Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- wiki:tools:jaxen_cnc_mill [2026/08/21 23:59] – fix table colinl
+++ wiki:tools:jaxen_cnc_mill [2026/09/13 22:04] (current) – z encoder colinl
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 Jaxen is the most powerful CNC mill at VHS, capable of milling steels and other metals harder than aluminum and brass.
-{{:tool:metal_cnc:jaxen_2026-july.jpg?600|}}
+{{:wiki:tools:jaxen2026aug-closeup.jpg?600|}}
-As of 2026 March, it is being prepared for wider member use.
+As of 2026 September, it is being prepared for wider member use by the Metal CNC committee.
 This is the homepage for Jaxen. Wiki pages for Jaxen:
   * [[jaxen_operating|Jaxen Operating Guide]]
-  * [[jaxen_feed_speed|Jaxen Feed-Speed Database]]
+  * [[jaxen_joblog|Jaxen Job Log]]
   * [[jaxen_electrical|Jaxen Electrical Documentation]]
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
   * **Sensors:** 3x Limit switches magnetic proximity, USB-C probe (not implemented), toolsetter (not implemented)
-=== Rigidity + Backlash ===
+=== Backlash ===
- Mar 22 tests showed that error is less than 0.1mm, maybe 0.05mm in both the X and Y axes.
+**As of 2026 Aug, with software backlash compensation enabled: users can expect accuracy of 0.01mm or better in X and Y.**
+Raw mechanical backlash before compensation: X: 0.08mm, Y: 0.06mm, Z: 0.16mm (Z does not have an encoder!).
+=== Rigidity ===
+To be measured...
 === Max build size: ===
-  * Y: ~130mm, see note below.
+  * Y: 130-180mm, depending on workholding.
   * X: 350mm (largest part size is larger: half the width of the enclosure)
   * Z: 250mm (distance from chuck face to vice top)
-Y axis increase plan:
-Move the Vice mount point backwards one slot to middle slot.
-Would also need to re-adjust the Y home position, since it likely won't reach it anymore.
 ----
-==== Training ====
+====== Training ======
   * **Mandatory training required** before use.
   * Suggested to first complete training and certification on the [[wiki:tools:6040 CNC Mill|6040 CNC Mill "Loratron"]] but not mandatory.
@@ Line 59: / Line 60: @@
 ----
 ==== Speeds & Feeds ====
-  * Use the CNC PC’s cutting speed calculator to determine correct RPM and feed rates
+Always set both cutting speed and feed rate properly to avoid tool damage and poor results.
-  * Always set both cutting speed and feed rate properly to avoid tool damage and poor results
+  * You can look at the Jaxen Job Log for examples of past jobs so you get repeatable results.
+  * There is also a tool on the Jaxen CNC PC for suggesting RPM and feed rates based on your job. Name????
 ----
-==== Maintenance ToDo List ====
+====== Maintenance ======
+==== ToDo List ====
 **Critical**
-  * Splice spindle encoder cable (or run with PID control turned off)
   * Replace metal side panel with plexiglass for viewing from the workstation.
   * basic door on front
-  * tramming, and other mill accuracy verification procedures.
+  * tramming, squaring vice, and other mill accuracy verification procedures.
-  * software backlash compensation setup using test results and then re-test.
+  * Add encoder to Z axis, change driver to A spare or get new driver.
 **Non-Critical**
+  * Measure rigidity
   * Increase Y axis limit by moving vice, verify new limits and update specs.
   * Secure XYZ hard limits better, each only held with 1 screw.
   * Isolated inputs for hardware limits appear to be pulled high by 24VDC supply, bypassing isolation and daughter multiplexing board.
   * For custom boards inside column enclosure: Insulation on screw terminals and cable management for 120VAC connections- risk of short circuiting.
+  * Add alarm monitoring of stepper drives as digital input (can monitor all in series with 1 input point)
   * Make probe circuit normally closed (active low).
   * Master power switch for electrical panel.
@@ Line 84: / Line 91: @@
   * Consider spare parts for the most common things users could break, like spindle system.
   * Consider systems for preventing crashes, currently only have software limits.
+  * Add 2nd solid state relay to cut off power to motor drivers.
+  * Check effectiveness of spindle encoder index pin, and potentially remove to free-up IO. Since it is not actually on spindle, index is not indicating any real fixed location.
 ----
@@ Line 90: / Line 98: @@
 ==== Maintenance Log ====
 ^ Date       ^ Who        ^ Note                                                                 |
-| 2026 Aug 21  | Colin L   | Ground bus bar behind controller resoldered, fix intermittent connections (spindle grounding). Tighten limit switch bracket (Z). |
+| 2026 Aug 28  | Colin L   | Splice spindle encoder cable, terminate, cable management, encoder PPM settings adjust.    |
-| 2026 Aug 15  | Colin L   | Cut rear enclosure panel for future access.    |
+| 2026 Aug 21  | Colin L   | Ground bus bar behind controller re-soldered, fix intermittent connections (spindle grounding). Tighten limit switch bracket (Z). Added 2nd magnet to Z limit post after failed homing. Remeasured backlash, same results. Setup software backlash compensation using test results, re-tested showing accuracy is now about 0.01mm.  |
+| 2026 Aug 15  | Colin L   | Cut another notch in rear enclosure panel for column access.    |
 | 2026 Aug 14  | Colin L  | E-Stop circuit troubleshooting, redesign, rewire, and document E-stop circuit.             |
 | 2026 Aug 8  | ColinL   | Splice spindle speed control cable. Mount E-Stop button to front. Y-axis stepper cable management.   |
@@ Line 102: / Line 111: @@
 ----
-==== History ====
+====== History ======
   * **Donated by:** [[https://talk.vanhack.ca/u/ccudahy | Chris (ccudahy)]]  See [[https://talk.vanhack.ca/t/cnc-milling-machine-donation/10613]]
   * **Donation terms:** Purchased by VHS for $1; donor retains first right of repurchase if disposed
@@ Line 125: / Line 134: @@
 {{tool:metal_cnc:jaxencncmill.jpeg?300|Jaxen CNC Milling Machine}}
+Pic of Jaxen about 2026 July during the move into the corner and new enclosure:
+{{:tool:metal_cnc:jaxen_2026-july.jpg?600|}}