22_surface_planer|being restored]])<br />
* 4" jointer ([[Restoration_of_Craftsman_4"_joiner|being restored]])<br />
* corded and cordless drills<br />
* dremel(s) with a complete set of accessories<br />
<br />
===Metal===<br />
* bench grinders<br />
* Atlas lathe (30" between centers, see [[Atlas_Lathe_Restoration]])<br />
* generic 20" metal lathe<br />
* [[Mill]]<br />
* metal cutting band saw, 5"x6" cutting area, w/auto-shutoff<br />
* metal chop saw<br />
* oxy-acetylene torch<br />
* TIG welder - [[Miller Syncrowave 350]] with pulser, spot timer, etc.<br />
* MIG welder - Millermatic 250<br />
* Arc welder - Miller stick welder<br />
* Hypertherm Drag-gun 38 plasma cutter (self contained air compressor)<br />
* [[Speedway 1404 30-Amp Spot Welder]]<br />
<br />
== Electronics ==<br />
* soldering irons (variable temp)<br />
* hot air rework station<br />
* smoke absorber<br />
* soldering supplies (solder, desoldering braid, sponges, ect)<br />
* large quantity of hand tools (pliers and sidecuts)<br />
* [[Ballantine 3028A]] bench multimeter<br />
* various digital and analog handheld multimeters<br />
* BK model 1601 2A 0-50V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* Topward 3306D 6A 0-30V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* [[Oscilloscopes]]<br />
* Picoammeter<br />
* Sweep/Function Generator<br />
* solderless breadboards<br />
* Arduino clones<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3100 Digital design system]]<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3200 Analog design system]]<br />
* AVR tools<br />
** USBTiny programmers<br />
** ATMega8 and ATtiny2313 chips<br />
** buttons, 5v regulators, and other supplies<br />
* hot air guns<br />
<br />
== Automated Manufacturing ==<br />
* [[3D Printers]]<br />
** [[Makerfarm 12-Inch Pegasus]]<br />
** [[Anycubic i3 Mega]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Simple | PrintrBot Simple v1 (1310)]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Play | PrintrBot Play (1505)]]<br />
* a [[3D Scanners|3D Scanner]]<br />
* automatic knitting machine<br />
* [[FullSpectrum | Full Spectrum 45W laser cutter/etcher]]<br />
* [[X-Carve CNC Router]]<br />
* [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]] - needs work<br />
* First-Generation [[Silhouette Cameo]] CNC paper/vinyl cutter<br />
<br />
== Crafting Equipment ==<br />
<br />
=== Sewing Machines ===<br />
<br />
* [[Vintage Singer 237 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Vintage Fleetwood Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Singer 8280 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Janome HD-1000 Sewing Machine]]<br />
<br />
== Office Equipment==<br />
* Several [[Laser Printers]]<br />
<br />
== Other Equipment ==<br />
* 8"x10" plastic [[vacuum forming table]]<br />
* larger vacuum forming table donated to the space<br />
* shopvac (for dust collection system and cleanup)<br />
* [[Electrolysis Rust Removal System]]<br />
* 19" rack, 4' tall<br />
* 19" rack, 6' tall<br />
* [[Car Lift]]<br />
* 60 gallon air compressor (wood shop with feed to metal fab shop)<br />
* [[CCTV Network]]<br />
* [[MAME Cabinet]]<br />
* [[Bransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner | Bransonic 1.2-liter ultrasonic cleaner]]<br />
<br />
== Borrowable Equipement ==<br />
<br />
* Keg tap: contact [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* 5' x 8-1/2' Utility Trailer: contact Neal<br />
[[File:Utilty_trailer.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Neal's Trailer]]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tools]]<br />
[[Category: The Space]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Available_gearAvailable gear2023-10-08T09:27:21Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Metal */ added 30-amp spot welder</p>
<hr />
<div>These are tools and supplies available to Bloominglabs members. Pretty much all of the bench-top and larger tools are owned by members and kept in the space for use by other members. If you are unsure of how to use a tool or want to learn more please grab someone and we'll guide you in the right direction. General safety documentation for common power tools is kept in the black cabinet in the shop area (along with MSDS sheets). Also note that this page is generally out of date, if you are interested in something specific and don't see it here ask us about it.<br />
<br />
* [[Tool Manuals]]<br />
<br />
== Power Tools & Heavy Equipment ==<br />
We require a brief [[safety-qualifications]] walk through before using any power tools in the space.<br />
<br />
===Wood===<br />
* drill presses<br />
* chop saw<br />
* table saw<br />
* 9" band saw (wood, plasic, & light metal)<br />
* [[RBI Hawk 220VS Scroll Saw|Scroll Saw]]<br />
* bench-top router table (with router)<br />
* table-top sander<br />
* wood lathe<br />
* 12" planer ([[Restoration_of_Parks_95_12%22_surface_planer|being restored]])<br />
* 4" jointer ([[Restoration_of_Craftsman_4"_joiner|being restored]])<br />
* corded and cordless drills<br />
* dremel(s) with a complete set of accessories<br />
<br />
===Metal===<br />
* bench grinders<br />
* Atlas lathe (30" between centers, see [[Atlas_Lathe_Restoration]])<br />
* generic 20" metal lathe<br />
* [[Mill]]<br />
* metal cutting band saw, 5"x6" cutting area, w/auto-shutoff<br />
* metal chop saw<br />
* oxy-acetylene torch<br />
* TIG welder - Miller Syncrowave 350 with pulser, spot timer, etc.<br />
* MIG welder - Millermatic 250<br />
* Arc welder - Miller stick welder<br />
* Hypertherm Drag-gun 38 plasma cutter (self contained air compressor)<br />
* [[Speedway 1404 30-Amp Spot Welder]]<br />
<br />
== Electronics ==<br />
* soldering irons (variable temp)<br />
* hot air rework station<br />
* smoke absorber<br />
* soldering supplies (solder, desoldering braid, sponges, ect)<br />
* large quantity of hand tools (pliers and sidecuts)<br />
* [[Ballantine 3028A]] bench multimeter<br />
* various digital and analog handheld multimeters<br />
* BK model 1601 2A 0-50V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* Topward 3306D 6A 0-30V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* [[Oscilloscopes]]<br />
* Picoammeter<br />
* Sweep/Function Generator<br />
* solderless breadboards<br />
* Arduino clones<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3100 Digital design system]]<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3200 Analog design system]]<br />
* AVR tools<br />
** USBTiny programmers<br />
** ATMega8 and ATtiny2313 chips<br />
** buttons, 5v regulators, and other supplies<br />
* hot air guns<br />
<br />
== Automated Manufacturing ==<br />
* [[3D Printers]]<br />
** [[Makerfarm 12-Inch Pegasus]]<br />
** [[Anycubic i3 Mega]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Simple | PrintrBot Simple v1 (1310)]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Play | PrintrBot Play (1505)]]<br />
* a [[3D Scanners|3D Scanner]]<br />
* automatic knitting machine<br />
* [[FullSpectrum | Full Spectrum 45W laser cutter/etcher]]<br />
* [[X-Carve CNC Router]]<br />
* [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]] - needs work<br />
* First-Generation [[Silhouette Cameo]] CNC paper/vinyl cutter<br />
<br />
== Crafting Equipment ==<br />
<br />
=== Sewing Machines ===<br />
<br />
* [[Vintage Singer 237 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Vintage Fleetwood Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Singer 8280 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Janome HD-1000 Sewing Machine]]<br />
<br />
== Office Equipment==<br />
* Several [[Laser Printers]]<br />
<br />
== Other Equipment ==<br />
* 8"x10" plastic [[vacuum forming table]]<br />
* larger vacuum forming table donated to the space<br />
* shopvac (for dust collection system and cleanup)<br />
* [[Electrolysis Rust Removal System]]<br />
* 19" rack, 4' tall<br />
* 19" rack, 6' tall<br />
* [[Car Lift]]<br />
* 60 gallon air compressor (wood shop with feed to metal fab shop)<br />
* [[CCTV Network]]<br />
* [[MAME Cabinet]]<br />
* [[Bransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner | Bransonic 1.2-liter ultrasonic cleaner]]<br />
<br />
== Borrowable Equipement ==<br />
<br />
* Keg tap: contact [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* 5' x 8-1/2' Utility Trailer: contact Neal<br />
[[File:Utilty_trailer.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Neal's Trailer]]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tools]]<br />
[[Category: The Space]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Available_gearAvailable gear2023-10-08T04:29:38Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Wood */ add scroll saw. put drill press at top.</p>
<hr />
<div>These are tools and supplies available to Bloominglabs members. Pretty much all of the bench-top and larger tools are owned by members and kept in the space for use by other members. If you are unsure of how to use a tool or want to learn more please grab someone and we'll guide you in the right direction. General safety documentation for common power tools is kept in the black cabinet in the shop area (along with MSDS sheets). Also note that this page is generally out of date, if you are interested in something specific and don't see it here ask us about it.<br />
<br />
* [[Tool Manuals]]<br />
<br />
== Power Tools & Heavy Equipment ==<br />
We require a brief [[safety-qualifications]] walk through before using any power tools in the space.<br />
<br />
===Wood===<br />
* drill presses<br />
* chop saw<br />
* table saw<br />
* 9" band saw (wood, plasic, & light metal)<br />
* [[RBI Hawk 220VS Scroll Saw|Scroll Saw]]<br />
* bench-top router table (with router)<br />
* table-top sander<br />
* wood lathe<br />
* 12" planer ([[Restoration_of_Parks_95_12%22_surface_planer|being restored]])<br />
* 4" jointer ([[Restoration_of_Craftsman_4"_joiner|being restored]])<br />
* corded and cordless drills<br />
* dremel(s) with a complete set of accessories<br />
<br />
===Metal===<br />
* bench grinders<br />
* Atlas lathe (30" between centers, see [[Atlas_Lathe_Restoration]])<br />
* generic 20" metal lathe<br />
* [[Mill]]<br />
* metal cutting band saw, 5"x6" cutting area, w/auto-shutoff<br />
* metal chop saw<br />
* oxy-acetylene torch<br />
* TIG welder - Miller Syncrowave 350 with pulser, spot timer, etc.<br />
* MIG welder - Millermatic 250<br />
* Arc welder - Miller stick welder<br />
* Hypertherm Drag-gun 38 plasma cutter (self contained air compressor)<br />
<br />
== Electronics ==<br />
* soldering irons (variable temp)<br />
* hot air rework station<br />
* smoke absorber<br />
* soldering supplies (solder, desoldering braid, sponges, ect)<br />
* large quantity of hand tools (pliers and sidecuts)<br />
* [[Ballantine 3028A]] bench multimeter<br />
* various digital and analog handheld multimeters<br />
* BK model 1601 2A 0-50V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* Topward 3306D 6A 0-30V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* [[Oscilloscopes]]<br />
* Picoammeter<br />
* Sweep/Function Generator<br />
* solderless breadboards<br />
* Arduino clones<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3100 Digital design system]]<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3200 Analog design system]]<br />
* AVR tools<br />
** USBTiny programmers<br />
** ATMega8 and ATtiny2313 chips<br />
** buttons, 5v regulators, and other supplies<br />
* hot air guns<br />
<br />
== Automated Manufacturing ==<br />
* [[3D Printers]]<br />
** [[Makerfarm 12-Inch Pegasus]]<br />
** [[Anycubic i3 Mega]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Simple | PrintrBot Simple v1 (1310)]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Play | PrintrBot Play (1505)]]<br />
* a [[3D Scanners|3D Scanner]]<br />
* automatic knitting machine<br />
* [[FullSpectrum | Full Spectrum 45W laser cutter/etcher]]<br />
* [[X-Carve CNC Router]]<br />
* [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]] - needs work<br />
* First-Generation [[Silhouette Cameo]] CNC paper/vinyl cutter<br />
<br />
== Crafting Equipment ==<br />
<br />
=== Sewing Machines ===<br />
<br />
* [[Vintage Singer 237 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Vintage Fleetwood Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Singer 8280 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Janome HD-1000 Sewing Machine]]<br />
<br />
== Office Equipment==<br />
* Several [[Laser Printers]]<br />
<br />
== Other Equipment ==<br />
* 8"x10" plastic [[vacuum forming table]]<br />
* larger vacuum forming table donated to the space<br />
* shopvac (for dust collection system and cleanup)<br />
* [[Electrolysis Rust Removal System]]<br />
* 19" rack, 4' tall<br />
* 19" rack, 6' tall<br />
* [[Car Lift]]<br />
* 60 gallon air compressor (wood shop with feed to metal fab shop)<br />
* [[CCTV Network]]<br />
* [[MAME Cabinet]]<br />
* [[Bransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner | Bransonic 1.2-liter ultrasonic cleaner]]<br />
<br />
== Borrowable Equipement ==<br />
<br />
* Keg tap: contact [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* 5' x 8-1/2' Utility Trailer: contact Neal<br />
[[File:Utilty_trailer.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Neal's Trailer]]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tools]]<br />
[[Category: The Space]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Bransonic_12_Ultrasonic_CleanerBransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner2023-10-04T00:00:29Z<p>Avh.on1: add more usage information, especially about the new homemade wire basket</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Bransonic-12.jpeg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
The Bransonic 12 is an ultrasonic cleaner with a 1.2-liter capacity. It is useful for cleaning small parts without supervision; it can clean parts that are tedious or difficult to clean by hand, or just save labor.<br />
<br />
== Use ==<br />
<br />
Clean any particularly nasty or big gunk off your part. No point in making the ultrasonic cleaner work hard to dissolve something that you can wipe off with a paper towel, brush, or fingertip.<br />
<br />
Make sure your part will not be touching the bottom of the tank. This will eventually wear holes in the tank. A homemade wire-mesh basket is with the cleaner and can hold most parts. For other parts, suspend them on a wire, or put them in a wire mesh bag that the basket can hold.<br />
<br />
Use a water-based cleaner. For most cleaning and degreasing, diluted Simple Green is a good choice.<br />
* DO NOT use flammable cleaners (such as alcohol or acetone); they will be aerosolized into a flammable mist!<br />
* DO NOT use mineral acids or chlorine solutions (such as bleach); they will chemically dissolve the tank!<br />
<br />
Submerge your part in the bath. Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in your part; they will block cleaning action.<br />
<br />
Make sure the ultrasonic cleaner is in a safe and level spot, plug it in, and turn it on. The power switch is on the left side, bottom-front corner.<br />
<br />
DO NOT put your hand into the tank while the ultrasonic cleaner is running; this can cause skin irritation.<br />
<br />
If possible, let the ultrasonic cleaner run with the lid on. (Note: the new, homemade basket makes this impractical. Somebody needs to trim the excess wire off the corners of the basket, and maybe make a rubber or cork gasket for the lid.) This lowers sound levels enough to be safe for continuous exposure. If this is not possible, then make sure that either the ultrasonic cleaner is isolated from people, or that you and other nearby people have hearing protection. Remember, most of the sound ultrasonic (around 40 kHz), so you can't hear it!<br />
<br />
Check your part every 5-15 minutes. If your part isn't clean after an hour, consider a using a different cleaner in the bath, or a different tool for cleaning your part.<br />
<br />
Due to reflections of the sound waves, not all surfaces of your part may be cleaned equally well. Rotate the part periodically to ensure even coverage.<br />
<br />
If you wish to pour out the cleaning solution, make sure the unit is unplugged. (This needs to be done periodically as the cleaner gets contaminated with all the crud it's dissolved off of parts.)<br />
<br />
When done using the ultrasonic cleaner, replace the lid to keep the tank clean.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Bransonic_12_Ultrasonic_CleanerBransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner2023-09-24T04:27:02Z<p>Avh.on1: page created, with basic usage and safety guidelines</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Bransonic-12.jpeg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
The Bransonic 12 is an ultrasonic cleaner with a 1.2-liter capacity.<br />
<br />
== Use ==<br />
<br />
Make sure your part will not be touching the bottom of the tank. This will shorten the tank's lifespan. If necessary, suspend your part from the top of the tank with wire.<br />
<br />
Use a water-based cleaner. Diluted Simple Green usually works.<br />
* DO NOT use flammable cleaners (such as alcohol or acetone); they will be aerosolized into a flammable mist!<br />
* DO NOT use mineral acids or chlorine solutions (such as bleach); they will chemically dissolve the tank!<br />
<br />
Make sure the cleaner is in a safe and level spot, plug it in, and turn it on. The power switch is on the left side, bottom-front corner.<br />
<br />
DO NOT put your hand into the tank while the ultrasonic cleaner is running; this can cause skin irritation.<br />
<br />
If possible, let the ultrasonic cleaner run with the lid on. This lowers sound levels enough to be safe for continuous exposure. If this is not possible, then make sure that either it is isolated from people, or that you and other nearby people have hearing protection. Remember, most of the sound ultrasonic (around 40 kHz), so you can't it!<br />
<br />
Check your part every 5-15 minutes. If your part isn't clean after an hour, consider a different cleaning solution, or a different method for cleaning your part.<br />
<br />
Due to reflections of the sound waves, not all surfaces of your part may be cleaned equally well. You can rotate the part periodically to increase coverage.<br />
<br />
If you wish to pour out the cleaning solution, make sure the unit is unplugged.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/File:Bransonic-12.jpegFile:Bransonic-12.jpeg2023-09-24T04:08:11Z<p>Avh.on1: photograph of the Bransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner with its lid on</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
photograph of the [[Bransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner]] with its lid on<br />
== Licensing ==<br />
{{cc0}}</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Available_gearAvailable gear2023-09-24T02:00:19Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Other Equipment */ added Bransonic 12 ultrasonic cleaner</p>
<hr />
<div>These are tools and supplies available to Bloominglabs members. Pretty much all of the bench-top and larger tools are owned by members and kept in the space for use by other members. If you are unsure of how to use a tool or want to learn more please grab someone and we'll guide you in the right direction. General safety documentation for common power tools is kept in the black cabinet in the shop area (along with MSDS sheets). Also note that this page is generally out of date, if you are interested in something specific and don't see it here ask us about it.<br />
<br />
* [[Tool Manuals]]<br />
<br />
== Power Tools & Heavy Equipment ==<br />
We require a brief [[safety-qualifications]] walk through before using any power tools in the space.<br />
<br />
===Wood===<br />
* chop saw<br />
* table saw<br />
* drill presses<br />
* 9" band saw (wood, plasic, & light metal)<br />
* bench-top router table (with router)<br />
* table-top sander<br />
* wood lathe<br />
* 12" planer ([[Restoration_of_Parks_95_12%22_surface_planer|being restored]])<br />
* 4" jointer ([[Restoration_of_Craftsman_4"_joiner|being restored]])<br />
* corded and cordless drills<br />
* dremel(s) with a complete set of accessories<br />
<br />
===Metal===<br />
* bench grinders<br />
* Atlas lathe (30" between centers, see [[Atlas_Lathe_Restoration]])<br />
* generic 20" metal lathe<br />
* [[Mill]]<br />
* metal cutting band saw, 5"x6" cutting area, w/auto-shutoff<br />
* metal chop saw<br />
* oxy-acetylene torch<br />
* TIG welder - Miller Syncrowave 350 with pulser, spot timer, etc.<br />
* MIG welder - Millermatic 250<br />
* Arc welder - Miller stick welder<br />
* Hypertherm Drag-gun 38 plasma cutter (self contained air compressor)<br />
<br />
== Electronics ==<br />
* soldering irons (variable temp)<br />
* hot air rework station<br />
* smoke absorber<br />
* soldering supplies (solder, desoldering braid, sponges, ect)<br />
* large quantity of hand tools (pliers and sidecuts)<br />
* [[Ballantine 3028A]] bench multimeter<br />
* various digital and analog handheld multimeters<br />
* BK model 1601 2A 0-50V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* Topward 3306D 6A 0-30V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* [[Oscilloscopes]]<br />
* Picoammeter<br />
* Sweep/Function Generator<br />
* solderless breadboards<br />
* Arduino clones<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3100 Digital design system]]<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3200 Analog design system]]<br />
* AVR tools<br />
** USBTiny programmers<br />
** ATMega8 and ATtiny2313 chips<br />
** buttons, 5v regulators, and other supplies<br />
* hot air guns<br />
<br />
== Automated Manufacturing ==<br />
* [[3D Printers]]<br />
** [[Makerfarm 12-Inch Pegasus]]<br />
** [[Anycubic i3 Mega]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Simple | PrintrBot Simple v1 (1310)]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Play | PrintrBot Play (1505)]]<br />
* a [[3D Scanners|3D Scanner]]<br />
* automatic knitting machine<br />
* [[FullSpectrum | Full Spectrum 45W laser cutter/etcher]]<br />
* [[X-Carve CNC Router]]<br />
* [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]] - needs work<br />
* First-Generation [[Silhouette Cameo]] CNC paper/vinyl cutter<br />
<br />
== Crafting Equipment ==<br />
<br />
=== Sewing Machines ===<br />
<br />
* [[Vintage Singer 237 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Vintage Fleetwood Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Singer 8280 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Janome HD-1000 Sewing Machine]]<br />
<br />
== Office Equipment==<br />
* Several [[Laser Printers]]<br />
<br />
== Other Equipment ==<br />
* 8"x10" plastic [[vacuum forming table]]<br />
* larger vacuum forming table donated to the space<br />
* shopvac (for dust collection system and cleanup)<br />
* [[Electrolysis Rust Removal System]]<br />
* 19" rack, 4' tall<br />
* 19" rack, 6' tall<br />
* [[Car Lift]]<br />
* 60 gallon air compressor (wood shop with feed to metal fab shop)<br />
* [[CCTV Network]]<br />
* [[MAME Cabinet]]<br />
* [[Bransonic 12 Ultrasonic Cleaner | Bransonic 1.2-liter ultrasonic cleaner]]<br />
<br />
== Borrowable Equipement ==<br />
<br />
* Keg tap: contact [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* 5' x 8-1/2' Utility Trailer: contact Neal<br />
[[File:Utilty_trailer.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Neal's Trailer]]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tools]]<br />
[[Category: The Space]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/DIY_E-Bike_BatteryDIY E-Bike Battery2023-09-22T01:19:03Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Individual Cell Measurements */ added capacity measurements!</p>
<hr />
<div>A project by [[User:Jpt4|Jpt4]] and [[User:Avh.on1|AVH]] to homebuild batteries for their personal ebikes.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Cells ==<br />
120 (total) LiFePO₄ 26650 cells purchased from [https://batteryhookup.com/products/full-case-of-120-k2-26650-3800mah-lifepo4-cells Battery Hookup] for the $228. Their specifications are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Make/Model: K2 LFP26650E<br />
* Size: 26650<br />
* Voltage: 3.2<br />
* Capacity: 3.8 amp-hours (12.16 watt-hours)<br />
* Maximum Voltage: 3.65 (safe) 4.1 (maximum)<br />
* Minimum Voltage: 2.5 (safe) 2.0 (minimum)<br />
* Continuous Discharge Current: 12 amps<br />
* Maximum Discharge Current: 28 amps for 30 seconds<br />
* Recommended Charging Current: 3.8 amps<br />
<br />
=== Packaging ===<br />
<br />
The cells arrived in a tightly-fitting two-piece vacuum-formed plastic package that holds all the cells vertically in a 10x12 grid. The top of half of the package had some splits and cracks near one corner. The package, along with a desiccant pack, was in a thin plastic bag, zip-tied shut, in an exactly-fitting cardboard box.<br />
<br />
=== Labels and Markings ===<br />
<br />
Each cell is marked from the factory:<br />
Li-Ion IFpR27/65<br />
+ K2 Energy LP26650E-3800-21 -<br />
3.2V 3.8AH(12.16Wh)<br />
<br />
Also, each cell has a serial number in a QR code near the negative terminal, (usually, but not always) on the side opposite the label. The dot-matrix printer that made the codes wasn't perfectly aligned, so many cells have codes that are slightly distorted and difficult to scan. Using the [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.google.zxing.client.android/ Barcode Scanner] app, the codes could be scanned more reliably sideways, or at not-quite-90-degree angles.<br />
<br />
To make it easier for us to keep track of the cells, the first time each cell was removed from the packaging, it was given a three-digit number corresponding to the row and column they were from in the box. 000 is from the top-left, 009 is from the top-right, 110 is from the bottom-left, and 119 is from the bottom-right. The labels are written in permanent marker on the ''ample'' blank, white space on the cell wrappers, and underlined so that there is no ambiguity which way the number is supposed to be read.<br />
<br />
=== Individual Cell Measurements ===<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right;"<br />
|+ K2 26650 Li-Ion Cells<br />
! scope="col"| Serial Number<br />
! scope="col"| Label<br />
! scope="col"| Out-Of-The-Box Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Self-Discharge Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Capacity (watt-hours)<br />
! scope="col"| Remarks <!-- This column should be right-most. --><br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 00 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132431<br />
| 000<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.682<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132415<br />
| 001<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.770<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132362<br />
| 002<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.808<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132351<br />
| 003<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.898<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132270<br />
| 004<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.932<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132286<br />
| 005<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.876<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132393<br />
| 006<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.802<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132397<br />
| 007<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.945<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132328<br />
| 008<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.943<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132317<br />
| 009<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.862<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 01 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132458<br />
| 010<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.824<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132442<br />
| 011<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.835<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132426<br />
| 012<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.908<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132378<br />
| 013<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.915<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132265<br />
| 014<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.880<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132281<br />
| 015<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.873<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132457<br />
| 016<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.876<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132424<br />
| 017<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.640<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132392<br />
| 018<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.710<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132344<br />
| 019<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.737<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 02 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132367<br />
| 020<br />
| 0.00<br />
| 3.21<br />
| 8.886<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132350<br />
| 021<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.678<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132334<br />
| 022<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.845<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132233<br />
| 023<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.792<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132269<br />
| 024<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.758<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132462<br />
| 025<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.813<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132398<br />
| 026<br />
| 3.19<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 9.369<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132414<br />
| 027<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.759<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132413<br />
| 028<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.788<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132333<br />
| 029<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.646<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 03 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132394<br />
| 030<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.740<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132361<br />
| 031<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.785<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132345<br />
| 032<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.798<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132329<br />
| 033<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.863<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132296<br />
| 034<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.697<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132280<br />
| 035<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.765<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132409<br />
| 036<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.776<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132425<br />
| 037<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.696<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132440<br />
| 038<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.765<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132360<br />
| 039<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 10.744<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 04 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134729<br />
| 040<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.620<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134648<br />
| 041<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.757<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134519<br />
| 042<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.762<br />
|-<br />
| PH120223-134644<br />
| 043<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.798<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134515<br />
| 044<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.669<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134691<br />
| 045<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.822<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134713<br />
| 046<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.874<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134628<br />
| 047<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 11.145<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134632<br />
| 048<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 11.249<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134760<br />
| 049<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.829<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 05 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134552<br />
| 050<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.393<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134712<br />
| 051<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.558<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134631<br />
| 052<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.480<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134708<br />
| 053<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.497<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134595<br />
| 054<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.558<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134755<br />
| 055<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.590<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134536<br />
| 056<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.520<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134692<br />
| 057<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.628<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134696<br />
| 058<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.599<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134599<br />
| 059<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.622<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 06 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134756<br />
| 060<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.38<br />
| 10.739<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134675<br />
| 061<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.715<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134697<br />
| 062<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.767<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134584<br />
| 063<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.809<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134744<br />
| 064<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.879<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134596<br />
| 065<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.633<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134740<br />
| 066<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.695<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134643<br />
| 067<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 11.051<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134681<br />
| 068<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.863<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134568<br />
| 069<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.842<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134579<br />
| 070<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.38<br />
| 10.666<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134739<br />
| 071<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.820<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134761<br />
| 072<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.769<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134680<br />
| 073<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.719<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134551<br />
| 074<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.741<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134676<br />
| 075<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.765<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134563<br />
| 076<br />
| 0.65<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.773<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134723<br />
| 077<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.813<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134745<br />
| 078<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.811<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134664<br />
| 079<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.754<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 08 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134728<br />
| 080<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 11.277<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134564<br />
| 081<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 11.429<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134724<br />
| 082<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.742<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134627<br />
| 083<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.689<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132318<br />
| 084<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.815<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132446<br />
| 085<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.787<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132365<br />
| 086<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.836<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134709<br />
| 087<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.706<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134693<br />
| 088<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.729<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132399<br />
| 089<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.863<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 09 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134535<br />
| 090<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.736<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134660<br />
| 091<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.719<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134531<br />
| 092<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.742<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134707<br />
| 093<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.785<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132382<br />
| 094<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.732<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132301<br />
| 095<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.804<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132445<br />
| 096<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.636<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134516<br />
| 097<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.610<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223134757<br />
| 098<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 10.635<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132223<br />
| 099<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.40<br />
| 10.686<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 10 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132441<br />
| 100<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.723<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132376<br />
| 101<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 10.736<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132349<br />
| 102<br />
| 3.24<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 10.813<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132430<br />
| 103<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.36<br />
| 10.786<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132297<br />
| 104<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 10.668<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132302<br />
| 105<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.730<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134521<br />
| 106<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.600<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134762<br />
| 107<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.628<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132410<br />
| 108<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.682<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132383<br />
| 109<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.619<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 11 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132312<br />
| 110<br />
| 3.28<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.486<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132456<br />
| 111<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.401<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132429<br />
| 112<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
| 10.522<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132285<br />
| 113<br />
| 3.24<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 11.400<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132377<br />
| 114<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 14.682<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132366<br />
| 115<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 10.532<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134633<br />
| 116<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.617<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134585<br />
| 117<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.706<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132218<br />
| 118<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| 10.610<br />
| Slightly torn wrapper<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132447<br />
| 119<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
| 8.131<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Cell Testing ===<br />
<br />
==== Out-Of-Box Voltage ====<br />
<br />
When the package arrived, each cell's voltage was measured with the [[Ballantine 3028A | bench multimeter]]. (Also, its QR code was scanned, and its label written on.)<br />
<br />
==== First Charge ====<br />
<br />
A custom 5-cell holder was made from wood and brass strips (26650 cell holders are wiedly expensive , given how cheap 18650 cell holders are) and plugged in to a [https://www.toolkitrc.com/m7 ToolkitRC M7], which was plugged in to the benchtop power supply. This setup was used to charge 5 cells at a time (24 times) to charge the cells to 3.65V, the maximum setting the M7 can charge LiFePO₄ cells to. Then, the cells were charged 2 at a time on a [https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-D2-DigiCharger-p/chg-nite-d2.htm NiteCore Digicharger D2] to 3.70V.<br />
<br />
==== Self-Discharge ====<br />
<br />
This unintentional test was the result of effectively shelving the project for 16 months after the cells were charged. Cells with greater self-discharge (bad) will show lower voltages; cells with voltages closer to 3.65V have low self-discharge. Voltages were measures the same way out-of-box voltage was measured.<br />
<br />
The results of this test were very encouraging. The cells held a much more consistent voltage than they had had out of the box, even the ones that had arrived severely discharged. This bodes well for their long-term performance in a battery.</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Silhouette_CameoSilhouette Cameo2023-09-14T10:10:32Z<p>Avh.on1: add photograph of the Silhouette Cameo</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Silhouette-cameo.jpeg|thumb|480px]]<br />
<br />
The Silhouette Cameo (1st generation) is a [[Availablegear#Automated_Manufacturing|CNC tool]] which takes in flat sheets of material and runs a tool left-right and up-down along it.<br />
It is capable of recreating intricate designs with either a knife or a writing utensil.<br />
The Silhouette Cameo is most used for cutting vinyl stickers, but has many other uses.<br />
<br />
The recommended software for this machine is [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape] with the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouetteinkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
The instructions on this page are written for this software.<br />
As of September 2023, [https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software Silhouette's official software] is unusably buggy.<br />
<br />
== Installing Software ==<br />
<br />
First, install [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape].<br />
<br />
Second, install the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette inkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
Instructions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are on the GitHub page.<br />
As of September 2023, the Windows instructions are complete and correct.<br />
If you have problems, check the "issues" tab.<br />
If nobody is describing the issue you are having, feel free to open a new issue.<br />
<br />
== Using ==<br />
<br />
=== Make Your Design ===<br />
<br />
You can draw your design in Inkscape, or import a file that you found online or drew in another program.<br />
If you plan to import a file into Inkscape, make sure it is a "vector" file (often .svg, .dxf, .pdf, .ai, or .dwg), not a "raster" or "bitmap" file (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif).<br />
Besides Inkscape, other popular vector drawing programs include [http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe Illustrator], [https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/draw/ LibreOffice Draw], and [https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ Affinity Designer].<br />
<br />
=== Plug In ===<br />
<br />
The cutter has a power brick and a USB-B cable. Plug these in to the wall and the computer, respectively.<br />
<br />
=== Prepare Tool ===<br />
<br />
So far, the silhouette cameo has been tested with markers and with blades.<br />
<br />
==== Markers ====<br />
<br />
For markers, just wrap in enough tape that it will ''barely'' fit into the "print head".<br />
<br />
==== Blades ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Silhouette-official-knife-cartridge.jpg|Official knife cartridge<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-in-tube.jpg|Generic knife cartridge in protective tube<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-cartridge.jpg|Generic knife cartridge<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Blades for Silhouette's cutting machines come in cylindrical cartridges.<br />
The blade sticks out the bottom of the cartridge and pivots freely.<br />
<br />
Bloominglabs has 2 kinds of knife cartridges for the silhouette cameo:<br />
* the official knife cartridge, made from plastic, which must be totally replaced when dull<br />
* an unofficial knife cartridge, made from aluminum, with replaceable blades<br />
<br />
===== Adjust Blade Depth =====<br />
<br />
It is important that the blade protrude the correct depth.<br />
Too shallow, and it will not cut through the material.<br />
(This can be used deliberately to score material for folding or tearing.)<br />
Too deep, and it will scour the rubber pad under the print head, prematurely dull the blade, and potentially snag the material and tear it apart.<br />
<br />
To adjust the blade depth of the official (blue plastic) knife cartridge, insert it into the fixture on the front-left of the Cameo, align it until it drop in, and twist it until the arrow points at the desired depth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-blade-depth.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
The [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has recommended depth settings for different materials.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Recommended Cutting Depths for Official Blade<br />
|-<br />
! Blade Setting !! Material<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Thin materials such as vinyl and smooth heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 2-3 || Medium-weight materials such as paper, cardstock and flocked heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 4-6 || Thicker materials such as textured cardstock and pattern papers<br />
|-<br />
| 7-10 || Thick materials such as canvas<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The unofficial (aluminum) knife cartridge is adjusted by turning the knob on the top.<br />
It may be necessary to manually drag the blade across your material in order to determine whether it is adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-generic-blade-depth.gif]]<br />
<br />
=== Insert Tool ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-inserting-blade-cartridge.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
Tools drop in to the "print head" of the machine and lock in place by twisting the blue plastic knob clockwise.<br />
Be sure that the tool is seated all the way down, otherwise you way not cut all the way through, or even at all.<br />
<br />
=== Load Material ===<br />
<br />
==== Non-Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
For cutting materials that don't already have adhesive backing, like paper or fabric, it is recommended to use an adhesive cutting mat.<br />
(You may be able to get away without using a cutting mat, see examples [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/wiki#can-you-do-this-without-a-cutting-mat here].)<br />
Cutting mats can be purchased on [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20cutting%20mat amazon] or at major craft stores.<br />
Mats can be re-used a limited number of times, depending on whether the blade is set to be too deep or not and how well the adhesive maintains its hold.<br />
<br />
Align your material in the top-left corner of the adhesive cutting mat.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load cutting mat", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
==== Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
Materials that already have adhesive backing, like [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20vinyl%20sheets vinyl sheets], can be fed into the cutter directly.<br />
<br />
If your sheet is less than twelve inches wide, the [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has instructions on adjusting the rollers for narrower sheets.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load media", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
=== Plot the Design onto the Material ===<br />
<br />
In Inkscape's menu bar, select <code>Extensions -> Export -> Send to Silhouette...</code>.<br />
<br />
A big dialog box will pop up with lots of options.<br />
Generally, you only need to set <code>Tool</code> to either <code>Cut</code> or <code>Pen</code>, and set what <code>Media</code> you are working with.<br />
If you find the defaults unsatisfactory, and you are sure that the blade is sharp and set to the correct depth, then you should start playing with the rest of the settings. For custom pressure settings, the unit is 7 grams. (So P=3 means 21 grams of force will be applied.) For custom speed, the maximum is 30. If you find some good settings that aren't in the defaults, please add them to the following table.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Alternative Media Settings<br />
|-<br />
! Media !! Pressure !! Speed !! Notes !! Result<br />
|-<br />
| Ballpoint Pen (Bic Cristal) on Printer Paper || 1 || 30 || Pressure of 12 or higher can cause the pen to snag the paper.<br />
The ballpoint pen will not write well on the paper that the white rollers press on.<br />
| [[File:Silhouette-ballpoint-pen-bic-cristal-printer-paper-p01-s30.jpg|120px]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Finally, click <code>Apply</code>. The cutter will do the stuff and make the thing.<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<br />
User manual: [[File:Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf]]<br />
<br />
User guide for inkscape-silhouette: [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/blob/main/USERGUIDE.md]<br />
<br />
An archived copy of the product page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130620105656/http://www.silhouetteamerica.com:80/?page=shop&cat=1]<br />
<br />
A PDF of the technical specifications: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180508201602/https://cdn.silhouetteamerica.com/m/d/technical-specs_cameo.pdf]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]<br />
[[Category: Craft Cutter]]<br />
[[Category: Vinyl Cutter]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/File:Silhouette-cameo.jpegFile:Silhouette-cameo.jpeg2023-09-14T10:06:50Z<p>Avh.on1: photograph of the Silhouette Cameo, with its lid closed</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
photograph of the [[Silhouette Cameo]], with its lid closed<br />
== Licensing ==<br />
{{cc0}}</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Silhouette_CameoSilhouette Cameo2023-09-13T08:17:48Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Links */ add inkscape-silhouette userguide link</p>
<hr />
<div>The Silhouette Cameo (1st generation) is a [[Availablegear#Automated_Manufacturing|CNC tool]] which takes in flat sheets of material and runs a tool left-right and up-down along it.<br />
It is capable of recreating intricate designs with either a knife or a writing utensil.<br />
The Silhouette Cameo is most used for cutting vinyl stickers, but has many other uses.<br />
<br />
The recommended software for this machine is [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape] with the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouetteinkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
The instructions on this page are written for this software.<br />
As of September 2023, [https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software Silhouette's official software] is unusably buggy.<br />
<br />
== Installing Software ==<br />
<br />
First, install [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape].<br />
<br />
Second, install the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette inkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
Instructions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are on the GitHub page.<br />
As of September 2023, the Windows instructions are complete and correct.<br />
If you have problems, check the "issues" tab.<br />
If nobody is describing the issue you are having, feel free to open a new issue.<br />
<br />
== Using ==<br />
<br />
=== Make Your Design ===<br />
<br />
You can draw your design in Inkscape, or import a file that you found online or drew in another program.<br />
If you plan to import a file into Inkscape, make sure it is a "vector" file (often .svg, .dxf, .pdf, .ai, or .dwg), not a "raster" or "bitmap" file (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif).<br />
Besides Inkscape, other popular vector drawing programs include [http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe Illustrator], [https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/draw/ LibreOffice Draw], and [https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ Affinity Designer].<br />
<br />
=== Plug In ===<br />
<br />
The cutter has a power brick and a USB-B cable. Plug these in to the wall and the computer, respectively.<br />
<br />
=== Prepare Tool ===<br />
<br />
So far, the silhouette cameo has been tested with markers and with blades.<br />
<br />
==== Markers ====<br />
<br />
For markers, just wrap in enough tape that it will ''barely'' fit into the "print head".<br />
<br />
==== Blades ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Silhouette-official-knife-cartridge.jpg|Official knife cartridge<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-in-tube.jpg|Generic knife cartridge in protective tube<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-cartridge.jpg|Generic knife cartridge<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Blades for Silhouette's cutting machines come in cylindrical cartridges.<br />
The blade sticks out the bottom of the cartridge and pivots freely.<br />
<br />
Bloominglabs has 2 kinds of knife cartridges for the silhouette cameo:<br />
* the official knife cartridge, made from plastic, which must be totally replaced when dull<br />
* an unofficial knife cartridge, made from aluminum, with replaceable blades<br />
<br />
===== Adjust Blade Depth =====<br />
<br />
It is important that the blade protrude the correct depth.<br />
Too shallow, and it will not cut through the material.<br />
(This can be used deliberately to score material for folding or tearing.)<br />
Too deep, and it will scour the rubber pad under the print head, prematurely dull the blade, and potentially snag the material and tear it apart.<br />
<br />
To adjust the blade depth of the official (blue plastic) knife cartridge, insert it into the fixture on the front-left of the Cameo, align it until it drop in, and twist it until the arrow points at the desired depth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-blade-depth.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
The [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has recommended depth settings for different materials.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Recommended Cutting Depths for Official Blade<br />
|-<br />
! Blade Setting !! Material<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Thin materials such as vinyl and smooth heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 2-3 || Medium-weight materials such as paper, cardstock and flocked heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 4-6 || Thicker materials such as textured cardstock and pattern papers<br />
|-<br />
| 7-10 || Thick materials such as canvas<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The unofficial (aluminum) knife cartridge is adjusted by turning the knob on the top.<br />
It may be necessary to manually drag the blade across your material in order to determine whether it is adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-generic-blade-depth.gif]]<br />
<br />
=== Insert Tool ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-inserting-blade-cartridge.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
Tools drop in to the "print head" of the machine and lock in place by twisting the blue plastic knob clockwise.<br />
Be sure that the tool is seated all the way down, otherwise you way not cut all the way through, or even at all.<br />
<br />
=== Load Material ===<br />
<br />
==== Non-Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
For cutting materials that don't already have adhesive backing, like paper or fabric, it is recommended to use an adhesive cutting mat.<br />
(You may be able to get away without using a cutting mat, see examples [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/wiki#can-you-do-this-without-a-cutting-mat here].)<br />
Cutting mats can be purchased on [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20cutting%20mat amazon] or at major craft stores.<br />
Mats can be re-used a limited number of times, depending on whether the blade is set to be too deep or not and how well the adhesive maintains its hold.<br />
<br />
Align your material in the top-left corner of the adhesive cutting mat.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load cutting mat", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
==== Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
Materials that already have adhesive backing, like [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20vinyl%20sheets vinyl sheets], can be fed into the cutter directly.<br />
<br />
If your sheet is less than twelve inches wide, the [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has instructions on adjusting the rollers for narrower sheets.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load media", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
=== Plot the Design onto the Material ===<br />
<br />
In Inkscape's menu bar, select <code>Extensions -> Export -> Send to Silhouette...</code>.<br />
<br />
A big dialog box will pop up with lots of options.<br />
Generally, you only need to set <code>Tool</code> to either <code>Cut</code> or <code>Pen</code>, and set what <code>Media</code> you are working with.<br />
If you find the defaults unsatisfactory, and you are sure that the blade is sharp and set to the correct depth, then you should start playing with the rest of the settings. For custom pressure settings, the unit is 7 grams. (So P=3 means 21 grams of force will be applied.) For custom speed, the maximum is 30. If you find some good settings that aren't in the defaults, please add them to the following table.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Alternative Media Settings<br />
|-<br />
! Media !! Pressure !! Speed !! Notes !! Result<br />
|-<br />
| Ballpoint Pen (Bic Cristal) on Printer Paper || 1 || 30 || Pressure of 12 or higher can cause the pen to snag the paper.<br />
The ballpoint pen will not write well on the paper that the white rollers press on.<br />
| [[File:Silhouette-ballpoint-pen-bic-cristal-printer-paper-p01-s30.jpg|120px]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Finally, click <code>Apply</code>. The cutter will do the stuff and make the thing.<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<br />
User manual: [[File:Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf]]<br />
<br />
User guide for inkscape-silhouette: [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/blob/main/USERGUIDE.md]<br />
<br />
An archived copy of the product page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130620105656/http://www.silhouetteamerica.com:80/?page=shop&cat=1]<br />
<br />
A PDF of the technical specifications: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180508201602/https://cdn.silhouetteamerica.com/m/d/technical-specs_cameo.pdf]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]<br />
[[Category: Craft Cutter]]<br />
[[Category: Vinyl Cutter]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Silhouette_CameoSilhouette Cameo2023-09-13T08:16:50Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Plot the Design onto the Material */ add some more info; create a table for custom media settings; add Ballpoint Pen (Bic Cristal) on Printer Paper settings</p>
<hr />
<div>The Silhouette Cameo (1st generation) is a [[Availablegear#Automated_Manufacturing|CNC tool]] which takes in flat sheets of material and runs a tool left-right and up-down along it.<br />
It is capable of recreating intricate designs with either a knife or a writing utensil.<br />
The Silhouette Cameo is most used for cutting vinyl stickers, but has many other uses.<br />
<br />
The recommended software for this machine is [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape] with the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouetteinkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
The instructions on this page are written for this software.<br />
As of September 2023, [https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software Silhouette's official software] is unusably buggy.<br />
<br />
== Installing Software ==<br />
<br />
First, install [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape].<br />
<br />
Second, install the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette inkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
Instructions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are on the GitHub page.<br />
As of September 2023, the Windows instructions are complete and correct.<br />
If you have problems, check the "issues" tab.<br />
If nobody is describing the issue you are having, feel free to open a new issue.<br />
<br />
== Using ==<br />
<br />
=== Make Your Design ===<br />
<br />
You can draw your design in Inkscape, or import a file that you found online or drew in another program.<br />
If you plan to import a file into Inkscape, make sure it is a "vector" file (often .svg, .dxf, .pdf, .ai, or .dwg), not a "raster" or "bitmap" file (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif).<br />
Besides Inkscape, other popular vector drawing programs include [http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe Illustrator], [https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/draw/ LibreOffice Draw], and [https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ Affinity Designer].<br />
<br />
=== Plug In ===<br />
<br />
The cutter has a power brick and a USB-B cable. Plug these in to the wall and the computer, respectively.<br />
<br />
=== Prepare Tool ===<br />
<br />
So far, the silhouette cameo has been tested with markers and with blades.<br />
<br />
==== Markers ====<br />
<br />
For markers, just wrap in enough tape that it will ''barely'' fit into the "print head".<br />
<br />
==== Blades ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Silhouette-official-knife-cartridge.jpg|Official knife cartridge<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-in-tube.jpg|Generic knife cartridge in protective tube<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-cartridge.jpg|Generic knife cartridge<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Blades for Silhouette's cutting machines come in cylindrical cartridges.<br />
The blade sticks out the bottom of the cartridge and pivots freely.<br />
<br />
Bloominglabs has 2 kinds of knife cartridges for the silhouette cameo:<br />
* the official knife cartridge, made from plastic, which must be totally replaced when dull<br />
* an unofficial knife cartridge, made from aluminum, with replaceable blades<br />
<br />
===== Adjust Blade Depth =====<br />
<br />
It is important that the blade protrude the correct depth.<br />
Too shallow, and it will not cut through the material.<br />
(This can be used deliberately to score material for folding or tearing.)<br />
Too deep, and it will scour the rubber pad under the print head, prematurely dull the blade, and potentially snag the material and tear it apart.<br />
<br />
To adjust the blade depth of the official (blue plastic) knife cartridge, insert it into the fixture on the front-left of the Cameo, align it until it drop in, and twist it until the arrow points at the desired depth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-blade-depth.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
The [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has recommended depth settings for different materials.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Recommended Cutting Depths for Official Blade<br />
|-<br />
! Blade Setting !! Material<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Thin materials such as vinyl and smooth heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 2-3 || Medium-weight materials such as paper, cardstock and flocked heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 4-6 || Thicker materials such as textured cardstock and pattern papers<br />
|-<br />
| 7-10 || Thick materials such as canvas<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The unofficial (aluminum) knife cartridge is adjusted by turning the knob on the top.<br />
It may be necessary to manually drag the blade across your material in order to determine whether it is adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-generic-blade-depth.gif]]<br />
<br />
=== Insert Tool ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-inserting-blade-cartridge.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
Tools drop in to the "print head" of the machine and lock in place by twisting the blue plastic knob clockwise.<br />
Be sure that the tool is seated all the way down, otherwise you way not cut all the way through, or even at all.<br />
<br />
=== Load Material ===<br />
<br />
==== Non-Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
For cutting materials that don't already have adhesive backing, like paper or fabric, it is recommended to use an adhesive cutting mat.<br />
(You may be able to get away without using a cutting mat, see examples [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/wiki#can-you-do-this-without-a-cutting-mat here].)<br />
Cutting mats can be purchased on [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20cutting%20mat amazon] or at major craft stores.<br />
Mats can be re-used a limited number of times, depending on whether the blade is set to be too deep or not and how well the adhesive maintains its hold.<br />
<br />
Align your material in the top-left corner of the adhesive cutting mat.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load cutting mat", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
==== Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
Materials that already have adhesive backing, like [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20vinyl%20sheets vinyl sheets], can be fed into the cutter directly.<br />
<br />
If your sheet is less than twelve inches wide, the [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has instructions on adjusting the rollers for narrower sheets.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load media", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
=== Plot the Design onto the Material ===<br />
<br />
In Inkscape's menu bar, select <code>Extensions -> Export -> Send to Silhouette...</code>.<br />
<br />
A big dialog box will pop up with lots of options.<br />
Generally, you only need to set <code>Tool</code> to either <code>Cut</code> or <code>Pen</code>, and set what <code>Media</code> you are working with.<br />
If you find the defaults unsatisfactory, and you are sure that the blade is sharp and set to the correct depth, then you should start playing with the rest of the settings. For custom pressure settings, the unit is 7 grams. (So P=3 means 21 grams of force will be applied.) For custom speed, the maximum is 30. If you find some good settings that aren't in the defaults, please add them to the following table.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Alternative Media Settings<br />
|-<br />
! Media !! Pressure !! Speed !! Notes !! Result<br />
|-<br />
| Ballpoint Pen (Bic Cristal) on Printer Paper || 1 || 30 || Pressure of 12 or higher can cause the pen to snag the paper.<br />
The ballpoint pen will not write well on the paper that the white rollers press on.<br />
| [[File:Silhouette-ballpoint-pen-bic-cristal-printer-paper-p01-s30.jpg|120px]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Finally, click <code>Apply</code>. The cutter will do the stuff and make the thing.<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<br />
User manual: [[File:Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf]]<br />
<br />
An archived copy of the product page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130620105656/http://www.silhouetteamerica.com:80/?page=shop&cat=1]<br />
<br />
A PDF of the technical specifications: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180508201602/https://cdn.silhouetteamerica.com/m/d/technical-specs_cameo.pdf]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]<br />
[[Category: Craft Cutter]]<br />
[[Category: Vinyl Cutter]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/File:Silhouette-ballpoint-pen-bic-cristal-printer-paper-p01-s30.jpgFile:Silhouette-ballpoint-pen-bic-cristal-printer-paper-p01-s30.jpg2023-09-13T08:14:43Z<p>Avh.on1: Successful pen plotting settings for the Silhouette Cameo</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
Successful pen plotting settings for the [[Silhouette Cameo]]<br />
== Licensing ==<br />
{{cc0}}</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Silhouette_CameoSilhouette Cameo2023-09-13T05:23:08Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Adjust Blade Depth */ add animation showing how to adjust the official knife cartridge's blade depth</p>
<hr />
<div>The Silhouette Cameo (1st generation) is a [[Availablegear#Automated_Manufacturing|CNC tool]] which takes in flat sheets of material and runs a tool left-right and up-down along it.<br />
It is capable of recreating intricate designs with either a knife or a writing utensil.<br />
The Silhouette Cameo is most used for cutting vinyl stickers, but has many other uses.<br />
<br />
The recommended software for this machine is [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape] with the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouetteinkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
The instructions on this page are written for this software.<br />
As of September 2023, [https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software Silhouette's official software] is unusably buggy.<br />
<br />
== Installing Software ==<br />
<br />
First, install [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape].<br />
<br />
Second, install the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette inkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
Instructions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are on the GitHub page.<br />
As of September 2023, the Windows instructions are complete and correct.<br />
If you have problems, check the "issues" tab.<br />
If nobody is describing the issue you are having, feel free to open a new issue.<br />
<br />
== Using ==<br />
<br />
=== Make Your Design ===<br />
<br />
You can draw your design in Inkscape, or import a file that you found online or drew in another program.<br />
If you plan to import a file into Inkscape, make sure it is a "vector" file (often .svg, .dxf, .pdf, .ai, or .dwg), not a "raster" or "bitmap" file (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif).<br />
Besides Inkscape, other popular vector drawing programs include [http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe Illustrator], [https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/draw/ LibreOffice Draw], and [https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ Affinity Designer].<br />
<br />
=== Plug In ===<br />
<br />
The cutter has a power brick and a USB-B cable. Plug these in to the wall and the computer, respectively.<br />
<br />
=== Prepare Tool ===<br />
<br />
So far, the silhouette cameo has been tested with markers and with blades.<br />
<br />
==== Markers ====<br />
<br />
For markers, just wrap in enough tape that it will ''barely'' fit into the "print head".<br />
<br />
==== Blades ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Silhouette-official-knife-cartridge.jpg|Official knife cartridge<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-in-tube.jpg|Generic knife cartridge in protective tube<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-cartridge.jpg|Generic knife cartridge<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Blades for Silhouette's cutting machines come in cylindrical cartridges.<br />
The blade sticks out the bottom of the cartridge and pivots freely.<br />
<br />
Bloominglabs has 2 kinds of knife cartridges for the silhouette cameo:<br />
* the official knife cartridge, made from plastic, which must be totally replaced when dull<br />
* an unofficial knife cartridge, made from aluminum, with replaceable blades<br />
<br />
===== Adjust Blade Depth =====<br />
<br />
It is important that the blade protrude the correct depth.<br />
Too shallow, and it will not cut through the material.<br />
(This can be used deliberately to score material for folding or tearing.)<br />
Too deep, and it will scour the rubber pad under the print head, prematurely dull the blade, and potentially snag the material and tear it apart.<br />
<br />
To adjust the blade depth of the official (blue plastic) knife cartridge, insert it into the fixture on the front-left of the Cameo, align it until it drop in, and twist it until the arrow points at the desired depth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-blade-depth.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
The [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has recommended depth settings for different materials.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Recommended Cutting Depths for Official Blade<br />
|-<br />
! Blade Setting !! Material<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Thin materials such as vinyl and smooth heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 2-3 || Medium-weight materials such as paper, cardstock and flocked heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 4-6 || Thicker materials such as textured cardstock and pattern papers<br />
|-<br />
| 7-10 || Thick materials such as canvas<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The unofficial (aluminum) knife cartridge is adjusted by turning the knob on the top.<br />
It may be necessary to manually drag the blade across your material in order to determine whether it is adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-generic-blade-depth.gif]]<br />
<br />
=== Insert Tool ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-inserting-blade-cartridge.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
Tools drop in to the "print head" of the machine and lock in place by twisting the blue plastic knob clockwise.<br />
Be sure that the tool is seated all the way down, otherwise you way not cut all the way through, or even at all.<br />
<br />
=== Load Material ===<br />
<br />
==== Non-Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
For cutting materials that don't already have adhesive backing, like paper or fabric, it is recommended to use an adhesive cutting mat.<br />
(You may be able to get away without using a cutting mat, see examples [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/wiki#can-you-do-this-without-a-cutting-mat here].)<br />
Cutting mats can be purchased on [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20cutting%20mat amazon] or at major craft stores.<br />
Mats can be re-used a limited number of times, depending on whether the blade is set to be too deep or not and how well the adhesive maintains its hold.<br />
<br />
Align your material in the top-left corner of the adhesive cutting mat.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load cutting mat", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
==== Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
Materials that already have adhesive backing, like [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20vinyl%20sheets vinyl sheets], can be fed into the cutter directly.<br />
<br />
If your sheet is less than twelve inches wide, the [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has instructions on adjusting the rollers for narrower sheets.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load media", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
=== Plot the Design onto the Material ===<br />
<br />
In Inkscape's menu bar, select <code>Extensions -> Export -> Send to Silhouette...</code>.<br />
<br />
A big dialog box will pop up with lots of options.<br />
Generally, you only need to set <code>Tool</code> to either <code>Cut</code> or <code>Pen</code>, and set what <code>Media</code> you are working with.<br />
If you find the defaults unsatisfactory, and you are sure that the blade is sharp and set to the correct depth, then you should start playing with the rest of the settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, click <code>Apply</code>. The cutter will do the stuff and make the thing.<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<br />
User manual: [[File:Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf]]<br />
<br />
An archived copy of the product page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130620105656/http://www.silhouetteamerica.com:80/?page=shop&cat=1]<br />
<br />
A PDF of the technical specifications: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180508201602/https://cdn.silhouetteamerica.com/m/d/technical-specs_cameo.pdf]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]<br />
[[Category: Craft Cutter]]<br />
[[Category: Vinyl Cutter]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/File:Silhouette-adjusting-blade-depth.gifFile:Silhouette-adjusting-blade-depth.gif2023-09-13T05:18:13Z<p>Avh.on1: Animation illustrating how to adjust the blade depth of the Silhouette Cameo's official knife cartridge.</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
Animation illustrating how to adjust the blade depth of the [[Silhouette Cameo]]'s official knife cartridge.<br />
== Licensing ==<br />
{{cc0}}</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Silhouette_CameoSilhouette Cameo2023-09-11T08:38:28Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Adjust Blade Depth */ spelling error: "materia"</p>
<hr />
<div>The Silhouette Cameo (1st generation) is a [[Availablegear#Automated_Manufacturing|CNC tool]] which takes in flat sheets of material and runs a tool left-right and up-down along it.<br />
It is capable of recreating intricate designs with either a knife or a writing utensil.<br />
The Silhouette Cameo is most used for cutting vinyl stickers, but has many other uses.<br />
<br />
The recommended software for this machine is [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape] with the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouetteinkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
The instructions on this page are written for this software.<br />
As of September 2023, [https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software Silhouette's official software] is unusably buggy.<br />
<br />
== Installing Software ==<br />
<br />
First, install [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape].<br />
<br />
Second, install the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette inkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
Instructions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are on the GitHub page.<br />
As of September 2023, the Windows instructions are complete and correct.<br />
If you have problems, check the "issues" tab.<br />
If nobody is describing the issue you are having, feel free to open a new issue.<br />
<br />
== Using ==<br />
<br />
=== Make Your Design ===<br />
<br />
You can draw your design in Inkscape, or import a file that you found online or drew in another program.<br />
If you plan to import a file into Inkscape, make sure it is a "vector" file (often .svg, .dxf, .pdf, .ai, or .dwg), not a "raster" or "bitmap" file (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif).<br />
Besides Inkscape, other popular vector drawing programs include [http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe Illustrator], [https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/draw/ LibreOffice Draw], and [https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ Affinity Designer].<br />
<br />
=== Plug In ===<br />
<br />
The cutter has a power brick and a USB-B cable. Plug these in to the wall and the computer, respectively.<br />
<br />
=== Prepare Tool ===<br />
<br />
So far, the silhouette cameo has been tested with markers and with blades.<br />
<br />
==== Markers ====<br />
<br />
For markers, just wrap in enough tape that it will ''barely'' fit into the "print head".<br />
<br />
==== Blades ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Silhouette-official-knife-cartridge.jpg|Official knife cartridge<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-in-tube.jpg|Generic knife cartridge in protective tube<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-cartridge.jpg|Generic knife cartridge<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Blades for Silhouette's cutting machines come in cylindrical cartridges.<br />
The blade sticks out the bottom of the cartridge and pivots freely.<br />
<br />
Bloominglabs has 2 kinds of knife cartridges for the silhouette cameo:<br />
* the official knife cartridge, made from plastic, which must be totally replaced when dull<br />
* an unofficial knife cartridge, made from aluminum, with replaceable blades<br />
<br />
===== Adjust Blade Depth =====<br />
<br />
It is important that the blade protrude the correct depth.<br />
Too shallow, and it will not cut through the material.<br />
(This can be used deliberately to score material for folding or tearing.)<br />
Too deep, and it will scour the rubber pad under the print head, prematurely dull the blade, and potentially snag the material and tear it apart.<br />
<br />
The [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] describes the adjustment process for the official, plastic knife cartridge on pdf page 10 (labeled as page #9).<br />
It also has recommended depth settings for different materials.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Recommended Cutting Depths for Official Blade<br />
|-<br />
! Blade Setting !! Material<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Thin materials such as vinyl and smooth heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 2-3 || Medium-weight materials such as paper, cardstock and flocked heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 4-6 || Thicker materials such as textured cardstock and pattern papers<br />
|-<br />
| 7-10 || Thick materials such as canvas<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The unofficial knife cartridge is adjusted by turning the knob on the top.<br />
It may be necessary to manually drag the blade across your material in order to determine whether it is adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-generic-blade-depth.gif]]<br />
<br />
=== Insert Tool ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-inserting-blade-cartridge.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
Tools drop in to the "print head" of the machine and lock in place by twisting the blue plastic knob clockwise.<br />
Be sure that the tool is seated all the way down, otherwise you way not cut all the way through, or even at all.<br />
<br />
=== Load Material ===<br />
<br />
==== Non-Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
For cutting materials that don't already have adhesive backing, like paper or fabric, it is recommended to use an adhesive cutting mat.<br />
(You may be able to get away without using a cutting mat, see examples [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/wiki#can-you-do-this-without-a-cutting-mat here].)<br />
Cutting mats can be purchased on [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20cutting%20mat amazon] or at major craft stores.<br />
Mats can be re-used a limited number of times, depending on whether the blade is set to be too deep or not and how well the adhesive maintains its hold.<br />
<br />
Align your material in the top-left corner of the adhesive cutting mat.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load cutting mat", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
==== Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
Materials that already have adhesive backing, like [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20vinyl%20sheets vinyl sheets], can be fed into the cutter directly.<br />
<br />
If your sheet is less than twelve inches wide, the [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has instructions on adjusting the rollers for narrower sheets.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load media", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
=== Plot the Design onto the Material ===<br />
<br />
In Inkscape's menu bar, select <code>Extensions -> Export -> Send to Silhouette...</code>.<br />
<br />
A big dialog box will pop up with lots of options.<br />
Generally, you only need to set <code>Tool</code> to either <code>Cut</code> or <code>Pen</code>, and set what <code>Media</code> you are working with.<br />
If you find the defaults unsatisfactory, and you are sure that the blade is sharp and set to the correct depth, then you should start playing with the rest of the settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, click <code>Apply</code>. The cutter will do the stuff and make the thing.<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<br />
User manual: [[File:Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf]]<br />
<br />
An archived copy of the product page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130620105656/http://www.silhouetteamerica.com:80/?page=shop&cat=1]<br />
<br />
A PDF of the technical specifications: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180508201602/https://cdn.silhouetteamerica.com/m/d/technical-specs_cameo.pdf]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]<br />
[[Category: Craft Cutter]]<br />
[[Category: Vinyl Cutter]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Silhouette_CameoSilhouette Cameo2023-09-11T08:36:46Z<p>Avh.on1: inkscape confirmed working, silhouette studio confirmed sucks, added a little more info</p>
<hr />
<div>The Silhouette Cameo (1st generation) is a [[Availablegear#Automated_Manufacturing|CNC tool]] which takes in flat sheets of material and runs a tool left-right and up-down along it.<br />
It is capable of recreating intricate designs with either a knife or a writing utensil.<br />
The Silhouette Cameo is most used for cutting vinyl stickers, but has many other uses.<br />
<br />
The recommended software for this machine is [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape] with the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouetteinkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
The instructions on this page are written for this software.<br />
As of September 2023, [https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software Silhouette's official software] is unusably buggy.<br />
<br />
== Installing Software ==<br />
<br />
First, install [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape].<br />
<br />
Second, install the [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette inkscape-silhouette plugin].<br />
Instructions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux are on the GitHub page.<br />
As of September 2023, the Windows instructions are complete and correct.<br />
If you have problems, check the "issues" tab.<br />
If nobody is describing the issue you are having, feel free to open a new issue.<br />
<br />
== Using ==<br />
<br />
=== Make Your Design ===<br />
<br />
You can draw your design in Inkscape, or import a file that you found online or drew in another program.<br />
If you plan to import a file into Inkscape, make sure it is a "vector" file (often .svg, .dxf, .pdf, .ai, or .dwg), not a "raster" or "bitmap" file (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif).<br />
Besides Inkscape, other popular vector drawing programs include [http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html Adobe Illustrator], [https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/draw/ LibreOffice Draw], and [https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ Affinity Designer].<br />
<br />
=== Plug In ===<br />
<br />
The cutter has a power brick and a USB-B cable. Plug these in to the wall and the computer, respectively.<br />
<br />
=== Prepare Tool ===<br />
<br />
So far, the silhouette cameo has been tested with markers and with blades.<br />
<br />
==== Markers ====<br />
<br />
For markers, just wrap in enough tape that it will ''barely'' fit into the "print head".<br />
<br />
==== Blades ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Silhouette-official-knife-cartridge.jpg|Official knife cartridge<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-in-tube.jpg|Generic knife cartridge in protective tube<br />
File:Silhouette-unofficial-knife-cartridge.jpg|Generic knife cartridge<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Blades for Silhouette's cutting machines come in cylindrical cartridges.<br />
The blade sticks out the bottom of the cartridge and pivots freely.<br />
<br />
Bloominglabs has 2 kinds of knife cartridges for the silhouette cameo:<br />
* the official knife cartridge, made from plastic, which must be totally replaced when dull<br />
* an unofficial knife cartridge, made from aluminum, with replaceable blades<br />
<br />
===== Adjust Blade Depth =====<br />
<br />
It is important that the blade protrude the correct depth.<br />
Too shallow, and it will not cut through the material.<br />
(This can be used deliberately to score material for folding or tearing.)<br />
Too deep, and it will scour the rubber pad under the print head, prematurely dull the blade, and potentially snag the material and tear it apart.<br />
<br />
The [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] describes the adjustment process for the official, plastic knife cartridge on pdf page 10 (labeled as page #9).<br />
It also has recommended depth settings for different materials.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"<br />
|+ Recommended Cutting Depths for Official Blade<br />
|-<br />
! Blade Setting !! Material<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Thin materials such as vinyl and smooth heat transfer material<br />
|-<br />
| 2-3 || Medium-weight materials such as paper, cardstock and flocked heat transfer materia<br />
|-<br />
| 4-6 || Thicker materials such as textured cardstock and pattern papers<br />
|-<br />
| 7-10 || Thick materials such as canvas<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The unofficial knife cartridge is adjusted by turning the knob on the top.<br />
It may be necessary to manually drag the blade across your material in order to determine whether it is adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-adjusting-generic-blade-depth.gif]]<br />
<br />
=== Insert Tool ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Silhouette-inserting-blade-cartridge.gif|180px]]<br />
<br />
Tools drop in to the "print head" of the machine and lock in place by twisting the blue plastic knob clockwise.<br />
Be sure that the tool is seated all the way down, otherwise you way not cut all the way through, or even at all.<br />
<br />
=== Load Material ===<br />
<br />
==== Non-Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
For cutting materials that don't already have adhesive backing, like paper or fabric, it is recommended to use an adhesive cutting mat.<br />
(You may be able to get away without using a cutting mat, see examples [https://github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette/wiki#can-you-do-this-without-a-cutting-mat here].)<br />
Cutting mats can be purchased on [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20cutting%20mat amazon] or at major craft stores.<br />
Mats can be re-used a limited number of times, depending on whether the blade is set to be too deep or not and how well the adhesive maintains its hold.<br />
<br />
Align your material in the top-left corner of the adhesive cutting mat.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load cutting mat", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
==== Adhesive-Backed Materials ====<br />
<br />
Materials that already have adhesive backing, like [https://smile.amazon.com/s/&field-keywords=adhesive%20vinyl%20sheets vinyl sheets], can be fed into the cutter directly.<br />
<br />
If your sheet is less than twelve inches wide, the [http://bloominglabs.org/images/6/65/Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf manual] has instructions on adjusting the rollers for narrower sheets.<br />
<br />
Check that the blue knob on the right side of the cutter is pointing upward.<br />
<br />
On the cutting machine, select the menu item "load media", and feed your cutting mat or work piece in.<br />
<br />
=== Plot the Design onto the Material ===<br />
<br />
In Inkscape's menu bar, select <code>Extensions -> Export -> Send to Silhouette...</code>.<br />
<br />
A big dialog box will pop up with lots of options.<br />
Generally, you only need to set <code>Tool</code> to either <code>Cut</code> or <code>Pen</code>, and set what <code>Media</code> you are working with.<br />
If you find the defaults unsatisfactory, and you are sure that the blade is sharp and set to the correct depth, then you should start playing with the rest of the settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, click <code>Apply</code>. The cutter will do the stuff and make the thing.<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<br />
User manual: [[File:Silhouette_cameo_manual.pdf]]<br />
<br />
An archived copy of the product page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130620105656/http://www.silhouetteamerica.com:80/?page=shop&cat=1]<br />
<br />
A PDF of the technical specifications: [https://web.archive.org/web/20180508201602/https://cdn.silhouetteamerica.com/m/d/technical-specs_cameo.pdf]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tools]]<br />
[[Category: Craft Cutter]]<br />
[[Category: Vinyl Cutter]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Anycubic_i3_MegaAnycubic i3 Mega2023-08-23T22:46:49Z<p>Avh.on1: added link to Cura slicer</p>
<hr />
<div>Our Anycubic I3 Mega was donated by Ian Douglass around 2018 or so. As of 11-2020 it is fully functional again. It has a SD card for computer-less driven printing as well as a USB port for slicer-driven printing. [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/ Cura] has settings for this printer.<br />
<br />
Printer manual, firmware updates, etc: [https://www.anycubic.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-i3-mega-m-s https://www.anycubic.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-i3-mega-m-s]<br />
<br />
[[Image:Anycubic-I3-Mega.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Anycubic I3 Mega 3D printer]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Printer status ==<br />
As of 11-2020 this printer is fully functional. The firmware was updated to the latest available as of 11-2020. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Printer features ==<br />
This printer has the following features:<br />
<br />
* Bowden extruder<br />
* Filament runout sensor<br />
* Heated bed<br />
* Anycubic Ultrabase print surface - try not to scratch it by scraping the surface, prints should pop off easily<br />
* Control panel and SDcard slot for computerless printing<br />
<br />
<br />
== Filament Runout Sensor ==<br />
This printer has a filament runout sensor below the bowden extruder motor. It is a funky looking thing which is held in place with a ball-bearing magnet which allows the sensor to flop around from whichever direction the filament spool is located. Just make sure you run the filament through the sensor following the direction of the arrow.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:Qrcode anycubic-i3-mega.png|none|thumb|150px|Link to this page on the wiki (Anycubic I3 Mega)]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:3D_Printers]] [[Category:Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2023-06-22T07:56:03Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Software */ updated and simplified the list of software; added prices</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave], and Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM] as options for generating g-code, and [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] for controlling the machine. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
Options for software include:<br />
<br />
=== Proprietary ===<br />
* Inventables [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel] is the official software for the X-Carve. Unfortunately, it requires an account and tricky configuration to connect the machine to the cloud. (<del>$156</del> $233 per year)<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] ([https://www.deskproto.com/products/comptable.php different tiers] from free to € 995)<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam] ($149)<br />
* Vectric [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro Cut2D Pro] ($449), [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro] ($699), [https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire Aspire] ($1,995), or [https://www.vectric.com/support/makerspace-sign-up V-Carve Pro Makerspace Edition] ($99/year)<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] (free for noncommercial personal use, qualifying students and educational institutions, and startups less than 3 years old and with fewer than 10 employees; otherwise $545/year)<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam] (free trial gradually gets slower; license costs $59)<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM] (free trial; license costs $114)<br />
* Alibre [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop] (15-day free trial; license costs $399)<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/ Carbide Create Pro] (free 14-day trial; license costs $360 and comes with one update; subscription costs $120/year)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (free, browser-based)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (free, but I think it requires [https://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino]?)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (2D only. free tier limited to 180 lines of g-code; license costs £110)<br />
<br />
=== F/LOSS ===<br />
<br />
==== Machine Control ====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
====G-Code Generation====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2023-06-21T12:10:51Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Alternatives */ updated the list of software currently on the laptop</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], Blender with [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace], and [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave]. Some other (mostly F/LOSS) programs below have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D Pro] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2023-06-21T11:41:47Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Machine Control */ sort FLOSS machine control programs by crossed-out or not</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D Pro] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2023-06-21T11:16:23Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ updated status of many FLOSS g-code generating programs</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D Pro] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes. As of June 2023, instead of launching, it errors: <code>ImportError: DLL load failed while importing QtCore: The specified module could not be found.</code>)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (Only for engraving and v-carving. Imports CXF or TTF fonts, and JPG, PNG, and DXF bitmaps.)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto] (Browser-based. Imports STL, OBJ, 3MF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM] (Browser-based. Imports SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl#GCode Solvespace] "is capable of exporting simple G code for 2d parts"<br />
<br />
* <s>[http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2006.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> (Hasn't been updated since December 2021.)<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot]</s> (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]</s> (Hasn't been updated since June 2020.)<br />
* <s>[https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]</s> (Appears to have been abandoned.)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]</s> (Requires registration with an email. Says it will send emails to the provided address.)<br />
* <s>[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM]</s> (Hasn't been updated since November 2021.)<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2023-06-21T09:49:16Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Machine Control */ OpenBuilds CONTROL requires registering an email address</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D Pro] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]</s> (Requires an email and registration to use. Emails will periodically be sent to the provided address.)<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2023-06-21T09:14:12Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Machine Control */ Candle is no longer developed. CAMotics shouldn't have been on the list -- it's a gcode simulator, not sender</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D Pro] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle]</s> ([https://github.com/Denvi/Candle/commit/7dbc5e3b13254a0850edb629da47126262cafc02 Has't had a code commit since March 2019]. Straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when its window is maximized.)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/DIY_E-Bike_BatteryDIY E-Bike Battery2023-04-16T10:57:21Z<p>Avh.on1: /* First Charge */ corrected voltages that chargers charge to</p>
<hr />
<div>A project by [[User:Jpt4|Jpt4]] and [[User:Avh.on1|AVH]] to homebuild batteries for their personal ebikes.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Cells ==<br />
120 (total) LiFePO₄ 26650 cells purchased from [https://batteryhookup.com/products/full-case-of-120-k2-26650-3800mah-lifepo4-cells Battery Hookup] for the $228. Their specifications are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Make/Model: K2 LFP26650E<br />
* Size: 26650<br />
* Voltage: 3.2<br />
* Capacity: 3.8 amp-hours (12.16 watt-hours)<br />
* Maximum Voltage: 3.65 (safe) 4.1 (maximum)<br />
* Minimum Voltage: 2.5 (safe) 2.0 (minimum)<br />
* Continuous Discharge Current: 12 amps<br />
* Maximum Discharge Current: 28 amps for 30 seconds<br />
* Recommended Charging Current: 3.8 amps<br />
<br />
=== Packaging ===<br />
<br />
The cells arrived in a tightly-fitting two-piece vacuum-formed plastic package that holds all the cells vertically in a 10x12 grid. The top of half of the package had some splits and cracks near one corner. The package, along with a desiccant pack, was in a thin plastic bag, zip-tied shut, in an exactly-fitting cardboard box.<br />
<br />
=== Labels and Markings ===<br />
<br />
Each cell is marked from the factory:<br />
Li-Ion IFpR27/65<br />
+ K2 Energy LP26650E-3800-21 -<br />
3.2V 3.8AH(12.16Wh)<br />
<br />
Also, each cell has a serial number in a QR code near the negative terminal, (usually, but not always) on the side opposite the label. The dot-matrix printer that made the codes wasn't perfectly aligned, so many cells have codes that are slightly distorted and difficult to scan. Using the [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.google.zxing.client.android/ Barcode Scanner] app, the codes could be scanned more reliably sideways, or at not-quite-90-degree angles.<br />
<br />
To make it easier for us to keep track of the cells, the first time each cell was removed from the packaging, it was given a three-digit number corresponding to the row and column they were from in the box. 000 is from the top-left, 009 is from the top-right, 110 is from the bottom-left, and 119 is from the bottom-right. The labels are written in permanent marker on the ''ample'' blank, white space on the cell wrappers, and underlined so that there is no ambiguity which way the number is supposed to be read.<br />
<br />
=== Individual Cell Measurements ===<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+ K2 26650 Li-Ion Cells<br />
! scope="col"| Serial Number<br />
! scope="col"| Label<br />
! scope="col"| Out-Of-The-Box Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Self-Discharge Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Remarks <!-- This column should be right-most. --><br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 00 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132431<br />
| 000<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132415<br />
| 001<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132362<br />
| 002<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132351<br />
| 003<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132270<br />
| 004<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132286<br />
| 005<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132393<br />
| 006<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132397<br />
| 007<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132328<br />
| 008<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132317<br />
| 009<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 01 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132458<br />
| 010<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132442<br />
| 011<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132426<br />
| 012<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132378<br />
| 013<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132265<br />
| 014<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132281<br />
| 015<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132457<br />
| 016<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132424<br />
| 017<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132392<br />
| 018<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132344<br />
| 019<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 02 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132367<br />
| 020<br />
| 0.00 😭<br />
| 3.21<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132350<br />
| 021<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132334<br />
| 022<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132233<br />
| 023<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132269<br />
| 024<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132462<br />
| 025<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132398<br />
| 026<br />
| 3.19 🙁<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132414<br />
| 027<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132413<br />
| 028<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132333<br />
| 029<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 03 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132394<br />
| 030<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132361<br />
| 031<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132345<br />
| 032<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132329<br />
| 033<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132296<br />
| 034<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132280<br />
| 035<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132409<br />
| 036<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132425<br />
| 037<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132440<br />
| 038<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132360<br />
| 039<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 04 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134729<br />
| 040<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134648<br />
| 041<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134519<br />
| 042<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH120223-134644<br />
| 043<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134515<br />
| 044<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134691<br />
| 045<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134713<br />
| 046<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134628<br />
| 047<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134632<br />
| 048<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134760<br />
| 049<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 05 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134552<br />
| 050<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134712<br />
| 051<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134631<br />
| 052<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134708<br />
| 053<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134595<br />
| 054<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134755<br />
| 055<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134536<br />
| 056<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134692<br />
| 057<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134696<br />
| 058<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134599<br />
| 059<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 06 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134756<br />
| 060<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.38<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134675<br />
| 061<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134697<br />
| 062<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134584<br />
| 063<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134744<br />
| 064<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134596<br />
| 065<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134740<br />
| 066<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134643<br />
| 067<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134681<br />
| 068<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134568<br />
| 069<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134579<br />
| 070<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.38<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134739<br />
| 071<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134761<br />
| 072<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134680<br />
| 073<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134551<br />
| 074<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134676<br />
| 075<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134563<br />
| 076<br />
| 0.65 😢<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134723<br />
| 077<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134745<br />
| 078<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134664<br />
| 079<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134728<br />
| 080<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134564<br />
| 081<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134724<br />
| 082<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134627<br />
| 083<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132318<br />
| 084<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132446<br />
| 085<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132365<br />
| 086<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134709<br />
| 087<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134693<br />
| 088<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132399<br />
| 089<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 09 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134535<br />
| 090<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134660<br />
| 091<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134531<br />
| 092<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134707<br />
| 093<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132382<br />
| 094<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132301<br />
| 095<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132445<br />
| 096<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134516<br />
| 097<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223134757<br />
| 098<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132223<br />
| 099<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.40<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 10 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132441<br />
| 100<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132376<br />
| 101<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132349<br />
| 102<br />
| 3.24 🙁<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132430<br />
| 103<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.36<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132297<br />
| 104<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132302<br />
| 105<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134521<br />
| 106<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134762<br />
| 107<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132410<br />
| 108<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132383<br />
| 109<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 11 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132312<br />
| 110<br />
| 3.28 😟<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132456<br />
| 111<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132429<br />
| 112<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132285<br />
| 113<br />
| 3.24 🙁<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132377<br />
| 114<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132366<br />
| 115<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134633<br />
| 116<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134585<br />
| 117<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132218<br />
| 118<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| Slightly torn wrapper 😟<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132447<br />
| 119<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Cell Testing ===<br />
<br />
==== Out-Of-Box Voltage ====<br />
<br />
When the package arrived, each cell's voltage was measured with the [[Ballantine 3028A | bench multimeter]]. (Also, its QR code was scanned, and its label written on.)<br />
<br />
==== First Charge ====<br />
<br />
A custom 5-cell holder was made from wood and brass strips (26650 cell holders are wiedly expensive , given how cheap 18650 cell holders are) and plugged in to a [https://www.toolkitrc.com/m7 ToolkitRC M7], which was plugged in to the benchtop power supply. This setup was used to charge 5 cells at a time (24 times) to charge the cells to 3.65V, the maximum setting the M7 can charge LiFePO₄ cells to. Then, the cells were charged 2 at a time on a [https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-D2-DigiCharger-p/chg-nite-d2.htm NiteCore Digicharger D2] to 3.70V.<br />
<br />
==== Self-Discharge ====<br />
<br />
This unintentional test was the result of effectively shelving the project for 16 months after the cells were charged. Cells with greater self-discharge (bad) will show lower voltages; cells with voltages closer to 3.65V have low self-discharge. Voltages were measures the same way out-of-box voltage was measured.<br />
<br />
The results of this test were very encouraging. The cells held a much more consistent voltage than they had had out of the box, even the ones that had arrived severely discharged. This bodes well for their long-term performance in a battery.</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/DIY_E-Bike_BatteryDIY E-Bike Battery2023-03-24T10:53:50Z<p>Avh.on1: added 16-month self-discharge voltages</p>
<hr />
<div>A project by [[User:Jpt4|Jpt4]] and [[User:Avh.on1|AVH]] to homebuild batteries for their personal ebikes.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Cells ==<br />
120 (total) LiFePO₄ 26650 cells purchased from [https://batteryhookup.com/products/full-case-of-120-k2-26650-3800mah-lifepo4-cells Battery Hookup] for the $228. Their specifications are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Make/Model: K2 LFP26650E<br />
* Size: 26650<br />
* Voltage: 3.2<br />
* Capacity: 3.8 amp-hours (12.16 watt-hours)<br />
* Maximum Voltage: 3.65 (safe) 4.1 (maximum)<br />
* Minimum Voltage: 2.5 (safe) 2.0 (minimum)<br />
* Continuous Discharge Current: 12 amps<br />
* Maximum Discharge Current: 28 amps for 30 seconds<br />
* Recommended Charging Current: 3.8 amps<br />
<br />
=== Packaging ===<br />
<br />
The cells arrived in a tightly-fitting two-piece vacuum-formed plastic package that holds all the cells vertically in a 10x12 grid. The top of half of the package had some splits and cracks near one corner. The package, along with a desiccant pack, was in a thin plastic bag, zip-tied shut, in an exactly-fitting cardboard box.<br />
<br />
=== Labels and Markings ===<br />
<br />
Each cell is marked from the factory:<br />
Li-Ion IFpR27/65<br />
+ K2 Energy LP26650E-3800-21 -<br />
3.2V 3.8AH(12.16Wh)<br />
<br />
Also, each cell has a serial number in a QR code near the negative terminal, (usually, but not always) on the side opposite the label. The dot-matrix printer that made the codes wasn't perfectly aligned, so many cells have codes that are slightly distorted and difficult to scan. Using the [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.google.zxing.client.android/ Barcode Scanner] app, the codes could be scanned more reliably sideways, or at not-quite-90-degree angles.<br />
<br />
To make it easier for us to keep track of the cells, the first time each cell was removed from the packaging, it was given a three-digit number corresponding to the row and column they were from in the box. 000 is from the top-left, 009 is from the top-right, 110 is from the bottom-left, and 119 is from the bottom-right. The labels are written in permanent marker on the ''ample'' blank, white space on the cell wrappers, and underlined so that there is no ambiguity which way the number is supposed to be read.<br />
<br />
=== Individual Cell Measurements ===<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+ K2 26650 Li-Ion Cells<br />
! scope="col"| Serial Number<br />
! scope="col"| Label<br />
! scope="col"| Out-Of-The-Box Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Self-Discharge Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Remarks <!-- This column should be right-most. --><br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 00 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132431<br />
| 000<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132415<br />
| 001<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132362<br />
| 002<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132351<br />
| 003<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132270<br />
| 004<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132286<br />
| 005<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132393<br />
| 006<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132397<br />
| 007<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132328<br />
| 008<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132317<br />
| 009<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 01 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132458<br />
| 010<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132442<br />
| 011<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132426<br />
| 012<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132378<br />
| 013<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132265<br />
| 014<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132281<br />
| 015<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132457<br />
| 016<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132424<br />
| 017<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132392<br />
| 018<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132344<br />
| 019<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 02 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132367<br />
| 020<br />
| 0.00 😭<br />
| 3.21<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132350<br />
| 021<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132334<br />
| 022<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132233<br />
| 023<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132269<br />
| 024<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132462<br />
| 025<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132398<br />
| 026<br />
| 3.19 🙁<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132414<br />
| 027<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132413<br />
| 028<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132333<br />
| 029<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 03 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132394<br />
| 030<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132361<br />
| 031<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132345<br />
| 032<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132329<br />
| 033<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132296<br />
| 034<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132280<br />
| 035<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132409<br />
| 036<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132425<br />
| 037<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132440<br />
| 038<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132360<br />
| 039<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 04 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134729<br />
| 040<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134648<br />
| 041<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134519<br />
| 042<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH120223-134644<br />
| 043<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134515<br />
| 044<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134691<br />
| 045<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134713<br />
| 046<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134628<br />
| 047<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134632<br />
| 048<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134760<br />
| 049<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 05 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134552<br />
| 050<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134712<br />
| 051<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134631<br />
| 052<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134708<br />
| 053<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134595<br />
| 054<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134755<br />
| 055<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134536<br />
| 056<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134692<br />
| 057<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134696<br />
| 058<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134599<br />
| 059<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 06 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134756<br />
| 060<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.38<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134675<br />
| 061<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134697<br />
| 062<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134584<br />
| 063<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134744<br />
| 064<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134596<br />
| 065<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134740<br />
| 066<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134643<br />
| 067<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134681<br />
| 068<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134568<br />
| 069<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134579<br />
| 070<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.38<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134739<br />
| 071<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134761<br />
| 072<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134680<br />
| 073<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134551<br />
| 074<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134676<br />
| 075<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134563<br />
| 076<br />
| 0.65 😢<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134723<br />
| 077<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134745<br />
| 078<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134664<br />
| 079<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134728<br />
| 080<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134564<br />
| 081<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134724<br />
| 082<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134627<br />
| 083<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132318<br />
| 084<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132446<br />
| 085<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132365<br />
| 086<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134709<br />
| 087<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134693<br />
| 088<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132399<br />
| 089<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 09 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134535<br />
| 090<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134660<br />
| 091<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134531<br />
| 092<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134707<br />
| 093<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132382<br />
| 094<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132301<br />
| 095<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132445<br />
| 096<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134516<br />
| 097<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223134757<br />
| 098<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132223<br />
| 099<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.40<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 10 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132441<br />
| 100<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132376<br />
| 101<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132349<br />
| 102<br />
| 3.24 🙁<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132430<br />
| 103<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.36<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132297<br />
| 104<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132302<br />
| 105<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134521<br />
| 106<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134762<br />
| 107<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132410<br />
| 108<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132383<br />
| 109<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 11 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132312<br />
| 110<br />
| 3.28 😟<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132456<br />
| 111<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132429<br />
| 112<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.34<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132285<br />
| 113<br />
| 3.24 🙁<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132377<br />
| 114<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132366<br />
| 115<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134633<br />
| 116<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134585<br />
| 117<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132218<br />
| 118<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.33<br />
| Slightly torn wrapper 😟<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132447<br />
| 119<br />
| 3.29<br />
| 3.32<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Cell Testing ===<br />
<br />
==== Out-Of-Box Voltage ====<br />
<br />
When the package arrived, each cell's voltage was measured with the [[Ballantine 3028A | bench multimeter]]. (Also, its QR code was scanned, and its label written on.)<br />
<br />
==== First Charge ====<br />
<br />
A custom 5-cell holder was made from wood and brass strips (26650 cell holders are wiedly expensive , given how cheap 18650 cell holders are) and plugged in to a [https://www.toolkitrc.com/m7 ToolkitRC M7], which was plugged in to the benchtop power supply. This setup was used to charge 5 cells at a time (24 times) to charge the cells to 3.60V, the maximum setting the M7 can charge LiFePO₄ cells to. Then, the cells were charged 2 at a time on a [https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-D2-DigiCharger-p/chg-nite-d2.htm NiteCore Digicharger D2] to 3.65V.<br />
<br />
==== Self-Discharge ====<br />
<br />
This unintentional test was the result of effectively shelving the project for 16 months after the cells were charged. Cells with greater self-discharge (bad) will show lower voltages; cells with voltages closer to 3.65V have low self-discharge. Voltages were measures the same way out-of-box voltage was measured.<br />
<br />
The results of this test were very encouraging. The cells held a much more consistent voltage than they had had out of the box, even the ones that had arrived severely discharged. This bodes well for their long-term performance in a battery.</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/DIY_E-Bike_BatteryDIY E-Bike Battery2023-03-24T10:07:44Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Individual Cell Measurements */ removed measurements that weren't done to all cells</p>
<hr />
<div>A project by [[User:Jpt4|Jpt4]] and [[User:Avh.on1|AVH]] to homebuild batteries for their personal ebikes.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Cells ==<br />
120 (total) LiFePO₄ 26650 cells purchased from [https://batteryhookup.com/products/full-case-of-120-k2-26650-3800mah-lifepo4-cells Battery Hookup] for the $228. Their specifications are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Make/Model: K2 LFP26650E<br />
* Size: 26650<br />
* Voltage: 3.2<br />
* Capacity: 3.8 amp-hours (12.16 watt-hours)<br />
* Maximum Voltage: 3.65 (safe) 4.1 (maximum)<br />
* Minimum Voltage: 2.5 (safe) 2.0 (minimum)<br />
* Continuous Discharge Current: 12 amps<br />
* Maximum Discharge Current: 28 amps for 30 seconds<br />
* Recommended Charging Current: 3.8 amps<br />
<br />
=== Packaging ===<br />
<br />
The cells arrived in a tightly-fitting two-piece vacuum-formed plastic package that holds all the cells vertically in a 10x12 grid. The top of half of the package had some splits and cracks near one corner. The package, along with a desiccant pack, was in a thin plastic bag, zip-tied shut, in an exactly-fitting cardboard box.<br />
<br />
=== Labels and Markings ===<br />
<br />
Each cell is marked from the factory:<br />
Li-Ion IFpR27/65<br />
+ K2 Energy LP26650E-3800-21 -<br />
3.2V 3.8AH(12.16Wh)<br />
<br />
Also, each cell has a serial number in a QR code near the negative terminal, (usually, but not always) on the side opposite the label. The dot-matrix printer that made the codes wasn't perfectly aligned, so many cells have codes that are slightly distorted and difficult to scan. Using the [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.google.zxing.client.android/ Barcode Scanner] app, the codes could be scanned more reliably sideways, or at not-quite-90-degree angles.<br />
<br />
To make it easier for us to keep track of the cells, the first time each cell was removed from the packaging, it was given a three-digit number corresponding to the row and column they were from in the box. 000 is from the top-left, 009 is from the top-right, 110 is from the bottom-left, and 119 is from the bottom-right. The labels are written in permanent marker on the ''ample'' blank, white space on the cell wrappers, and underlined so that there is no ambiguity which way the number is supposed to be read.<br />
<br />
=== Individual Cell Measurements ===<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+ K2 26650 Li-Ion Cells<br />
! scope="col"| Serial Number<br />
! scope="col"| Label<br />
! scope="col"| Out-Of-The-Box Voltage<br />
! scope="col"| Remarks <!-- This column should be right-most. --><br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 00 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132431<br />
| 000<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132415<br />
| 001<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132362<br />
| 002<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132351<br />
| 003<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132270<br />
| 004<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132286<br />
| 005<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132393<br />
| 006<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132397<br />
| 007<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132328<br />
| 008<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132317<br />
| 009<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 01 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132458<br />
| 010<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132442<br />
| 011<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132426<br />
| 012<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132378<br />
| 013<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132265<br />
| 014<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132281<br />
| 015<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132457<br />
| 016<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132424<br />
| 017<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132392<br />
| 018<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132344<br />
| 019<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 02 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132367<br />
| 020<br />
| 0.00 😭<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132350<br />
| 021<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132334<br />
| 022<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132233<br />
| 023<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132269<br />
| 024<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132462<br />
| 025<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132398<br />
| 026<br />
| 3.19 🙁<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132414<br />
| 027<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132413<br />
| 028<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132333<br />
| 029<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 03 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132394<br />
| 030<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132361<br />
| 031<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132345<br />
| 032<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132329<br />
| 033<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132296<br />
| 034<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132280<br />
| 035<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132409<br />
| 036<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132425<br />
| 037<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132440<br />
| 038<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132360<br />
| 039<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 04 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134729<br />
| 040<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134648<br />
| 041<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134519<br />
| 042<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH120223-134644<br />
| 043<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134515<br />
| 044<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134691<br />
| 045<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134713<br />
| 046<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134628<br />
| 047<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134632<br />
| 048<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134760<br />
| 049<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 05 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134552<br />
| 050<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134712<br />
| 051<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134631<br />
| 052<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134708<br />
| 053<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134595<br />
| 054<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134755<br />
| 055<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134536<br />
| 056<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134692<br />
| 057<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134696<br />
| 058<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134599<br />
| 059<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 06 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134756<br />
| 060<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134675<br />
| 061<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134697<br />
| 062<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134584<br />
| 063<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134744<br />
| 064<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134596<br />
| 065<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134740<br />
| 066<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134643<br />
| 067<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134681<br />
| 068<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134568<br />
| 069<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134579<br />
| 070<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134739<br />
| 071<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134761<br />
| 072<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134680<br />
| 073<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134551<br />
| 074<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134676<br />
| 075<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134563<br />
| 076<br />
| 0.65 😢<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134723<br />
| 077<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134745<br />
| 078<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134664<br />
| 079<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 07 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134728<br />
| 080<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134564<br />
| 081<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134724<br />
| 082<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134627<br />
| 083<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132318<br />
| 084<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132446<br />
| 085<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132365<br />
| 086<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134709<br />
| 087<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134693<br />
| 088<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132399<br />
| 089<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 09 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134535<br />
| 090<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134660<br />
| 091<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134531<br />
| 092<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134707<br />
| 093<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132382<br />
| 094<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132301<br />
| 095<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132445<br />
| 096<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134516<br />
| 097<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223134757<br />
| 098<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132223<br />
| 099<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 10 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132441<br />
| 100<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132376<br />
| 101<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132349<br />
| 102<br />
| 3.24 🙁<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132430<br />
| 103<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132297<br />
| 104<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132302<br />
| 105<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134521<br />
| 106<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134762<br />
| 107<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132410<br />
| 108<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132383<br />
| 109<br />
| 3.29<br />
<!-- ================ START OF ROW 11 ================ --><br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132312<br />
| 110<br />
| 3.28 😟<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132456<br />
| 111<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132429<br />
| 112<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132285<br />
| 113<br />
| 3.24 🙁<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132377<br />
| 114<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132366<br />
| 115<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134633<br />
| 116<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-134585<br />
| 117<br />
| 3.29<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132218<br />
| 118<br />
| 3.29<br />
| Slightly torn wrapper 😟<br />
|-<br />
| PH190223-132447<br />
| 119<br />
| 3.29<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Cell Testing ===<br />
<br />
==== Out-Of-Box Voltage ====<br />
<br />
When the package arrived, each cell's voltage was measured with the [[Ballantine 3028A | bench multimeter]]. (Also, its QR code was scanned, and its label written on.)<br />
<br />
==== First Charge ====<br />
<br />
A custom 5-cell holder was made from wood and brass strips (26650 cell holders are wiedly expensive , given how cheap 18650 cell holders are) and plugged in to a [https://www.toolkitrc.com/m7 ToolkitRC M7], which was plugged in to the benchtop power supply. This setup was used to charge 5 cells at a time (24 times) to charge the cells to 3.60V, the maximum setting the M7 can charge LiFePO₄ cells to. Then, the cells were charged 2 at a time on a [https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-D2-DigiCharger-p/chg-nite-d2.htm NiteCore Digicharger D2] to 3.65V.</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Available_gearAvailable gear2022-08-22T17:51:15Z<p>Avh.on1: added crafting equipment section with sewing machines subsection</p>
<hr />
<div>These are tools and supplies available to Bloominglabs members. Pretty much all of the bench-top and larger tools are owned by members and kept in the space for use by other members. If you are unsure of how to use a tool or want to learn more please grab someone and we'll guide you in the right direction. General safety documentation for common power tools is kept in the black cabinet in the shop area (along with MSDS sheets). Also note that this page is generally out of date, if you are interested in something specific and don't see it here ask us about it.<br />
<br />
* [[Tool Manuals]]<br />
<br />
== Power Tools & Heavy Equipment ==<br />
We require a brief [[safety-qualifications]] walk through before using any power tools in the space.<br />
<br />
===Wood===<br />
* chop saw<br />
* table saw<br />
* drill presses<br />
* 9" band saw (wood, plasic, & light metal)<br />
* bench-top router table (with router)<br />
* table-top sander<br />
* wood lathe<br />
* 12" planer ([[Restoration_of_Parks_95_12%22_surface_planer|being restored]])<br />
* 4" jointer ([[Restoration_of_Craftsman_4"_joiner|being restored]])<br />
* corded and cordless drills<br />
* dremel(s) with a complete set of accessories<br />
<br />
===Metal===<br />
* bench grinders<br />
* Atlas lathe (30" between centers, see [[Atlas_Lathe_Restoration]])<br />
* generic 20" metal lathe<br />
* [[Mill]]<br />
* metal cutting band saw, 5"x6" cutting area, w/auto-shutoff<br />
* metal chop saw<br />
* oxy-acetylene torch<br />
* TIG welder - Miller Syncrowave 350 with pulser, spot timer, etc.<br />
* MIG welder - Millermatic 250<br />
* Arc welder - Miller stick welder<br />
* Hypertherm Drag-gun 38 plasma cutter (self contained air compressor)<br />
<br />
== Electronics ==<br />
* soldering irons (variable temp)<br />
* hot air rework station<br />
* smoke absorber<br />
* soldering supplies (solder, desoldering braid, sponges, ect)<br />
* large quantity of hand tools (pliers and sidecuts)<br />
* [[Ballantine 3028A]] bench multimeter<br />
* various digital and analog handheld multimeters<br />
* BK model 1601 2A 0-50V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* Topward 3306D 6A 0-30V variable bench DC power supply<br />
* [[Oscilloscopes]]<br />
* Picoammeter<br />
* Sweep/Function Generator<br />
* solderless breadboards<br />
* Arduino clones<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3100 Digital design system]]<br />
* [[Heathkit ET-3200 Analog design system]]<br />
* AVR tools<br />
** USBTiny programmers<br />
** ATMega8 and ATtiny2313 chips<br />
** buttons, 5v regulators, and other supplies<br />
* hot air guns<br />
<br />
== Automated Manufacturing ==<br />
* [[3D Printers]]<br />
** [[Makerfarm 12-Inch Pegasus]]<br />
** [[Anycubic i3 Mega]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Simple | PrintrBot Simple v1 (1310)]]<br />
** [[PrintrBot Play | PrintrBot Play (1505)]]<br />
* a [[3D Scanners|3D Scanner]]<br />
* automatic knitting machine<br />
* [[FullSpectrum | Full Spectrum 45W laser cutter/etcher]]<br />
* [[X-Carve CNC Router]]<br />
* [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]] - needs work<br />
* First-Generation [[Silhouette Cameo]] CNC paper/vinyl cutter<br />
<br />
== Crafting Equipment ==<br />
<br />
=== Sewing Machines ===<br />
<br />
* [[Vintage Singer 237 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Vintage Fleetwood Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Singer 8280 Sewing Machine]]<br />
* [[Janome HD-1000 Sewing Machine]]<br />
<br />
== Office Equipment==<br />
* Several [[Laser Printers]]<br />
<br />
== Other Equipment ==<br />
* 8"x10" plastic [[vacuum forming table]]<br />
* larger vacuum forming table donated to the space<br />
* shopvac (for dust collection system and cleanup)<br />
* [[Electrolysis Rust Removal System]]<br />
* 19" rack, 4' tall<br />
* 19" rack, 6' tall<br />
* [[Car Lift]]<br />
* 60 gallon air compressor (wood shop with feed to metal fab shop)<br />
* [[CCTV Network]]<br />
* [[MAME Cabinet]]<br />
<br />
== Borrowable Equipement ==<br />
<br />
* Keg tap: contact [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* 5' x 8-1/2' Utility Trailer: contact Neal<br />
[[File:Utilty_trailer.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Neal's Trailer]]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tools]]<br />
[[Category: The Space]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-07-19T19:45:32Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Proprietary */ specify that we'd want the "Pro" versions of Vectric's Cut2D or V-Carve (because the non-pro versions only support 24"x24" cutting areas)</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D Pro] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve Pro]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-07-18T20:49:20Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Future Plans and Upgrades */ attribute contributions for completed upgrades</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher (contributed shielded endstop wires)<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]] (contributed Wide Makerslide for X-Axis upgrade)<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $54 (not including shipping) have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-07-18T20:47:32Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Future Plans and Upgrades */ removed "More Rigid X-Axis" from possible upgrades to perform in the future</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-07-18T20:46:36Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Modifications and Upgrades */ added #More_Rigid_X-Axis to the list of Upgrades performed</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
[[User:Dosman|Dosman]] contributed a 1000mm piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide]. Besides being a single wide piece instead of two thinner pieces, the Wide MakerSlide's walls are also thicker than the original [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide] rails. The upgrade was done during public hours on 13 July 2022. Should have measured how much twist the old gantry had, but just pressing on it by hand makes it clear the new gantry is ''far'' stiffer.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-07-18T20:35:46Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Proprietary */ added SheetCam</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
* [https://www.sheetcam.com/ SheetCam] (free version limited to 180 lines of g-code, available on Windows and Linux)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-21T04:36:27Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ fixed URL on gCAD3D's g-code procedure</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([https://www.gcad3d.org/doc/html/PRC_cut1_en.htm Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-21T04:34:13Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ sort list of g-code generators</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([http://bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_Router Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-21T04:27:41Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ gCAD3D is *not* easy to use</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* <s>[https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]</s> ([http://bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_Router Very arcane interface, manual procedure])<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-21T00:38:48Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Proprietary */ add FreeMILL</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
* [https://mecsoft.com/freemill/ FreeMILL] (freeware)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-21T00:17:25Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Proprietary */ not all require windows, add Temujin CAM</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
Most of these programs require Windows. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
* [https://www.temujin.ai/CAM Temujin CAM] (browser-based freeware)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-21T00:02:28Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ add Kiri:Moto</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
None of these programs work on Linux, so a Windows license would have to be purchased. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
* [https://docs.grid.space/projects/kiri-moto Kiri:Moto]<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-20T23:57:21Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ cammill requires gtk2.0 libraries to build, which are no longer available on Debian</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
None of these programs work on Linux, so a Windows license would have to be purchased. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* <s>[http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]</s> ([https://github.com/cammill/cammill/issues/71 Can't be built on Debian.])<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-20T23:50:52Z<p>Avh.on1: /* Proprietary */ add some details on DeskProto</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
None of these programs work on Linux, so a Windows license would have to be purchased. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto] (free tier available; Linux version available)<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* [http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
<br />
==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
<br />
This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
<br />
==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
<br />
* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
<br />
=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
<br />
=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
<br />
=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
<br />
With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
<br />
This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
<br />
=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
<br />
Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
<br />
== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
<br />
For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
<br />
In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
<br />
To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
<br />
=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
<br />
During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
<br />
Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
<br />
Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/X-Carve_CNC_RouterX-Carve CNC Router2022-02-20T23:43:53Z<p>Avh.on1: /* G-Code Generation */ remove duplicate entry of dmap2gcode; add info on dxf2gcode; add info on F-Engrave; gcodetools does things but still seems broken</p>
<hr />
<div>Bloominglabs has an Inventables X-Carve 2015 750mm CNC router. This is a machine which can carve, cut, drill, and engrave sheets and pieces of wood, plastic, soft metals (like aluminum), and other materials.<br />
<br />
After several months of on-again, off-again tinkering, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6m0U85gqAU the X-Carve made its first cuts on 31 January 2022]. Although there are many improvements to be made, it can now be used as a tool.<br />
<br />
== Specifications ==<br />
<br />
* cut area of 750mm x 750mm (29.5 inches square)<br />
* Z-axis range of 65mm (2.5 inches of up-down movement)<br />
* gshield with three 1.5A stepper drivers, PWM spindle control, and grbl firmware<br />
* [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/step12/ 300W 24V air-cooled spindle] with ER11 collet<br />
* 400W 24V power supply<br />
<br />
== Assembly and Maintenance Instructions ==<br />
<br />
This is a pretty old model, so the relevant instructions seem to be a hybrid of [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/ 2015] and [https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/750mm/ 750mm].<br />
<br />
== Software ==<br />
<br />
=== Easel ===<br />
<br />
Inventables's official software for the X-Carve is [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel Easel], a cloud-based CAM program. An account is required. It starts with a 30-day free preview of "Easel Pro", which offers <br />
[https://inventables.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012849133-Easel-Pro-FAQ-and-Overview desirable features] for a subscription price of <del>$156</del> $233 per year, and falls back to the more limited free tier.<br />
<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] tried to get Easel to work, but was unsuccessful. Getting Easel to work seems to require installing the drivers, changing the laptop's DNS, networking, and browser settings, and possibly also changing the router's and modem's firewall and port-forwarding settings. Everything in that very tall stack of software standing between the X-Carve's microcontroller, plugged in on a USB serial connection, up through the browser to "the cloud", has to work perfectly, and Easel doesn't seem to provide any error codes. [https://old.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/search?q=easel&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all Many people online use Easel], but no one else at Bloominglabs has tried and succeeded in getting it to work. With these problems in mind, it seems worthwhile to get alternative software working:<br />
<br />
=== Alternatives ===<br />
<br />
At present, the laptop has [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender], [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle], [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM], [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD], Inkscape, and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] on it. Other F/LOSS programs have been tried (and notes added), but these currently seem most promising.<br />
<br />
==== Proprietary ====<br />
[[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] has experience with V-Carve; it would definitely work for this machine. However, the current consensus has been to try to find a good F/LOSS solution, and only buy proprietary software if none can be found.<br />
<br />
None of these programs work on Linux, so a Windows license would have to be purchased. Also, most have system requirements that far exceed the laptop currently assigned to the X-Carve; a new computer would have to be found or purchased.<br />
* [https://www.deskproto.com/index.php DeskProto]<br />
* [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/meshcam MeshCAM]<br />
* [https://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambam CamBam]<br />
* Vectric's [https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-desktop Cut2D] or [https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-desktop V-Carve]<br />
* [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]<br />
* [http://www.gsimple.eu/ G-SIMPLE]<br />
* [https://www.estlcam.de/ Estlcam]<br />
* [https://qcad.org/en/products/qcad-cam QCAD/CAM]<br />
* Alibre's [https://www.alibre.com/workshop/ Workshop]<br />
* [https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create] (free but requires windows)<br />
<br />
==== F/LOSS ====<br />
<br />
===== Machine Control =====<br />
* [https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ Universal G-Code Sender] (works well, but is ugly)<br />
* <s>[https://www.linuxcnc.org/ LinuxCNC]</s> (requires direct control of stepper motors)<br />
* [http://chilipeppr.com/ Chilipeppr] (basic functionallity works, but the instance at [http://chilipeppr.com/grbl chilipeppr.com] 404'd when I tried to open the "ShuttleXpress" jog controls)<br />
* [https://camotics.org/ CAMotics]<br />
* [https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC bCNC]<br />
* [https://github.com/Denvi/Candle Candle] (straighforward and pretty, but a massive CPU hog, especially when window is maximized)<br />
* [https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/grbl-overseer grbl-overseer]<br />
* [https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P Grbl4P] ([https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P/issues/1 missing library <code>org.apache.log4j</code>], how do you install it in Processing?)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL OpenBuilds CONTROL]<br />
<br />
=====G-Code Generation=====<br />
* [http://pycam.sourceforge.net/ PyCAM] (Development has slowed but not completely stopped. Lots of features, but doesn't look overwhelming.)<br />
* [http://aptos.sourceforge.net/ Aptos]<br />
* <s>[https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam BlenderCAM]</s> (Even the oldest supported version of Blender (2.83) is unusably slow on the available laptop. This might be a good solution if a more powerful computer is assigned to the X-Carve, or for people that want to plan toolpaths on their own computers.)<br />
* [http://cammill.github.io/ CAMmill]<br />
* [https://github.com/Heeks/heekscad HeeksCAD]<br />
* <s> [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/ gcodetools] (Inkscape extension)</s> (Unmaintained ("maintainer wanted"), appears to have [https://gitlab.com/inkscape/extras/extensions-gcodetools/-/issues several breaking bugs])<br />
* [https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Path_Workbench FreeCAD]'s Path Workbench (Seems viable for sophisticated parts, but complex. Laptop has FreeCAD 0.19.1)<br />
* [https://solvespace.com/ref.pl Solvespace]'s basic g-code export<br />
* [https://github.com/mkrabset/krabzcam KrabzCAM]<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/millcrum Millcrum]<br />
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxf2gcode/ dxf2gcode] (Opaque user interface requires [https://sourceforge.net/p/dxf2gcode/wiki/LayerControl/ specific names for layers] to make it do things. Has a bug where sometimes it commands straight paths right across shapes.)<br />
* [https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot gcodeplot] (appears to be intended only for pen plotters)<br />
* [https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM OpenBuilds CAM]<br />
* [https://gcad3d.org/ gCAD3D]<br />
* Scorchworks's [https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html F-Engrave] (can engrave and v-carve shapes and bitmaps, but can't mill parts from material)<br />
<br />
===== Both =====<br />
* [https://xyzbots.com/grblweb.html GRBLWeb]<br />
<br />
== Future Plans and Upgrades ==<br />
<br />
The following members have pledged a total of $300 (as of Sunday, 21 November 2021) in donations to improve the X-Carve and make it a good machine for people to use at Bloominglabs. Thank you all!<br />
* Adam Stitcher<br />
* [[User:Jpt4|jpt4]]<br />
* [[User:Dosman|dosman]]<br />
* [[User:Kinnimari|Kyle]]<br />
* Christopher Tiwari<br />
<br />
So far, $4 have been spent on the X-Carve.<br />
<br />
How the remaining funds will be used needs to be decided. Below is a list of ideas on how to improve the X-Carve, many (but not all) of which require, or will be much easier by, spending money.<br />
<br />
=== Reinforce Table ===<br />
<br />
The (large, and generously donated by Jason Brown) table is very stable across its long dimension, but rocks along its short direction. This happens to be the same direction that the X-Carve's heaviest moving assembly (the gantry) moves. This will probably cause the table to visibly shake when the machine makes aggressive cuts.<br />
<br />
Adding some diagonal braces under the table (especially to the center two legs) should fix this.<br />
<br />
=== More Tooling ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a few end mills. Bloominglabs also received, in a previous donation to the Electronics room, a collection of very small end mills and drills, suitable for milling and drilling custom circuit boards. Lastly, the spindle can accept 1/8" tooling meant for Dremels and the [[ShapeOko 2 CNC]].<br />
<br />
All that said, these are tools we don't have and might want, depending on what people want to do with the X-Carve:<br />
* ball-end mills (for making contoured surfaces)<br />
* V-nose end mills (for v-groove engraving)<br />
* 1/4" shank tooling (much sturdier than the 1/8" tooling we have, for removing material fast or just resisting mis-use)<br />
* downcut end mills (for milling thin or flexible material)<br />
* compression end mills (for producing a nice finish on both sides of plywood)<br />
* surfacing/facing mills (for making large, flat surfaces)<br />
<br />
Also, tooling will wear out be broken, so we will want to have extras, and known-good places to buy more.<br />
<br />
Compatible tooling can be purchased from many sites and stores, but [https://www.inventables.com/categories/carving-bits Inventables] is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
=== Dust and Chip Collection ===<br />
<br />
Right now, the X-Carve has no dust collection. Sawdust (or fine chips of whatever material is being cut) either get packed into the cuts, or they get scattered into the air, settling in a fine layer all over the machine and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
The previous owner [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1419266 3D printed a mount] to hold a vacuum cleaner hose right up to the spindle. Completing this would allow the machine's waste to be captured while it operates. It needs:<br />
* a plastic disc (which could be made on the laser cutter) to cover the top of the vacuum adapter, and<br />
* a shop vac (ideally with a cyclone separator) and hose.<br />
It would be nice if it also had:<br />
* a nice home for these things to stay in:<br />
** a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dust-control-system stand] to support the hose above the work, or a hose that follows the cable chains, or a hose that is stretchy enough that it can go from a mount to the spindle without excess length dragging all over the work<br />
** a shelf under the table for the shop vac, with a hole in the table for the hose<br />
** or even better, a soundproofed box under the table for the shop vac, with muffled exhaust<br />
* a convenient way to turn the shop vac on or off, either<br />
** locate the shop vac in a place where it's just easy to turn it on and off with its own switch<br />
** a power strip (like on the laser cutter) with a switch for each thing plugged in to it<br />
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Automatic+Vacuum+Switch electronics] that detect when the spindle is running and turn the shop vac on, and leave it running for some seconds after the spindle stops<br />
** electronics on the controller board, and custom g-code, that allow the machine to control when the shop vac runs<br />
<br />
A slightly more expensive but much quieter alternative to the shop vac is a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPD9BDI dedicated dust collector unit], which could have a hose going right to the spindle, or ventilate the enclosure or area around the machine, or maybe both. A dust collector could also be homemade; [https://woodgears.ca/dust_collector/index.html Matthias Wandel has loads of examples of these].<br />
<br />
=== Upgraded Spindle ===<br />
<br />
The machine came with a very basic air-cooled brushed DC spindle. While functional, it is noisy, not very powerful, probably can't take much cutting load, and offers poor control over its speed.<br />
<br />
==== Trim Router ====<br />
<br />
It is common for these machines to use a handheld trim router. At 1 to 1.25 horsepower (750 to 900 watts), these routers are 2.5x to 3x more powerful than the 300 watt spindle that came with the machine, and also probably have much more durable and truer-running bearings. The current X-Carve is offered with a [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makita-router $99 30,000 rpm Makita router]; for older machines like ours, [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-makita-spindle-mount the mount is available for $35]. Another good option is the [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-1-HP-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Corded-Router/999928320 $99 Bosch Colt], which is slightly less powerful but claims 35,000 rpm and the same electronic soft-start and constant-speed features. I'm pretty sure it'd fit the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-dewalt-spindle-mount $35 DeWalt 611 mount].<br />
<br />
In general, these machines only take 1/4" and 1/8" collets, so they can only use tools with shanks in those diameters. An exception is the [https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/er11-compact-router $150 Carbide ER11 Compact Router], which can use any ER11 collet (which covers a lot of other sizes, especially metric ones). Whether or not this is desirable depends on how exotic of tooling people want to use.<br />
<br />
Electronically, the router would just plug in to one of the AC outlets, right next to the laptop and the 24V power supply. The hacker/maker would have to manually turn the router on and set the speed dial before starting the cut, and turn it off after. It would be possible to wire a relay into the existing spindle control circuit, which would allow the machine to turn the spindle on and off, but not to control the speed.<br />
<br />
==== Water-Cooled VFD Spindle ====<br />
<br />
A router would be a substantial performance improvement over the existing 300W hobby-motor spindle, but they are ''very'' loud. Most of the noise comes from the fan that keeps the motor cool.<br />
<br />
Enter water-cooled spindles. Similar to the [[laser]], these have a jacket around the motor, through which water is pumped. The water gets circulated into a tank or bucket, and keeps the spindle cool due to its thermal mass and, if necessary, evaporation. This eliminates the >20,000 RPM fan, making these spindles ''much'' quieter (and more tolerable to share a room with). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aUrheEn3Q&t=344s Here is a video comparison of the noise].<br />
<br />
There are many near-identical water-cooled spindles available from China.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ Most-Common Chinese Water-Cooled Spindle Sizes<br />
|-<br />
| Power (kW)<br />
| Diameter (mm)<br />
| Length (mm)<br />
| Weight (kg)<br />
| Collet Size<br />
|-<br />
| 0.8<br />
| 65<br />
| 195<br />
| 3<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 1.5<br />
| 80<br />
| 188<br />
| 4.1<br />
| ER11<br />
|-<br />
| 2.2<br />
| 80<br />
| 213<br />
| 5.5<br />
| ER20<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Although the more powerful spindles are more popular and only slightly more expensive, anything more than 800 watts is probably overkill for the X-Carve, both in terms of cutting power, and in terms of size under an enclosure and weight to swing around. A 800W spindle like the [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963942850.html GDZ-65-800A] can be bought for around $90-$140.<br />
<br />
These spindles require 3-phase electricity, at a variable frequency so that their speed can be controlled. This would be produced by a Variable Frequency Drive. Cheap ones cost ~$100 and, like the spindles, are available in a range of power outputs, with much more powerful units costing only a little more than less-powerful ones. It would probably be sensible to overspec the VFD to 1kW or 1.5kW so that it will never be overloaded by the spindle.<br />
<br />
These spindles usually require 220V. Some are available at 110V, but their specified current draw (usually 4 or 5 amps) doesn't make sense for their claimed power output (110V × 5A < 800W). It would be safest to get a 220V motor and ensure it will get that much power. There are definitely VFDs which flat-out claim to be able to provide 220V from 120V, but they seem to cost more like $500. The inexpensive ones ''might'' be able to do it, but it's hard to tell for sure, given the range of models and poor documentation. It would be safest, then, to get a 220V VFD, and an [https://www.ebay.com/itm/154529962092?hash=item23fab4186c:g:XFUAAOSw5rZhytnD inexpensive (~$55) 120V-220V 1kW or 1.5kW step-up transformer] to power it.<br />
<br />
Besides the spindle motor, VFD, and transformer, this setup would also require a water pump, supply and return hoses, reservoir, and a cable with a 4-pin aviation plug to connect everything together. These can be purchased all together in kits. For larger spindles, the kits appear to be cost-effective, but for 0.8kW spindles the kits appear to cost more than the sum of the parts (>$300).<br />
<br />
The 69mm mount we got with the X-Carve could hold one of the smaller spindles with a spacer. A (simple) mount would need to be purchased or made to hold one of the larger spindles.<br />
<br />
=== Polycarbonate Enclosure ===<br />
<br />
The machine needs a permanent enclosure to keep sawdust from the woodshop out, and chips, noise, and broken tools inside. The best material for this would be [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920098242 1/16"] or [https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/920100352 1/8"] thick polycarbonate on a square-tube aluminum frame. Ideally, the enclosure would be tall enough to accommodate the water-cooled spindle mounted on the [[#Z-Axis Kit|post-update Z-axis]]. The enclosure should also be designed to be compatible with whatever the [[#Dust and Chip Collection]] solution is.<br />
<br />
=== X-Carve Upgrade Kit Bundle ===<br />
<br />
Inventables sells 2 upgrade kits for the X-Carve, and also [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-kit-2 a bundle that has both kits for a discounted price of $499].<br />
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==== Z-Axis Kit ====<br />
<br />
[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-z-axis-kit The Z-axis upgrade kit] costs $360 on its own. It:<br />
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* stiffens the Z-axis (which reduces chatter, making clean cuts easier),<br />
* substantially increases the maximum Z-height (from 2.5" to 4.5"!),<br />
* increases the stepper motor torque by 50% (to 212 ounce-inches), and<br />
* adds better dust guards.<br />
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This kit does increase the height of the machine to 21.25", so affects the requirements for the [[#Polycarbonate Enclosure|enclosure]].<br />
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==== 9 mm Belt and Motor Kit ====<br />
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[https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-upgrade-9-mm-belt-and-motor-kit The 9mm belt and motor kit] costs $190 on its own. It:<br />
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* replaces the 6mm wide 2GT belts with stronger 9mm wide 3GT belts, and<br />
* replaces the X- and Y-axis stepper motors with ones that have 50% more torque (212 ounce-inches).<br />
<br />
These replacements allow the X- and Y-axes to move with much greater force, enabling faster cutting speeds.<br />
<br />
Unlike the [[#Z-Axis Kit|Z-axis upgrade]], this upgrade has very little impact on the overall dimensions of the machine. [https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/technology_image_uploaded_images/25638/large/INV_1024x768_B_DSC02794_Labeled.png The replacement stepper motors are maybe 0.5" longer than the stock ones].<br />
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=== Z-Probe ===<br />
<br />
A Z-probe makes it ''much'' easier to establish how much the tool sticks out of the spindle, which makes it much easier to consistently engrave 2D designs, or to precisely mill 3D parts. [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/z-probe Inventables sells one for only $29], but it is designed for the [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-controller-kit X-Controller electronics], which is not what our X-Carve has, so it may require modification. (Our X-Carve has the older [https://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/gshield-v5 gShield electronics], with an Arduino Uno.) We could also make one ourselves, or buy one from somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Shapeoko sells a [https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitzero-v2?variant=32936948236349 really cool one] for $120 that can do 3-axis tool alignment.<br />
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=== More Rigid X-Axis ===<br />
<br />
Our 2015-era X-Carve's X-axis is made of two parallel pieces of 40mm x 20mm [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide MakerSlide]. This makes the axis unfortunately easy to twist, which severely limits how aggressively the machine can cut. Since 2016, X-Carves have used a single piece of [https://www.inventables.com/technologies/wide-makerslide Wide MakerSlide], which is much more rigid. The $49.00 1000mm piece is sold as an upgrade to older machines like ours.<br />
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=== Smarter and Safer Endstop Mounting ===<br />
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With both the stock and new endstop mounting, the machine runs directly into the microswitch. If for some reason the machine does not detect that it has hit the endstop (for example, if one of the wires is broken), it will keep running into the microswitch and crush it. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/SS-5GL2/137204 The microswitches], have lever arms with wheels on them, and are meant to be used differently: mounted off to the side, so that the machine will move over them, never actually hitting the switch but passing close enough to depress the lever. This way, even if the machine fails, it will not create more problems.<br />
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This mostly requires coming up with mounts (probably 3D printed) to hold the microswitches in the right places.<br />
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=== Gamepad Controller ===<br />
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Universal Gcode Sender has all of the controls necessary to move the machine around, but it's tedious. It also supports [https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender/wiki/Usage#gamepad-and-joystick using a gamepad] to move the machine around. This is much more convenient, and could be done with an inexpensive controller like the Logitech F310.<br />
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== Modifications and Upgrades ==<br />
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=== Endstop mounting and wiring ===<br />
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For some reason, the endstops for the Y and X axes were mounted on the moving parts, requiring that their wires run through a lot of cable chain. [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] made simple laser-cut mounts for the microswitches, and mounted them on the non-moing parts of the machine. This substantially reduced the amount of wire needed for the endstops.<br />
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In between the Y and X cable chains, and after the X cable chain, Alex and [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] connected all of the endstop wires with DuPont connectors. This should mean nobody has to fish endstop wires through the cable chain in the future, and the microswitches can easily be removed and replaced.<br />
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To dampen vibration from the spindle, the Z-axis endstop is mounted on a bandsawed-off slice of a cork.<br />
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=== Fix Mis-Triggering Endstop ===<br />
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During the first tests of the machine, the most serious problem was that the Z-axis endstop would very often trigger when the spindle was started, causing the machine to panic and halt. The likely cause of this was electromagnetic interference between the spindle power wires and the endstop wires. Both were very long, unshielded and unfiltered, and ran parallel to each other for several feet.<br />
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Vibration was also suspected, but [[User:Joshgiem|Josh Giem]] replaced the Z-axis endstop with a similar one salvaged from a board in the electronics room, and the issue persisted.<br />
<br />
Adam Stitcher purchased 9 feet of shielded two-conductor wire. This, along with an extra 4-conducter stepper motor cable in the box, was used to replace the wiring to the X- and Z-axis endstops.<br />
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Even with the shielded cable, the Z-axis endstop still sometimes triggered when the spindle started. To settle that forever, [[User:Avh.on1|Alex]] cut a slice off a cork and used it as a vibration-absorbing washer for the microswitch, and wired a big capacitor into the spindle motor. This seems to have settled the problem.<br />
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[[Category: Pledge]]<br />
[[Category: Tools]]</div>Avh.on1