![\"backboard1\"](\"https:\/\/mindbleach.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backboard1.png\" "\\"Here's")
Here’s one I prepared earlier…<\/p><\/div>\n
Part 0: X-Carve and Easel<\/h1>\n
The X-Carve comes with some cloud-based software called “Easel”. If you have complex requirements you might<\/strong> actually need something more advanced.<\/em> Easel works in the browser. Boo. On the plus side;<\/p>\n “I am Easel!”<\/p><\/div>\n Easel only supports SVG import, not DXF.<\/em> Here’s a whole section just on getting your design\u00a0into<\/strong> Easel – I have found a process that works:<\/p>\n Part B: CAM<\/strong> This is what >300 holes looks like in ‘simulate’<\/p><\/div>\n In order,<\/p>\n There’s a strange machine in the workshop! It’s big and interesting, but\u00a0how do you make it do\u00a0something useful? This post\u00a0will answer that, though it won’t make you a master machinist in one go. I’ll assumes that\u00a0you already made a design, … Continue reading
\nThere’s been plenty of hate directed at it.\u00a0Easel\u00a0is nowhere near perfect, but it can<\/strong> be wrangled into submission, and it can even be useful.<\/p>\n
\nIt’s possible to side-step Easel entirely, but\u00a0it is way\u00a0more complex, and not necessary for 95% of users.
\nNot typically worth it.\u00a0So use Easel. Grumble if you want.<\/p>\n\n
![\"easel\"](\"https:\/\/mindbleach.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/easel.png\")
Part A: Import<\/h1>\n
\nLots of scaling issues can occur when passing SVG files between programs. Blech.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n\n
\nMy CAD software outputs DXF.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nand that SVG is a terrible format for parts with physical dimensions.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nImport<\/strong>\u00a0the DXF file.\u00a0(Do not open<\/strong>\u00a0the DXF file or the dimensions will be correct in Inkscape but\u00a0wrong in Easel!)<\/em><\/li>\n
\nThis joins only\u00a0the separated parts of each shape together, and allows Easel to know what “inside” and “outside” means.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
![\"node_edit\"](\"https:\/\/mindbleach.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/node_edit.png\")
<\/li>\n![\"node_join\"](\"https:\/\/mindbleach.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/node_join.png\")
<\/li>\n
\nThink about whether those numbers are\u00a0realistic!<\/span><\/li>\n
\nImport SVG, choose file.
\nCheck that the dimensions match\u00a0<\/strong>what you expected.
\nIf not, swear. Try to figure out where you went wrong.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nCAM stands for “computer aided manufacturing”; how to get from a model to instructions that make a physical part.
\n<\/em>This step isn’t particularly difficult, but it’s important that you\u00a0pass the correct instructions to the machine!<\/p>\nSteps (Summary)<\/em><\/h2>\n
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General Tips<\/em><\/h2>\n
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\n(It also may need reminding about the total bed size – about 800×800 mm)<\/em><\/li>\nPath Planning<\/em><\/h2>\n
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\nPlus; chances are it’ll already be mounted in the spindle. Easy!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMachining\u00a0Limitations
\n![\"corners\"](\"https:\/\/mindbleach.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/31de775cbb07ff9e1.png\")
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n\n
\n(Easel doesn’t know how to do them)<\/em><\/li>\n
\n(Pressing the “simulate” button will show whether a hole will end up being cut)<\/em><\/li>\n
\nAn extra 0.2 mm is often plenty.<\/li>\n\n
![\"This](\"http:\/\/www.100kgarages.com\/images\/editorial\/work_withFabber-Tbone.gif\")
Part C:\u00a0Machining<\/h1>\n
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\nYes, the MDF\u00a0bed could cope with\u00a0some abuse, but better to take care of it!<\/em><\/li>\n
\nYou’ll usually want to align your\u00a0material\u00a0so that it’s\u00a0perpendicular to the board.
\nOne method I\u00a0like is;<\/p>\n\n
\nThis takes some time, be patient and do it properly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
\nEspecially if the material was a bit warped – it may shift up\/down a bit as parts are cut out and mess up your depths or\u00a0tabs.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nIf the material moves, the work\u00a0will be ruined, you’re going to have a bad day, and the machine could be damaged.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nThis is important – running into\u00a0even the wooden part of a clamp\u00a0might damage the machine or break a bit.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n
\nPlace both on the spindle and turn the lower one left, the upper one right.
\nCarefully loosen until you can get the old bit out.<\/li>\n
\nIf the shaft is a different diameter too, then\u00a0the collet (inside the spindle) will need to be changed as well.<\/li>\n
\nWith the machine off <\/strong>(push the big red button)\u00a0<\/em>gently pull\/push the gantry and the head until the bit is right on the bottom-left corner of your work.<\/p>\n\n
\nIf cutting inside an\u00a0entire piece of material you’ll use, ensure the head is\u00a0right on the corner of the material.<\/em><\/li>\n\n
\n“Yes, I have<\/strong> clamped down the material…”
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\nThe\u00a0initial speed may be alarming, but as long as you\u00a0have set up the design and stock\u00a0correctly, it will stop in\u00a0just<\/strong> the right place to start the first cut.<\/li>\n
\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n
\nIf something goes wrong, it can go wrong badly, quickly.
\nHere’s some interesting reading on just one kind of failure:\u00a0http:\/\/blog.cnccookbook.com\/2014\/11\/19\/survive-first-cnc-router-fire\/<\/a><\/li>\n
\nCross your legs if you have to.<\/li>\n
\nEnsure you\u00a0have a hand free to hit it, if you need to.<\/li>\n
\nBe especially wary when the machine finishes cutting<\/strong>\u00a0a piece\u00a0completely\u00a0away.\u00a0It can jump out\u00a0and get trapped between the\u00a0bit and the material. I won’t<\/span> tell you to reach in there and grab it… use tabs?
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\nThe bit, the spindle motor, or the steppers could\u00a0still be quite hot.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n