Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@RandomInsano

RandomInsano/How To Work with X-Carl.md

Last active March 20, 2022 19:03
Show Gist options
  • Save RandomInsano/f224692ebd8945b3dd05562acbcdb88a to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save RandomInsano/f224692ebd8945b3dd05562acbcdb88a to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Download ZIP
Drafts for how to use X-Carl at SkullSpace
Raw
How To Work with X-Carl.md

Getting started with X-Carl:

WARNING: This is no replacement for getting proper training. It acts as a reminder for those who already have experience with the machine. Also, Carl should be operated as a team and not left unattended while powered on.

  1. When you're done for the day, push the emergency stop (e-stop). This prevents damage to the drive transistors
  2. To power on, twist the e-stop

Using Universal Gcode Sender (UGS)

Setting Machine Home

First we need to set up the machine starting point. This will set "machine zero" which is where the machine should return if your Gcode has a "G28" command in it. This will save many projects from damage after the final cut! 😁

  1. Press "Connect" in UGS (should be COM3)
  2. Move the cutting head up and far away from your material and choose "Soft reset".

Next, we'll set our "work zero" or where Carl will start cutting from

Setting Work Home

  1. Move the cutting head to the X/Y coordinate where you want to start (this will depend on your Gcode program)
  2. Move the cutting head to approximately 5cm from the top of your workpiece
  3. Attach the probe magnet to the collet (dark black nearly oval thing that the bit lives in)
  4. Remove the probe from its green holder and place it on top of your workpiece with the L-shape facing up. The inside of the "L" is 1cm and the top of the "L" is 2cm.
  5. Make sure the milling bit will touch inside the "L"
  6. Inside UGS, open the "Window" menu and choose "Plugins" then "Probe". This will set an accurate place to start from
  7. Now that the cutting head is within 5cm of the probe surface, choose the "Probe Module" tab at the bottom of UGS and the the "Z" tab within that. Set the "Probe Distance / Direction" to -100 (10cm, downward)
  8. Put your hand on the e-stop (again, big red button) and mentally prepare for possible disaseter! If something doesn't feel right while the machine is moving, press it fast! During probing as soon as it touches the cutting head will retract.
  9. Press "Initiate Probe"! Wait for it to finish (keeping your hand on the button)

Cutting

If you made it this far, congrats! It's time to load your cuts and get started. Choose to load the your Gcode from the file menu and inspect it. The visualizer will show some things:

  • A yellow cone which is where UGS thinks the cutting head is relative to your Gcode
  • Dark green lines where the cutting head with "plunge" (go straight up and down)
  • Some weird grey cylender that we can't figure out yet 🤷‍♀️

To cut, confirm that the paths the yellow cone will travel look correct. It's possible that you've chosen to start your cut off of the waste board (the wood built into Carl). If that's the case, re-do the steps under "Setting Work Home" but make sure the probe is sitting on the waste board instead of your material.

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment