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wiki:tools:jaxen_operating [2026/09/06 01:58] – reorder colinlwiki:tools:jaxen_operating [2026/09/06 13:41] (current) – spelling colinl
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   * Awareness of "milling strategy": cutting at max depth for bulk removal, then final finishing pass.   * Awareness of "milling strategy": cutting at max depth for bulk removal, then final finishing pass.
   * Workpiece holding   * Workpiece holding
-  * Re-mounting parts between jobs accurately (basics)+CAM: 
 +  * What values need to be specified (and where in FreeCAD) 
 +  * Relationship between design choices and tooling choices 
 +  * Basic examples of what type of CAM job to use to achieve design features
 CNC: CNC:
   * Startup procedure   * Startup procedure
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   * Understanding basic G-Code commands for troubleshooting and manual data entry   * Understanding basic G-Code commands for troubleshooting and manual data entry
   * Running "cycles" (G-code files)   * Running "cycles" (G-code files)
-CAD: 
-  * Constructability 
-  * Relationship between design choices and tooling choices 
-  * Basic examples of what type of CAD job to use to achieve design features 
- 
 -------------------------- --------------------------
 ===== General Process of Using Jaxen For Your Projects: ===== ===== General Process of Using Jaxen For Your Projects: =====
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 The roadmap: The roadmap:
  
-  * First, complete training on the smaller CNC "Bobby-Fett". 
   * Sign up for Jaxen training   * Sign up for Jaxen training
   * Study the training material on this page   * Study the training material on this page
   * On your training day 1:   * On your training day 1:
-    * Get verbally tested on the training material 
-    * You pass with 9/12 correct answers. 
-    * The trainer will review what you got wrong so you have correct knowledge 
     * Practical supervised training where the trainer walks you through everything.     * Practical supervised training where the trainer walks you through everything.
     * Ask as many questions as you like.     * Ask as many questions as you like.
 +    * Do the exam verbally at the end of this page.
 +    * You pass with 10/12 correct answers.
 +    * The trainer will review what you got wrong so you have correct knowledge
   * Training Day 2:   * Training Day 2:
     * The practical exam portion, where you make the "demo part" under supervision. Ask any questions you want while doing it.     * The practical exam portion, where you make the "demo part" under supervision. Ask any questions you want while doing it.
     * If you make the part correctly, you pass training!     * If you make the part correctly, you pass training!
 +    * Your name is added to the list of trained people **TODO where will this be???**
 +  * Your first personal project:
 +    * For your first project, you must discuss your project plan with a CNC committee member who is currently offering training. This is to help you apply the skills you learned from the training to new scenarios. Also, experienced members can help you get what you want: either fast production, or high quality. Be sure to tell them what you want.
 +  * Your 2nd and later projects:
 +    * On your second and later projects, you are encouraged to ask for advice, but you can begin using the machine without the need for permission, while still minding other's access to the machine. By then, you'll have enough experience, you'll probably be teaching us!
  
-After you have been trained and your name is added to the list of trained people, and you've completed the training demo project, you can begin your own projects.  
-For your first project, you must discuss your project plan with a CNC committee member who is currently offering training. This is to help you apply the skills you learned from the training to new scenarios. Also, experienced members can help you get what you want: either fast production, or high quality. Be sure to tell them what you want. 
-On your second and later projects, you are encouraged to ask for advice, but you can begin using the machine without the need for permission, while still minding other's access to the machine. 
  
 -------------------------- --------------------------
 ===== Basic Reminders ===== ===== Basic Reminders =====
  
-  * Must wipe the vice before clamping. Chips between metal cause dimension errors.+  * Sign in on the log book before you start working! 
 +  * If you're a committee member and modifying the machine, check and update Jaxen's homepage! 
 +  * Wipe the vice before clamping. Chips between metal cause dimension errors.
   * Wipe calipers before measuring. Same reason.   * Wipe calipers before measuring. Same reason.
-  * Tap the stock into the vice- must be resting on parallels- this eliminates "vice-lift".+  * Tap the workpiece into the vice- must be resting on parallels- this eliminates "vice-lift" (Jaxen's vice is pretty resistant to this, but it's still good practice).
   * Don't let the cutter bit fall out! Remember the 3 points you must touch while doing this. Refer to training.   * Don't let the cutter bit fall out! Remember the 3 points you must touch while doing this. Refer to training.
   * Chip control- don't cut chips. Chips dulls bits and scratch your surface finish. Get them out of the path of the bit somehow (coolant to be added).   * Chip control- don't cut chips. Chips dulls bits and scratch your surface finish. Get them out of the path of the bit somehow (coolant to be added).
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 ===== Startup Procedure ===== ===== Startup Procedure =====
  
 +  - Sign in by writing your name and date on the paper log. This is so you can see what else is happening with this shared machine.
   - Boot the PC   - Boot the PC
   - Power on the electrical panel (Plug in the cord)   - Power on the electrical panel (Plug in the cord)
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 The "draw bar" mates with threads on the top of the collet. The "draw bar" mates with threads on the top of the collet.
  
-===== Squaring stock: =====+===== Squaring Stock =====
  
 Identify the flattest faces to use as clamping faces, then face the roughest first. Identify the flattest faces to use as clamping faces, then face the roughest first.
 Next, put this newly faced face against the jaws, and face the next face, 90* from the first. Next, put this newly faced face against the jaws, and face the next face, 90* from the first.
-    However, when clamping, use a round stock against the unfinished face to prevent it from altering squareness.+However, when clamping, use a round stock (rod) against the unfinished face to prevent it from altering squareness.
 Continue using these principles. Continue using these principles.
 For the last 2 sides, can use an endmill bit to make faces perpendicular to the spindle axis. For the last 2 sides, can use an endmill bit to make faces perpendicular to the spindle axis.
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 **Top-hat method:** **Top-hat method:**
  
-Good for when you don't need fully-faced sizes, but complete top and bottoms. +Good for when you don't need fully-faced sides, but complete top and bottoms. 
-(There is no way to accurately face the full sides using this method)+(Technically this method cannot **perfectly** face the full sides, but it's practically unnoticeable)
  
-Can use a chamfering tool for final step as an alternative to deburring.+Can use a chamfering tool for final step as an alternative to de-burring.
  
-**Facing:**+**Facing/Surfacing**
  
 If you climb-cut a face around the edges, it won't produce a burr, because the burr is sucked inwards and naturally cut off. If you climb-cut a face around the edges, it won't produce a burr, because the burr is sucked inwards and naturally cut off.
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 ===== Speed and feed resources ===== ===== Speed and feed resources =====
  
-TODO need a metric version!!!!!!!!!+TODO need to link a metric version!!
  
 https://www.autodrill.com/resources/recommended-tool-speed-chart https://www.autodrill.com/resources/recommended-tool-speed-chart
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 You will definitely need a custom mount for your part if: You will definitely need a custom mount for your part if:
-  * Less than 2 parallel faces of your finished part are stock+  * Your part does not have at least 2 parallel faces that are rigid enough to be load bearing.
  
 The standard mounting method currently is M6 threaded holes spaced 10mm apart, passing through non-threaded holes in your workpiece. The standard mounting method currently is M6 threaded holes spaced 10mm apart, passing through non-threaded holes in your workpiece.
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   - Set your "Spindle speed": again, refer to Jaxen's job log, or a public feed-speed chart. 1000 RPM is typical for Jaxen.   - Set your "Spindle speed": again, refer to Jaxen's job log, or a public feed-speed chart. 1000 RPM is typical for Jaxen.
  
-Now to make your operations / toolpaths!+**Now to make your operations / toolpaths!**
  
 In this tutorial, we are going to create a simple surfacing/facing job, to prepare stock for a later project. In this tutorial, we are going to create a simple surfacing/facing job, to prepare stock for a later project.
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   - Export your GCode: Click the "Post Process" button. Click OK in the window to save your code to a file (default is same directory as the FreeCad file).   - Export your GCode: Click the "Post Process" button. Click OK in the window to save your code to a file (default is same directory as the FreeCad file).
  
 +===== Jaxen training demo project =====
 +Skills/operations that will be part of the demo project:
 +  * Experience with milling steel
 +  * Getting good surface finish
 +  * Verifying dimensions
 +  * Profile, with midway pause and resume
 +  * Through-hole opening
 +  * Pocket with controlled step down
 +  * Engraving
 +  * Chamfer
  
 ===== General Tips ===== ===== General Tips =====
  
--Work from the inside out, because the outer material is what typically touches the vice, and also the perimeter is usually more volumeous than the inner parts, so it makes the part more rigid for longer during the job. +  * Work from the inside out, because the outer material is what typically touches the vice, and also the perimeter is usually more volumeous than the inner parts, so it makes the part more rigid for longer during the job. 
- +  * Do blind pockets in steps, because the deeper any single pass, the more the bit will vibrate, and this makes the walls rough. 
--Do blind pockets in steps, because the deeper any single pass, the more the bit will vibrate, and this makes the walls rough. +  * The final pass should always be very thin for the best finish. 0.1mm finishing pass usually works well. 
- +  * When designing your CAD, inside corner radii are limited! Keep in mind the radius of your toolbits.
-Additionally, the final pass should always be very thin for the best finish. 0.1mm finishing pass usually works well. +
- +
-**TODO** Job prep: For example, choosing inside corner radii based on bits used.+
  
 ------------------------------ ------------------------------
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 After you completed your CAM setup, you'll be left with a bunch of G-Code programs. What are we supposed to do with that? Read on!  After you completed your CAM setup, you'll be left with a bunch of G-Code programs. What are we supposed to do with that? Read on! 
 +
 +We first have to do some setup to bridge the physical and digital worlds:
 +
 +===== Manual Positioning with G-Code =====
 +You'll be doing a lot of manual G-code to setup the machine.
 +
 +MDI = Manual Data Input box.
 +
 +There are two types of linear moves that you can do:
 +
 +A G0 is used for a "rapid move" (at the machine's native feed rate). The controller will decide the best way to get to destination. For example, it will always move Z up first before X/Y.
 +
 +  * G0 always uses the machine's built-in feed rates.
 +
 +A G1 is used for cutting (interpolated).
 +
 +  * G1 uses the last feed rate specified (in the loaded GCode, or manually entered).
 +
 +Note that all GCode distances depend on what mode you're in. Either:
 +
 +  * Absolute: G90
 +  * Relative: G91
 +
 +In UCCNC, you can see the current mode in the white text just above the MDI box.
 +
 +===== Cheatsheet =====
 +The most used G-Codes you'll need for typical operation are:
 +
 +First specify your positioning mode if not already:
 +  * Absolute positioning: G90
 +  * Relative positioning:  G91
 +
 +Then move:
 +  * Interpolated move: G1 f20 x50
 +  * Rapid move: G0 x50
 +
 +Workspace manipulation:
 +  * G92 x0 y0 z0 (set workspace #1 current coords to these values- can omit axes to leave others untouched)
 +
 +Spindle set to 1000 RPM:
 +  * s1000
  
 ===== Workspaces: ===== ===== Workspaces: =====
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 WARNING: when axis is homed, any error corrected will cause all workspaces to shift by that amount! WARNING: when axis is homed, any error corrected will cause all workspaces to shift by that amount!
 +
 DO NOT HOME the machine between operations! DO NOT HOME the machine between operations!
 +
 This is because all user-defined workspaces are relative to/nested inside Workspace #0. This is because all user-defined workspaces are relative to/nested inside Workspace #0.
 +
 However, they are not all nested within each other consecuitively. Example: Workspace #2 is not affected by workspace #1, only Workspace #0. However, they are not all nested within each other consecuitively. Example: Workspace #2 is not affected by workspace #1, only Workspace #0.
  
-Currently, the hardlimits on Jaxen are providing about 0.005mm repeatability. You can see this when you see the machine coordinates being non-zero as the machine stops on the limit switches during homing.+Currently, the hard-limits on Jaxen are providing about 0.005mm repeatability. You can see this when you see the machine coordinates being non-zero as the machine stops on the limit switches during homing.
  
 There is one more offset: the "tool offset" which **is** nested in every workspace. It only affects Z. There is one more offset: the "tool offset" which **is** nested in every workspace. It only affects Z.
 +
 Note that this is not the same as "tool radius compensation". Note that this is not the same as "tool radius compensation".
  
 In UCCNC: In UCCNC:
 +
 In the "Main" window 3D view, the blue pointer represents the origin of the SELECTED workspace. In the "Main" window 3D view, the blue pointer represents the origin of the SELECTED workspace.
 +
 The yellow is the actual toolbit location relative to the selected workspace. The yellow is the actual toolbit location relative to the selected workspace.
  
  
-===== Setting workspace coordinates: =====+===== Setting Workspace Coordinates: =====
  
-Do this before starting to execute CAM GCode.+This concept is the core of CNC. There's many ways to do this, but the key concept is moving the spindle manually to known positions relative to your workpiece (like the same point as the origin in CAD), then saving that position in UCCNC. This is how you tells the machine where your workpiece is. It must be done before you can execute CAM GCode.
  
-In the CAM software, usually it will say what workspace # you are exporting for.+You will be setting your workspace often! Generally, every time you move your workpiece, or change G-Code jobs with different origin points.
  
-In UCCNC, activate the workspace you want:+Almost always, we only need to setup workspace #1, which is referred to as "G54". In the CAM software, usually it will say what workspace # you are exporting for (you can't easily change after you export to GCode).
  
-G54+==== Touch-Off Procedure ====
  
-Then, manually move the bit to the origin point you want to use. (using the "manual drive" buttons in UCCNC)+This process is more of a hands-on skill that will be taught in person. It takes practice. **You must be slow and careful not to crash the machine while doing this.** The exact method will depend on: 
 +  * The shape of your stock 
 +  * Whether your CAD origin is accessible 
 +  * How the workpiece is being held
  
-Then you need to save this position into UCNC as the origin for Workspace #1. Do this by typing the command:+The general steps are: 
 +  - Pick an axis to find 
 +  - Jog the spindle to a few mm away from the workpiece surface you want to use as your reference. 
 +    * This may not necessarily be your origin. You can apply math to offset from any point. 
 +  - Insert an object of a known thickness between the tool and workpiece, such as a shim or paper. 
 +  - Move the tool to close the gap very slowly (1% of default jog speed) until the object is pinched. 
 +  - Apply math to convert the tool's current position to the origin point: 
 +    * Spindle position + Tool radius + shim thickness = surface position 
 +    * Instead of actually doing the math, you can jog the spindle to a safe place laterally, then manually jog with G0 commands to cancel out the 2 constants (after you move the spindle laterally to a place that's safe to do so!) 
 +  - Save this position: 
 +    * If you moved the spindle, you can zero that axis using the small blue "ZO" buttons in UCCNC. 
 +    * If you're able to move the spindle to the actual origin you want to set, you can click the ZERO ALL button. The current position is now set to be the origin for Workspace #1, you're done. 
 +    * If you can't move the spindle for some reason, you can set the axis to a non-zero value without actually moving: 
 +      * Use command **G92 x0 y0 z0** but omit any axis you are not setting, and use non-zero values. 
 +  - Repeat for the other axes.
  
-G92 x0 y0 z0 +Now, your workspace coordinates match what you have in CAD, and you can move on to executing your operations!
-OR you can click "ZERO ALL" blue button.+
  
-The current position is now set to be the origin for Workspace #1.+Variations: 
 +  * Skip the shim- advance with spindle running and listen for the chips! (not good if you care about ruining your surface finish) 
 +  * Use an edge finding tool.
  
-===== Manual Positioning with G-Code ===== +Practice!
-MDI = Manual Data Input box.+
  
-There are two types of linear moves that you can do: 
- 
-A G0 is used for a "rapid move" (at the machine's native feed rate). The controller will decide the best way to get to destination. For example, it will always move Z up first before X/Y. 
-G0 always uses the machine's built-in feed rates. 
- 
-A G1 is used for cutting (interpolated). 
-G1 uses the last feed rate specified (in the loaded GCode, or manually entered). 
- 
-Note that all GCode distances depend on what mode you're in. Either: 
- 
-  * Absolute: G90 
-  * Relative: G91 
- 
-In UCCNC, you can see the current mode in the white text just above the MDI box. 
- 
-===== Cheatsheet ===== 
-The most used G-Codes you'll need for typical operation are: 
- 
-First specify your positioning mode if not already: 
-  * Absolute positioning: G90 
-  * Relative positioning:  G91 
- 
-Then move: 
-  * Interpolated move: G1 f20 x50 
-  * Rapid move: G0 x50 
- 
-Workspace manipulation: 
-  * G92 x0 y0 z0 (set workspace #1 current coords to these values- can omit axes to leave others untouched) 
- 
-Spindle set to 1000 RPM: 
-  * s1000 
  
 ===== How to get to the Tool Setter position ===== ===== How to get to the Tool Setter position =====
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-==== UCCNC G-Code Execution ====+===== UCCNC G-Code Execution =====
  
 It is highly recommended to first, raise the Z axis above your workpiece, then temporarily set the G54 workspace Z zero to this raised space. **Tip: if you already set your Z zero when setting up your workspace, you can "copy" this into G55 (workspace #2) and then come back to it after testing your code! Alternatively, you can use a G0 command to translate Z by an exact amount that you can undo easily.** It is highly recommended to first, raise the Z axis above your workpiece, then temporarily set the G54 workspace Z zero to this raised space. **Tip: if you already set your Z zero when setting up your workspace, you can "copy" this into G55 (workspace #2) and then come back to it after testing your code! Alternatively, you can use a G0 command to translate Z by an exact amount that you can undo easily.**
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 If you click CYCLE START without clicking RUN FROM HERE, the tool will simply move in the direction it was going before, but there's no guarantee it will follow the right path (if you moved it for example). If you click CYCLE START without clicking RUN FROM HERE, the tool will simply move in the direction it was going before, but there's no guarantee it will follow the right path (if you moved it for example).
  
-Steps: +**Steps:**
   - During your operation, click CYCLE STOP when you are just at the boundary of 2 lines of G-Code operating. Doesn't matter whether you're at the end of one or beginning of the one you want to resume in.   - During your operation, click CYCLE STOP when you are just at the boundary of 2 lines of G-Code operating. Doesn't matter whether you're at the end of one or beginning of the one you want to resume in.
-  - Do whatever you need while the machine is paused. Move workholding, manually jog the machine, adjust workspace origin, etc.+  - Do whatever you need while the machine is paused. Move workholding/workpiece, or manually jog the machine. 
 +    - HOWEVER: be careful of executing G-Code in this state! Your program may be depending on mode G90 or G91, and any other settings, and won't know if you change them!
   - Jog the machine back to the start of where you want to resume.   - Jog the machine back to the start of where you want to resume.
   - Scroll in the GCode window to highlight the line and feature you want to resume at the start of.   - Scroll in the GCode window to highlight the line and feature you want to resume at the start of.
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 M6 = Tool change. Usually exported by FreeCAD, but ignored for our machine. M6 = Tool change. Usually exported by FreeCAD, but ignored for our machine.
  
-M3 sNNNN = set spindle RPM+M3 sNNNN = turn on spindle AND set spindle RPM
  
  
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   - What happens if you jog the X axis all the way to the left? All the way to the right?   - What happens if you jog the X axis all the way to the left? All the way to the right?
   - You are planning a surfacing operation in CAM. What resources can you consult to figure out a feed rate of the tool?   - You are planning a surfacing operation in CAM. What resources can you consult to figure out a feed rate of the tool?
 +
 +
 +
 +
 +
 +------------------------------------
 +
 +    Temp job log notes:
 +
 +Climb cutting even for side-milling makes a noticable difference. Always climb cut side faces.
 +
 +Sep 6 facing steel plate. Should be all same specs as before, but this time plate is flat, so depth is even across whole operation.
 +1000 rpm, 30mm/min.
 +No lip between passes!
 +
 +2nd half: switched to 1400 rpm
 +result: no visible difference, may cause finish to change faster 
 +
 +observations between climb and conventional: there may be a relationship to the time into the pass. The circular swirl pattern gets more significant later on during the pass, maybe due to buildup of chips.
 +
 +The actual left/right side of pass does not seem to matter- the overlap of the swirl pattern appears to be due to minor changes in surface height.
 +
 +Making passes in the same direction each time does seem like it would provide better finish.