How to Calibrate the XCarve: Stepper Calibration
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- Calibration is key to having great carves!
Comments or questions My email is: PawPawsWorkShop411@gmail.com
Patreon: / pawpawsworkshop
Link to J Tech Photonics, Inc. jtechphotonics...
Link to Z axis and CNC machine kits and parts for DIY CNC
cnc4newbie.com
WOW! 15% OFF offer. Used the code below to take advantage of this fantastic offer.
Affiliate Link to Purchase STARBOND GLUE:
15% OFF PROMO CODE pawpawsworkshop15
www.starbond.com?rfsn=2376834.ca9c16
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS:
Please consider supporting me with the AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You pay the same for the products that you purchase using these links or on any other products that you purchase and it will help support this channel as well through these links. Thank you for your support.
Link to My Amazon Affiliate Store:
www.amazon.com...
Try Amazon Home Services: amzn.to/2VUdMtZ
Try Amazon Prime 30 day FREE Trial: amzn.to/2YxVQ5c
Replacement brushes for DeWalt 611 Router: amzn.to/2Sknovz
DeWalt 611 Router: amzn.to/2Sp7H6l
90 degree v-bit: amzn.to/2WspRDf
60 degree v-bit: amzn.to/2sYTK0k
Freud bottom cutting bits: amzn.to/2H30R00
Router Bit Set: Router Bit Set 1/4" Shank: amzn.to/2G4iQDH
Oramask 813 12"x10' Roll amzn.to/2VrrUe5
Oramask 813 12"x20' Roll amzn.to/2ViovxQ
You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. My x, y and z were "miles" off, even following inventables step by step with easel setup, and your advice now has my machine spot on now. A thousand thank yous, cheers!
You're welcome!
Geeze.....all of the searching. All of the questions to Inventables. All of the forum posts I searched to find out WHY my z-axis was always off. This is gold star content, sir. Thanks very much!
You’re very welcome. I’m glad that you found my channel
Have to thank Paw Paw for this video... I'm about 4 years on my X-Carve journey and I've absolutely loved it until this year. I've been having problems left and right with it, and it's kinda taken me out of the hobby. I moved and was getting results that were really disappointing, wasting materials, and just all around discouraged. I installed my dust collection system to create a cleaner workspace during cuts (cannot understate how important that is). Out of frustration I replaced all of my stepper motors. I've put so much time and effort into the mechanical aspect of getting better results, but I had no idea I could do this in Easel. After making the changes in this video to all of my axis, my jobs now seem to yield perfect results. One of the things I liked about Inventables so much is the community aspect, and I'm kind of disappointed that they don't do a better job of talking about common pitfalls of the devices upfront. I think if there was more information about this type of stuff their customers would achieve better results and be more successful with their machines and work. Instead, I'm here watching Paw Paw's videos, and seeing this incredibly helpful guy pretty much provide tech support for Inventables on their product. Inventables has been great to me, but I just wish there was a more upfront and honest conversation about the machine and the necessary steps involved in getting it to function properly. Zach Kaplan, I'm looking at you bro, email me sometime. I feel like not being more than upfront about this type of calibration (and the other not straightforward maintenance of the machine) works against the idea of being approachable to the average person... Which is what Easel and the business model seems to be geared toward... Anyway, the point I'm ultimately hoping to make here is that I really appreciate this and other videos that Paw Paw is putting out there. Incredibly valuable information, and it appreciated so much. I just can't help but feel like he's doing Inventables job though. Please keep up the good work Paw Paw. Two thumbs up. If Inventables isn't going to do this, make them sponsor your channel ;)
Thank you very much for the kind words. I have had my XCarve for about five years and I understand your frustration. It is one of the main reasons that I started this UA-cam channel. When I first started I knew nothing and help was scarce. There were several people on the forum that helped me. I believe that most if not all of that group has left the forum. I started making videos to answer specific questions that people had about the machine. As I learned more and more I tried to share that knowledge to help others not experience the same frustration that I had when I first started. That’s why my videos for the most part are specific to the new users.
The forum has several very helpful people today that can help. I’m afraid your comments will fall on deaf ears. I do not believe that Inventables people read the comments. I will count to make videos on the XCarve. I do know that many of the Inventables support people recommend my videos and recently asked me to do several specific videos for a fee. They provided the upgrade to me and is the reason I removed the CNC4NEWBIE zaxis upgrade. Thanks to Inventables my machine is 100% Inventables now. Other than their recent contributions that I truly appreciate, I am not sponsored by Inventables.
I am very happy that my videos have helped you. Should you have any questions please let me know. I will do my best to answer any questions that you may have about easel or the XCarve.
Again, thank you very much
Pawpaw
@@PawPawsWorkShop yes what
Fred Housel said, I second !
Paw Paw, been watching your X carve stuff for awhile but never commented before. I am new to the CNC/X carve world but have hopes that one day I can figure it all out. I have learnt a great deal watching your videos and would like to thank you for what you do to help out a newbie like myself. I have suggested to Inventables they need to hire you to do videos for them. So if you get a job offer take it. You are doing a great service and I look forward to more of your videos.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate what you said about learning a great deal watching my videos. It was also extremely nice that you talked with Inventables. Again, thank you very much.
First time I comment but i just need to say...Thank you, again!! Great job. My number one guy for x-carve tips, doubts, tricks, projects. I've learn a lot with you. Just one thing...you have $30=1000 and $32=1 for the laser settings. If a person as the x-carve setting this should be $30=1 and $32=0. You explain this in the laser video but if a person arrives to this video only it can be confusing. But, thank you. Number one x-carve youtube guy!!
The settings that one person has set in their machine vs someone else's machine may be different. I would not suggest that anyone match the settings that I have just because it there on the screen. I only discuss the setting in reference to the video being done.
Paw Paw, thank you very much for this calibration explanation. This may explain why I was a fraction off on some of my Z-axis carves. I can’t wait to try this out. Much obliged. Reg
Thank you very much.
Many thanks for your video - I wondered why I was getting undersized cuts on my Sainsmart Genmitsu 4030XL now extended to 1010. With the information you provided here, I was able to recalibrate my machine to cut very accurately! As an Australian, I use millimetres all the time, so thanks again for a great tutorial.
You’re very welcome. I’m so glad that it helped you
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you.
You’re very welcome
omg this video was awesome. my Xcarve is off. so I'm heading to my shop now and dialing my machine in.
Thank you very much.
Paw Paw’s WorkShop my Xcarve was off by 11mm and used your formula and it worked like a charm.
You made this video easy to understand, wow, you are now my go to guy. After adding the risers and adding 2 in. The Z carrage has an issue. I will take picture of it tomorrow an send to you. I was looking at the one you now have. Maybe with the stimulus Trump money I maybe able to get one. I would like to tAlk to you about it.
I Spoke to John at Inventables about what you just put together for me yesterday. This so much better then the one they tell you to watch. Plus your English is so much better. Have a good evening and remember who is in control.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comments.
Very good! You can simply use the carve button and enter a distance to jog, instead of hitting 10mm jog multiple times.
Thanks for the info!
Thank you sir ! Your explanation is very clear. ❤
Thank you very much
Thanks for this video. Helped me get my 3018 calibrated correctly via Easel.
Great to hear! That's fantastic
Great instruction. Really appreciate it. The mm was really helpful. I'm American but found myself using mm on smaller project pieces just because it was easier than fractions and the point u made about mm smaller than 1/16. I can say that the one time my xcarve was not accurate was due to a loosened z axis components from a dust collection housing problem. Reassembling the z axis housing got the xcarve back to accurate. Just throwing that out there in case it's helpful. I'd probably tighten all the connections on x,y,z before trying to calibrate. Not sure though. I'll definitely go straight to this video when the time comes to calibrate. I'm afraid to try now in the middle of a project.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much! As a first time user of Easel with my home built machine, your video was perfect for my calibration.
Bob T
You're welcome! Glad it helped you
Excellent! Just what the doctor ordered! Thanks a bunch!
Fantastic! Glad this helped you
Thanks, mine wasn't off very much at all..but I learned something very important from you once again!
Awesome! That’s great.
Thank you for doing this Phil; very helpful!!
Thank you very much. I am glad to help.
Well done. Great video. I now understand this stuff.
Thanks
Thank you very much.
Thank you!
My pleasure
Thank you so much.I am understand this formula.
You are most welcome
Excellent video.
Thank you very much. I appreciate you watching the video.
Thank you for this video ❤️
You are very very welcome
Really appreciate it!!! Great instruction.
My pleasure
Paw Paw once again saving the day. Thank you!
You bet! Any time. I’m very happy to teach the next generation. I’m most likely the oldest UA-cam creator just trying to share my knowledge and experience.
@@PawPawsWorkShop And I thank God for you
Fantastic just swapped mine to 9mm belts and this helped tremendously!
That's awesome! I'm so glad that it helped you.
@@PawPawsWorkShop this isn’t the only video that you’ve made that has helped me!
Thank you so much for this demonstration.
You're welcome. I very happy that the video helped you.
I am a new follower thanks for your help on my xcarve
Thanks for subbing! I’m happy to help
thank you!
You're welcome! Thank for watching
Very good video for both x and y axis calibration. My problem area is the Z axis. My cutting depths are all over the place. Set z probe. Does fine until it starts carving. The bit is plunged directly into the wasteboard. Then it proceeds to cut 1 inch over the work piece. I have not found a good video yet to calibrate the Z-axis
The problem is that you have the z axis calibrated incorrectly. Yes it will probe but when you start the carve it will go crazy. Here is another video
ua-cam.com/video/Y9NG1U0zXDw/v-deo.html. You need to make sure that if you say move 2”. It actually moves two inches.
Perfect! Thanks!
You're welcome!
Thanks a lot sir ;
You’re very welcome
I so like much your explanation sir...
Look like a teacher..
Thank you very much.
Great video and very well explained. Keep it up!
Thank you very much.
Are there any inexpensive options for DIYers to either engrave letters or create stencils for wood projects? Thanks for the recent videos
The Dremel too is fairly inexpensive and you can engrave with that tool.
Man! Thank you!!!
You're welcome! Awesome! Glad that it helped you
BTW: hint on doing this for the jog to calibrate the jog in the carve menu gets you a custom jog number (so you can do 500mm or whatever in one press).
Good idea, thank you
Thank You, I picked up a used x-carve 1000mm and bought the upgrade kit. This helps immensely. Being a rookie can you recommend any other videos to get me trained?
Yes, I literally have 100’s of videos that will teach you just about everything and I’m doing more all the time
Great video and thank you so much for everything you provide the community. What would cause the calibration to be off? Lots of factors I suppose. I would think the belts loosing up and v wheels degrading over time could be part of it. How often do you check calibration? If I make changes in Easel will the values be saved after I turn of the machine and computer over night? I’ve had my 1000mm X Carve for a year now and I still have so many questions.
I check the calibration only when I make a change. When I upgraded my Z axis the lead screw had a different thread count. That makes the difference. The fact that the belts may be loose does not make the calibration off. You could lose steps if the belt slips on the stepper motor. Yes, the changes are saved.
I don't know if it was necessary but I felt that the new settings didn't take effect until after I homed the machine.
Thank you Paw Paw (MY Grandfathers Title, and now My Brothers.) This particular video will be very helpful to me. But I do have one question, after explanation:
I do understand how this method can be use to calibrate X & Y, but (being of Aged seniority myself), not entirely sure how to use for Z.
You measure the z axis the same way, just a smaller distance.
I'm in the process of a new spoil board, tramming and calibration. this was a great video for Y and X axis, but what point do you use to measure for the z axis?
I have several videos showing how to calibrate the z axis. Just make a point on the z axis and on the fixed portion, then follow the same steps
My stepper motors are working correctly but my planer carving is always .020 thou inches on the y. The sides of the planer is cutting within .003 which is tolerable but I need to level the z axis. I installed the z axis upgrade a year ago but I don't remember what to tighten to keep it level. The z axis is hanging toward the front of the machine
You will need to add shims either to the housing on the router itself or to the mount. You only need a very little amount to make that correction.
Great videos!
What's the best way to measure the z height without expensive indicators?
Just use a ruler in mm
Paw Paw. Good job on explaining X and Y calibration. What can I do to calibrate the Z-axis? I'm having a strange issue when using the Z-Probe. If I manually set up Z, it works fine but if I use the Z-Probe, the bit buries itself into the material and breaks the bit.
Are you getting good contact when you check the connectivity? I think that may be the issue. Poor connection may be the cause. Next, are you probing at the original surface of the material?
Hi I love your content and I come to you a lot to learn things that I don't know. I'm a new user of Fox alien 4040XE. I'm having some calibration problems I believe. Can I still do the stepper calibration with the Fox 4040?
Yes, it is the same way. It is GBBL based
Is there a way to remove backlash from a stepper motor?
My Y axis is out but only one way ?
I test it starting from 300mm send up the scale 200mm (500)mm perfect bring it back to 300mm send it down 200mm and it over shoots by 4.5mm send it back to the 300mm point perfect
Please help very confused
Thanks in advance
Mark
It sounds like something is loose. I would start with the belts. This is very unusual. That is why I think it is a mechanical issue.
Is there some reason I when I get into machine inspector I don’t have an advanced function? I cant see my machine settings to change them.
Thanks
So I'm assuming it's the same for the Y axis. How do you do it or should you need to do it for the z?
Yes, it the same each axis.
Hi very interesting and simple video for all but why 42 ??? (got the same issue on 3018 cnc ;100mm idéal with the jog and 31 mm in real !) thanks ( $100=250.000
$101=250.000
$102=250.000)
i wanna ask one question. if X axis pulley teeth 18 and Y axis pulley teeth 20 . then what is our calibration ?
Follow the formula. You need to know how far you expect it to go and measure how far it actually goes. Plug in the numbers and you will get the adjustment needed to enter into GRBL.
Excellent videos! My problem is when I go to MACHINE INSPECTOR I do not get any computer settings at all. I have Easel 3.20. In CONSOLE I clicked SHOW STATUS and the box just says PRESS ENTER TO SEND LINE. How can I get to the computer settings to calibrate them? Thanks so much for your help. mike
With the machine on and Easel open you type the new code in the box and hit enter. To see the change you must scroll all the way down to the bottom of the code and you will see the change.
@@PawPawsWorkShop Thanks so much. I didn't have the machine plugged into the computer!
That will do it.
did the machine come from the factory like this if not what caused it to be so far off
No, I changed the settings to do the video. Machine calibration can get off, for example if belts stretch
Thank you so much for the great videos! They are a great resource. Today I was having trouble with 00 not stopping in the same place as it started. Do you think calibration is my problem? I plan to calibrate first thing in the morning. Thank you again.
If the machine is not stopping at the same position it is most likely the belts.
@@PawPawsWorkShop Thank you. i'm trying to calibrate now but when I click on Machine Inspector the next page doesn't show all the numbers you have on yours.
Sometimes you need to scroll down.
Where is the 42 coming from? I don't understand.
The number 42 was picked just to get my machine out of calibration to demonstrate the calibration issue and then how to correct
Great information. I am wondering if this will fix a problem with my z axis. It cuts too deep. I have to raise it about a 1/4 inch above the work surface when i set the work zero.
Thank you very much. It does sound like that this may be the problem.
just wanted to add, if you happen to be using the z probe kit i'd double check the actual height of the probe disc. i had this problem and found out my z probe disc was 14.61mm instead of the 15mm the machine thought it was getting
Hey there mate, as a lot of comments have been said, I watch a lot of your videos and learned lots of new things, this video was great 😁 , I did the test and was out 12mm, but only on the X-axis, y was perfect, but after making the code change, all is good from 100mm to 500mm (at 100mm increments) but found when I did it for 600mm, again it was still out by 2mm, I just can't seem to work that one out?? 🤔🤔 any ideas?? even tensioned up the belts a little thinking it might have been that, but it did not help 😔 I suppose 2mm over 600mm is not that bad, but I am fussy about it being spot on.
You are on the right track. Just follow the exact same steps as when you were out 12 mm. If you tell the machine to go 600mm and it goes 598. Use the numbers. The answer will be very small. If you can’t get it exact then there are other minor factors that can come into play. Human error for one, even slight movement of the ruler. Small corrections are always the hardest
Hello, how do we make these settings in the estlcam program? Thank you.
I have never used estlcam. Gcode is gcode and should be similar for any GRBL based system
I just couldn't do many of the things on my cnc x carve without your videos. Thanks a lot, from a dedicated subscriber. I need advise on an issue, I upgraded my stepper motors to the Nema 23 motor 19.4kg-cm 269oz-in they mounted perfectly just as you showed. My issue is the drive sprockets for the belt, I ordered the specific sprockets that came with the X carve but the ID diameter is larger than stepper motor shaft. Do you know correct sprockets for these stepper motors, 20 teeth.? Thanks in advance for help from anyone and especially Paw Paw.
Typically, the 269oz stepper have a longer shaft and causes problems as well and the sprockets are hard to remove without a wheel puller. I do not know the teeth per inch. I was told by inventables that the 269 oz was too much for the xcarve. The xcarve has 140 oz stepper as standard. I stopped when directly by inventables that they did not recommend 269 oz. The z axis that I added has a 178 oz for that reason. I would suggest calling inventables and asking the teeth per inch. They are very helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for being a subscriber and following my channel.
This is exactly what I needed.Thanks.
Question: do you need to reinput that value for every project? Or Easel saves it as the new default onwards?
This code was written to be entered in the macro section in UGS. I have not tried it in Easel
In the video you're using Easel :)
BTW, what's UGS?
Ok got it universal gcode sender
do you have a video for y and z
Yes, I show how to calibrate all three axis
Hi Paw Paw I just got a x carve and when I try to carve a symbol from eseal software the symbol is different on my wood than on the screen how do I get to having both the same can you help me out.
I would need to see the easel file
How can I show you the software
Hi. This was very helpful. Do you think this would help with my projects finishing crooked? They finish slightly higher on the one side of the x/y axis- z seems OK. Other suggestions? Thank you!!
If it is slightly higher on one side it is either the gantry not parallel or the waste board is out of alignment and is higher. The waste board may be thicker on one side vs the other for various reasons.
Sir, I have an issue with my z axis just carving up in the air. I was sent this video to calibrate the axis. The z axis was off and I have corrected it. I have also verified it is now moving the correct distance but it's still doing the same thing. I'm using easel and the offline controller. I'm at my wits end trying to fix this. Support is three days between emails. Forums on Facebook have been little help. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Hello Mark,
The first two big problems are solved. It’s moving in the correct direction and it is moving the correct distance.
Next, the offline controller has issues and quite frankly I do not use it any longer. That said, how are you setting the zero position? Are you using the puck or the paper method? Next, if using the puck, do you have the correct thickness of the puck in the machine?
Also, is this a new issue that just started or are you new to the CNC and have yet to get it to run correctly? I know this is a lot of questions but hopefully we can get you up and running.
@@PawPawsWorkShop I have been using the machine since February with relatively few problems until out of the blue it started doing this air carve thing. I use paper method when setting the zero. I don't have a reliable internet connection in my workshop so the offline controller was a godsend. I can possibly move the machine outside in the next day or so to where I have a decent internet connection and try directly from the computer but it all depends on the weather. What do you advise. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
Hello! I got my machine connected directly to my computer and used a test file FoxAlien sent me. It's still doing the same thing. Carves above the workpiece.
Do you know of a way to compensate for the non-linear aspect of the stepper motors? In other words, I have found if I calibrate my Y axis to, say, 15 inches, then move the spindle
7.5" it will be off. Moving it another 7.5" in the same direction puts the spindle right back where it needs to be. Very frustrating!
No, I have not experienced this problem before. I do not know what would cause that issue.
Hi Paw Paw. I have a troubleshooting situation you might be able to help me with. When I select my material that is being used my preview image stays a gray block regardless what I select. Do you have any pointers for me. I appreciate all of your videos. I look forward to watching them. Thank you in advance.
I assume you are using Easel. I have not seen a gray block. I have seen blue block and that is a connection issue. Have you contacted Inventables support?
@@PawPawsWorkShop I first want to thank you for the reply.
I do use Easel. I have not reached out to Inventables yet. I will do so though. Thank you again for ALL and SO MANY GREAT VIDEOS!
Sir do you have a link that I can get that exact Swanson straight edge, I have looked and cannot find one thanks
Swanson straight edge?.
@@PawPawsWorkShop The mesuring straight edge you use in your video Calibrate the XCarve:
??
Need help. For some reason every time I carve something from the corner of the material (x=0, y=0) it is always too far to the right and too far up about 1/4” or so. If I set the spindle to the center of the material and and set x0,y0 (in easel it looks like it is off the material) it carved perfectly. I used this video to check the X and Y 200mm and it is spot on. Trying to carve a juice groove in a cutting board and I can’t seem to trust it. Any thoughts?
I see you were able to view the video. I hope that it helped you with your problem. Please let me know if I can help you.
How do you do the z probe
On the controller there is a probe selection button. In the setup of the probe you must put in the measurement of the thickness of the probe puck.
How do you do this in Bob's CNC?
If Bob’s CNC is running on GRBL then the process is the same
I see it works in Easel but my ugs codesender reverts back on $102 as soon as I press apply?
Sounds like a problem with the computer. It should save the information. It may be the cashe needs to be dumped or something else. I am not a computer person.
Hello Paw Paw. Which number needs adjusting when doing the calculation for the z axis. When I try to go up or down 1" its only traveling .285" is it still changing the $100=____? Or another number?
And I really like your videos.
$100 is for the x axis, $101 is for the y axis and $102 is for the z axis.
Thank you!
If you are adjusting the x axis the new value will always go into the $100. Take the ideal distance divided actual distance traveled times the current figure in $100. The answer will replace the current figure in the $100 position. Then retest. Make the adjustments again using the same process. Hopefully it will only take one time to get the figure and once to confirm.
Do you need a dial indicator to calibrate the Z axis?
A dial indicator is certainly helpful it is not required. In the video I show you how to do the calibration without a dial indicator.
Grandpa help me to calculate steps per mm for m8 4 start lead screw
It is NEMA 23 and 16 micro stepping
Follow the steps in the video. Measure the desired distance vs the actual distance that it traveled. Plug in the numbers into the formula.
What to put the value for $100 grandpa
Can u help me to build my cnc
Paw paw, what is your email address? I have a question about figuring out how to calibrate the Z axis. Thank you,
Todd
It is in the description. Here it is also pawpawsworkshop411@gmail.com
👍👍👍👌☺️
Thank you
Just use a steps per mm calculator. Much easier than doing the math.
That takes the fun out of it. Thank you very much.
How do I calibrate the z axis on the x-carve?
Having a dial indicator is the best way. If not you can still do it. Fix a metric tape measure to the z axis and establish a pointer, then move the z axis up and down the same as you did with the x/y axis.
So you are trying to find a number to plug into $100=?, but you put in 42 arbitrarily? This makes no sense.
My machine was perfectly calibrated in the beginning. In order to show that the calibration was incorrect I had to put a number in the $100 line so that the machine would be out of calibration. I chose 42. It could have been any number. I said that in the video as well.
@@PawPawsWorkShop Understood. Thank you!