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wiki:tools:jaxen_operating [2026/09/25 22:55] – colinlwiki:tools:jaxen_operating [2026/10/30 23:18] (current) – colinl
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 The roadmap: The roadmap:
  
-  * Sign up for Jaxen training. It's strongly suggested you first do training on the smaller CNC 'Bobby'.+  * Sign up for Jaxen training [[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevrcLFGh6v6Qiw62Yj_e7komydmARQWBlBXlLj32wWfoYO2g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110550518141348839350 | here using this google form submission]] 
   * Study the training material on this page   * Study the training material on this page
   * On your training day 1:   * On your training day 1:
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 If you're going to be milling most sides of your part to be non-flat, you can't clamp your part in a vice. You'll need to hold it by it's middle somehow. If you're going to be milling most sides of your part to be non-flat, you can't clamp your part in a vice. You'll need to hold it by it's middle somehow.
  
-Also, when milling large flat pieces, the vice does not support the middle, letting them flex. This can reduce the quality of the surface finish. From experience, if something is more than about 30 times wider than thick, it'll start bending too much when surfaced.+Also, when milling large flat pieces, the vice does not support the middle, letting them flex. This can reduce the quality of the surface finish. From experience, if something is more than about 20 times wider than thick (considering the stiffness of the material), it'll start bending too much when surfaced.
  
 Examples: gears, oddly-shaped flat parts, decorative items, etc. Examples: gears, oddly-shaped flat parts, decorative items, etc.
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   * The M6 bolt should be snug, but just barely slide through the hole in your workpiece.   * The M6 bolt should be snug, but just barely slide through the hole in your workpiece.
   * Then, you'll need to use the existing threaded mounting holes in the bed, or make new ones:   * Then, you'll need to use the existing threaded mounting holes in the bed, or make new ones:
-  *     First drill pilot holes with a 1/8 bit in the mill for accurate pilot hole locations. +      * First drill pilot holes with a 1/8 bit in the mill for accurate pilot hole locations. 
-  *     Then a 13/64in (5.16mm) bit on other machine/drill to prepare for tapping, (because it's harder to find a collet for) +      * Then a 13/64in (5.16mm) bit on other machine/drill to prepare for tapping, (because it's harder to find a collet for) 
-  *         Or you can use the R8 drill chuck to directly drill this hole on the mill. +          * Or you can use the R8 drill chuck to directly drill this hole on the mill. 
-  *     then tapped using an M6 tap.+      * then tapped using an M6 tap.
  
  
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 ==== Recommended setups: ==== ==== Recommended setups: ====
 +
 +There are infinite toolholding methods out there, but this table is handy so you know what's in the CNC cabinet!
  
 **TODO make into table** **TODO make into table**
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   * Steel: Tap Magic   * Steel: Tap Magic
   * Stainless-Steel: Anchorlube Metalworking Compound (not yet tested on Jaxen)   * Stainless-Steel: Anchorlube Metalworking Compound (not yet tested on Jaxen)
 +
 +Here's a sample of different lube and chip control methods compared side-by-side:
 +
 +The "chip clearing" is referring to using a vacuum with narrow nozzle at the tooltip to continually suck the chips up. (this is in experimental stages with Jaxen, but can be done).
 +
 +{{:wiki:tools:finishsteelexamplestext.jpg?600|}}
 +
  
 ----------------------------- -----------------------------
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 **Maintenance involves:** **Maintenance involves:**
   * Maintaining the core Grizzly Milling Machine. Refer to the original manual on lubrication practices.   * Maintaining the core Grizzly Milling Machine. Refer to the original manual on lubrication practices.
 +  * Checking that limit switch brackets are tight and homing correctly (there are 3 brackets).
   * Watching for stepper driver overload faults (axis stops moving until power cycle).   * Watching for stepper driver overload faults (axis stops moving until power cycle).
   * Listening for noisy fans clogged with dust.   * Listening for noisy fans clogged with dust.
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 Generally, grease goes in harder-to-reach places, oil is for ways. Generally, grease goes in harder-to-reach places, oil is for ways.
  
-High-pressure grease, for lubricating gears or parts that have high forces between them, but typically sealed. +For lubricating gears or parts that have high forces between them (normal to the surface that the grease is on, not sliding across): use High-pressure grease. 
-Blondiehacks reccommends: MAG1 High Temp Disc Brake Wheel Bearing Grease Lithium Complex+Blondiehacks recommends: MAG1 High Temp Disc Brake Wheel Bearing Grease Lithium Complex
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8tx-cBulno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8tx-cBulno
  
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   - In the Toolbit selector window, you'll see all the bits loaded in the library for this FreeCAD installation.   - In the Toolbit selector window, you'll see all the bits loaded in the library for this FreeCAD installation.
   - When picking a bit, be sure to check ALL properties of the bit you choose to make sure that it's what you expect! Right-click on the bit, then click "edit" to view the detailed properties.   - When picking a bit, be sure to check ALL properties of the bit you choose to make sure that it's what you expect! Right-click on the bit, then click "edit" to view the detailed properties.
 +  - If creating a new bit: Chipload can be left at 0mm. Tool length generally doesn't matter.
     - The bits commonly used on Jaxen will already be in the library- it is a global list.     - The bits commonly used on Jaxen will already be in the library- it is a global list.
   - Click "Add to Job"   - Click "Add to Job"
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 In this small tutorial, we are going to create a simple surfacing/facing job, to prepare stock for a later project. In this small tutorial, we are going to create a simple surfacing/facing job, to prepare stock for a later project.
 +
 +Tip: Any mentions of "depth" or "height" for any operations are relative to the top surface of the stock that you've setup in FreeCAD. Be sure that this is set how you expect!
  
   - Select the geometry of your model that will be relevant to this operation. In this case, select the face you want to surface!   - Select the geometry of your model that will be relevant to this operation. In this case, select the face you want to surface!
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 Engraving in FreeCad and converting to toolpaths can be tricky because the methods have changed significantly with recent updates of FreeCAD. Engraving in FreeCad and converting to toolpaths can be tricky because the methods have changed significantly with recent updates of FreeCAD.
 +
 +You may find more info here, but it's not super helpful: [[https://wiki.freecad.org/CAM_Vcarve | VCarve Wiki page]]
  
 The following is for FreeCad 1.1 !!! The following is for FreeCad 1.1 !!!
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   * Make your part/body first as normal   * Make your part/body first as normal
   * Go to Draft workbench, and create a ShapeString. It won't be on the face you want, but that's OK.   * Go to Draft workbench, and create a ShapeString. It won't be on the face you want, but that's OK.
-  * Move the ShapeString object to be on the face you want. One way is by using the parameters in the left panel.+  * Move the ShapeString object to be on the face you want- the Z axis is what's important. One way is by using the parameters in the left panel.
   * Adjust any other settings like scale and rotation.   * Adjust any other settings like scale and rotation.
   * Return to the Part workbench.   * Return to the Part workbench.
 +  * In the left panel, Model hierarchy, check that the ShapeString object is NOT inside any Parts or Bodys. It must be at the same level as your body (it should not disappear when you collape all Bodys. If not, Drag and drop the ShapeString object so that it becomes top-level.
 +  * Go to the CAM workbench.
 +  * Create a new Job, or double click an existing job to edit. (It's suggested to add to an existing to reuse your Job settings).
 +  * In the General tab, add your shapestring object to the job: Job Edit > General > Model.
 +  * In the popup window, make sure the shapestring object is selected. It should appear under the 2D category.
 +  * Close the job edit task.
 +  * You must add at least one V bit to the job's tools before adding VCarve.
 +  * **Now to add the VCarve Operation**
 +  * Select the Shapestring object inside the model parts within the Job!! NOT the shapestring object that is part of your Part Body.
 +  * Create a new VCarve operation with the button in the toolbar. The shapestring should be added to the list of base geometry in the task editor window.
 +  * Set the depth of the opreration to be excessively deep- it should not limit the tool depth. Depth at any given point is determined automatically.
 +  * Ensure that step-down is set appropriately- TODO need to adjust..... recommend 0.3mm for steel, can be larger for Aluminum.
 +  * Check the "Optimize movements" option. It will make the operation faster by taking shortcuts. It will not raise the tool in some cases, so this means that it's more critical for you to setup the Z axis precisely, to match the work surface. You must ensure that the top corners of the chamfers are above the surface being engraved.
 +  * Click Apply button to preview the paths of the Operation, then OK when you're done.
 +  * Double-check your feed rates and spindle RPMs for the tool controller that was used in the VCarve operation. You may want to create a new ToolController object to get custom feeds/speeds for this operation.
 +  * Check the simulation of the Job by clicking the button in the toolbar.
 +  * Click Post process. Your G-Code will be saved to the working directory where your FreeCAD file is saved!
 +  * LOAD FILE in UCCNC, and see that it looks correct in the Main window.
 +  * Proceed to the CNC setup section!
 +
  
  
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 ====== Jaxen Exam ====== ====== Jaxen Exam ======
  
-All answers to these questions are above on this page or will covered explicitly in-person!!+All answers to these questions are above on this page or will be explained explicitly in-person!!
  
   - Where are three buttons you can push to stop the machine?   - Where are three buttons you can push to stop the machine?
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   - When doing a touch-off procedure for the Y axis, what's the formula to convert **spindle position** to **position of the workpiece edge**?   - When doing a touch-off procedure for the Y axis, what's the formula to convert **spindle position** to **position of the workpiece edge**?
   - 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 an appropriate feed rate of the tool?