VIDEO: Squaring LowRider v3 CNC with Jackpot controller

Software / Firmware Jackpot Board / FluidNC
1

Previously (about 10 or 11 days ago) I posted a video about tramming the gantry (and also mentioned that the same software method could be used for squaring the table/machine as well). That video was titled “LowRider v3 CNC - Tramming & Squaring with Jackpot controller”:

Well, today, I finally got around to finishing the process of squaring up my table — since having switched to the Jackpot board (previously used an SKR board).

Last time I squared my table (while using an SKR board) I had used software (the “M666” G-Code command). See this earlier video for details on that:

This time I wanted to physically square it by using my adjustable end-stops.

I got it squared — wherein my “diagonals” are each measuring at 2720.25 mm. I estimate my margin of error is +/- 0.25 mm.

I could have used software again, yet this time on a Jackpot board, that process would be by editing the GRBL feature known as “pulloff_mm” which is an editable value attribute of each given axis, edited within the config.yaml file.

Since I used physical adjustments to square, I don’t need to edit my config.yaml file.

Regarding the latest video (top of this post) showing details on squaring with the Jackpot:

Here’s a great V-bit from the V1E.com shop: 1/8" 45 Degree Carbide V-Bit – V1 Engineering Inc

PROBING SCRIPT shown in video:

For clarity and convenience, I’m using my Jackpot with hard limits enabled and soft limits enabled, and my table size included in my config.yaml file, and the following is the exact script I’m using for my Probe macro (except I have the M0 commands commented out by starting those lines with a semi-colon, and I also don’t use the last line for spindle start):

G21 (MSG G21: Metric mode)
G90 (MSG G90: Switching to absolute positioning) 
G94 (MSG G94: Feed = per minute)
G92 X0 Y0 (MSG G92: Setting current XY position as workspace origin 0,0)
M0 (MSG Attach probe)  
G38.2 G91 Z-124.9 F400 (MSG G38.2: Fast probing to material)
G1 Z5 F400 (MSG G1 move Z up by 5mm, speed 400)
G38.2 G91 Z-6 F100 P0.34 (MSG G38.2: Slow probing to material. Plate thickness: 0.34)
G90 (MSG G90: Switching to absolute positioning) 
G1 Z30 F900 (MSG G1: go to Z30, speed 900)
M0 (MSG Remove probe)
M62 P1 (If used start spindle pin27)

ALSO NOTE: For this video, for use of the “squaring” script, in my probing script, I have the “G92 X0 Y0” line commented out (starting it with a semicolon), and my “squaring” script is programmed to use the Machine’s homed 0,0 origin. You can program yours to base on a workspace offset origin if you like, just be aware of how you’re doing it.

Re. SQUARING SCRIPT:

V1E docs with full details for SQUARING: LowRider CNC V3 - V1 Engineering Documentation

…which includes JAIME’s TOOL for creating various scripts, including for drawing “L” with a pen in corners for checking for square: G-Code Test Pattern Generator

My script shown in the video did not come from there. See below.

(NOTE: I looked at Jaime’s script creation tool just now, and noticed that its “Squareness marks” feature seems to be focused on making pen marks (in “L” shape) instead of dropping the sharp V-bit to make a hole. I looked to see if another feature of the tool could do this, and did not seem to see anything. I may have missed it. So, editing my script may be something to try after all.)

; ( GCode Macro Script by Doug Joseph, 1/10/24, to check his full size LowRider table for squareness. )
; ( This script uses 4 XY points, 1 in each corner, to drop a sharp v-bit down into masking tape placed )
; ( ...at each corner, making holes for measuring the two diagonals. Ideally, the diagonals should match. )
; ( This script assumes homing has already happened, and that probing to touch plate on spoil board has already happened. )
; ( Doug's LowRider's max travels, aka table dimensions: )
; ( X   /axes/x/max_travel_mm   =   2470.000 )
; ( Y   /axes/y/max_travel_mm   =   1250.000 )
; ( Z   /axes/z/max_travel_mm   =    125.000 )
; ( The 4 XY points for marking the tape, of which the first can also be used for probing, are )
; ( Point 1:    X , Y     =   28.000 , 18.500 )
; ( Point 2:    X , Y     =   28.000 , 1230.0 )
; ( Point 3:    X , Y     =   2460.0 , 1230.0 )
; ( Point 4:    X , Y     =   2460.0 , 18.500 )

G21 (MSG G21: Metric mode)
G90 (MSG G90: Absolute positioning) 
G94 (MSG G94: Feed = per minute)
G0 X28 Y18.5 F3000
G0 Z50 F900

G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X28 Y1230 F3000
G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X2460 Y1230 F3000
G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X2460 Y18.5 F3000
G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X0 Y0 F3000
2

Why did you choose Jog instead of Rapid?

I see the link it is incomplete. I read about it in the wiki and I do not see Anything newer or improved.

I ask because we have specified cut and rapid speeds, I am not sure if Jog needs to now be set as well.

To me it seems like a bad idea to use it. “Jogging motions may not be mixed with g-code commands while executing, which will return a lockout error, if attempted.”

Grbl v1.1 Jogging · gnea/grbl Wiki · GitHub G94 also seems to be forced so that line is probably not needed. I am sure it doesn’t hurt anything, though.

3

Your question here is the first time I’ve considered that the two are not just different names for the same thing. If I’ve used the wrong thing, just let me know and I will edit the script and my video description.

4

I have never seen a triangular bit have you used it for any cutting? It seems like it would be a bad idea in terms of material removal rate.
These, 1/8" 45 Degree Carbide V-Bit – V1 Engineering Inc have a flute for chip evacuation, and even these, Amazon.com seem like they have more room to eject material.

Why did you choose a triangular bit?

5

YouTube loves to truncate links.

6

I have not used it for cutting (that I can remember). I picked those up thinking I was getting the right thing, and did not even realize they were that way! :slight_smile:

I guess I need a better link regarding bits!

EDIT: I will simply swap in your link to the V-bit on the V1E.com shop!

UPDATE: change made here, making on my build log thread, and on YouTube description.

UPDATE 2: Checked, and that bit was not a triangle after all.

1 Like
7

Did you see the “main differences” in the link I sent?

Jamie has built a Gcode creator to do this linked in the instructions, LowRider CNC V3 - V1 Engineering Documentation. I am just asking as that seems easier to use than editing yours?

I have no issues with yours at all, just think that way might be easier.

2 Likes
8

Amazing timing! Going to do this TONIGHT! Thank you Doug!

1 Like
9

I have now edited above, and the YouTube description, to recommend and link to Jaime’s script creation tool, which I had not known about until now!

Re. SQUARING SCRIPT:

V1E docs with full details for SQUARING: LowRider CNC V3 - V1 Engineering Documentation

…which includes JAIME’s TOOL for creating various scripts, including for drawing “L” with a pen in corners for checking for square: G-Code Test Pattern Generator

My script shown in the video did not come from there. See below.

(NOTE: I looked at Jaime’s script creation tool just now, and noticed that its “Squareness marks” feature seems to be focused on making pen marks (in “L” shape) instead of dropping the sharp V-bit to make a hole. I looked to see if another feature of the tool could do this, and did not seem to see anything. I may have missed it. So, editing my script may be something to try after all.)

10

Please let me know how the script should be edited and I will revise it here and on the YouTube description. I utilized the Grbl v1.1 implementation because it seemed to have some improvements over the way jogging was done before (though I’m certainly no expert – just trying to get by). I read it as being something more easily paused/cancelled, etc.

11

The link I had in the script (which YT ate) seems like the same page you had sent. I had read there before using that approach. If something else would be better suited to our community, I’m happy to switch it out!

12

@vicious1

I looked at Jaime’s script creation tool just now, and noticed that its “Squareness marks” feature seems to be focused on making pen marks (in “L” shape) instead of dropping the sharp V-bit to make a hole. I looked to see if another feature of the tool could do this, and did not seem to see anything. I may have missed it. ?

13

@vicious1:

Here’s the same script, but with all the instances of “$J=” replaced with “G0” — is this better suited?

; ( GCode Macro Script by Doug Joseph, 1/10/24, to check his full size LowRider table for squareness. )
; ( This script uses 4 XY points, 1 in each corner, to drop a sharp v-bit down into masking tape placed )
; ( ...at each corner, making holes for measuring the two diagonals. Ideally, the diagonals should match. )
; ( This script assumes homing has already happened, and that probing to touch plate on spoil board has already happened. )
; ( Doug's LowRider's max travels, aka table dimensions: )
; ( X   /axes/x/max_travel_mm   =   2470.000 )
; ( Y   /axes/y/max_travel_mm   =   1250.000 )
; ( Z   /axes/z/max_travel_mm   =    125.000 )
; ( The 4 XY points for marking the tape, of which the first can also be used for probing, are )
; ( Point 1:    X , Y     =   28.000 , 18.500 )
; ( Point 2:    X , Y     =   28.000 , 1230.0 )
; ( Point 3:    X , Y     =   2460.0 , 1230.0 )
; ( Point 4:    X , Y     =   2460.0 , 18.500 )

G21 (MSG G21: Metric mode)
G90 (MSG G90: Absolute positioning) 
G94 (MSG G94: Feed = per minute)
G0 X28 Y18.5 F3000
G0 Z50 F900

G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X28 Y1230 F3000
G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X2460 Y1230 F3000
G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X2460 Y18.5 F3000
G0 Z-3.5 F900
G0 Z50 F900

G0 X0 Y0 F3000

UPDATE: I have now put the above (using G0 instead of $J=) in the YT description, and here on the site…

14

Grbl predates MArlin so none if it is new. You can cancel or pause a movement at the end of each segment, maybe jog lets you cancel it at that instant but do you think that would be a feature you might need during this? If you think it is worth it that is fine, I am just inclined to be closer to the docs and use the prebuilt script generator.

I ask you all the questions though because I have never heard of or use jog or those funky bits. If you knew something I didn’t I have no issue changing the instructions to make things better.

I think it is for the best as it works no matter what your viewers are using and does not require a jackpot and them using workspaces. That is few if any other than you that would not already know how to poke 4 holes.

1 Like
15

I will check in later I have orders that are late.

1 Like
16

So I double checked and that bit is not a triangle. It’s identical to the one that you linked in your post. It would seem that maybe the illustration photo in my Amazon listing kind of tricked you. Here are better photographs of it. This is my actual one in hand.

image
image3024×4032 1.97 MB

image
image3024×4032 1.34 MB

17

I think we’re all good. Thanks for the tips to hone the video description.