Hi I reached the software setup part of my build, and even though I did build 3d printers in the past I know very little about CAM software, one thing that is bugging me is where you input the bed size/workable area? like in 3d printer slicers, or when configuring the marlin/klipper software, Or you do not need to do it? you just move it to were you decide the starting point is and hit cut? I just trying to wrap my brain around it
Not dumb at all, that’s exactly the kinda thing that trips a lot of people up.
It’s a bit different because it’s subtractive rather than additive, so you tend to start with a workpiece that you know will be the correct size.
There’s no point in setting a usable area because it’s assumed that you know what you’re cutting into and how big it will be, and that that size will fit on the machine.
You’re also not normally referencing the process to the bed in absolute terms like you do with a 3D printer. You’d mount the workpiece down (which might be say a 100mm x 100mm block of wood on a 600mm x 1200mm machine), home the machine, move the head to the corner of your workpiece, move the cutter to the right height, tell the machine that it’s now at 0,0,0 and then start the job from there. That’s a dramatic simplification in some ways and depends a bit on what CAM, gcode sender and control firmware you’re using but that’s the gist.
Greetings, Sérgio. Welcome to the V1 community forums.
There’s no such thing as a dumb question, and every time you ask a question like this I guarantee you there are other people who lurk and read and have the exact same question.
Jono gives a good explanation above.
I’ll re-state that this depends on your CAM software, gcode sender (or Web UI version), and which controller/embedded CNC software is used on your machine.
If you tell us more about your machine (or which machine you’re thinking of building) then the community can help educate and explain workflows and options for you.
+1
@Sergio_Chui - Welcome to the Forum!
Sometimes if your build is greater than the default settings (Marlin is 1220 x 2440, not sure about FluidNC), you may need to tweak the firmware settings to access the entire build area.
This isn’t necessary for 99% of users (I’m one of the 1 per centers!)
I am building (almost done building) a LR4 with the SKR Board, which I almost regretting because using the Jackpot seems to be a way simpler solution for stuff like setting up wifi wireless connection and such,
If you haven’t seen this thread yet. It seems to be REAL helpful for setting up the ESP01 for wifi on the SKR board.
LR4 with an SKR Pro is still a completely legit and capable machine combo.
I concurr.
Yes, the Jackpot has jt all-in-one, however, the ESP01S module is its own processor that does nothjng but manage the wifi and web interface. This means that the actual firmware just does its thjng without the extra overhead. The result, once the initial setup is working, is very stable and extremely well tested. It’s still a great solution.
The Jackpot is a great solution, lower cost, and very focussed on exactly what we need for these machines.