Equipment/Boxford CNC Mill: Difference between revisions

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|model=Boxford 190VMC
|model=Boxford 190VMC
|category=Equipment
|category=Equipment
|subcat=CNC
|subcat=defunct
|status=Under construction
|status=Returned to owner
|reqtraining=yes
|reqtraining=yes
|owner=tgreer
|acnode=yes
|origin=Donation<!-- If via pledge, please link to the completed pledge page on the wiki -->
|owner=Dean Forbes
|location=Basement, Robotics/CNC area<!-- Floor, room/zone and location within that area -->
|origin=Loan
|maintainers=<!-- NO LINKS PLEASE; it currently breaks the template. If someone is nominated as managing the upkeep of this item, please list them here. -->
|location=Basement, CNC area
|maintainers==CNC Team, Metalbashers
|template_ver=1.1 <!-- Please do not change. Used for tracking out-of-date templates -->
|template_ver=1.1 <!-- Please do not change. Used for tracking out-of-date templates -->
}}
}}
== Using the CNC ==
* Costs - £6 / hr spindle "on" time - usage fee goes in blue cash tin, or paid to account sort code 779112 and account number 50365968, please use your Membership ID and date of use as a reference. (this is used for development costs and maintenance of the CNC machines)
* NOTE this is only the spindle "on" time so will typically be less than the time you are actually on the machine setting up the job.
* Logging - please log your usage to http://goo.gl/forms/6w1PVqYMdw
* You must attend an induction
* You will need a LDAP account to login to the machine - further information on creating an account at https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/LDAP#What_can_I_use_my_LDAP_account_for.3F
== Specs ==
== Specs ==
* 8 spindle speeds 350 to 3500 rpm
* 8 spindle speeds 350 to 3500 rpm
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* Table to column 5 to 130mm (0.2" x 5.1")
* Table to column 5 to 130mm (0.2" x 5.1")
* Tee slots 2 x 10mm  
* Tee slots 2 x 10mm  
== Health and Saftey ==
* By using this machine you are self-certifying that you are competent to do so.
* You will not use this machine unless all safety features are in place and operational.
* You will not use this machine if you are under the influence of drugs ar alcohol. (this will result in a life time ban)


== Updates ==
== Updates ==
* 1-Jan-2016 : System is now running LinuxCNC
* 13-Oct-2015 : System is now up and running using BCNC on Ubuntu
* 15-May-2015 : Dean, Phil et all doing conversion to Mach3 capable machine which will involve minimal retrofiting of mill and use of a PC
* 15-May-2015 : Dean, Phil et all doing conversion to Mach3 capable machine which will involve minimal retrofiting of mill and use of a PC
* 24-SEP-2014 : Mill works with V5 of the boxford software, need to enter administration mode in the graphical screen by pressing F10
* 24-SEP-2014 : Mill works with V5 of the boxford software, need to enter administration mode in the graphical screen by pressing F10
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== ToDo ==
== ToDo ==
These things need doing by somebody interested in getting the machine running. I'll get onto them eventually (artag) but it's good to involve others. However, PLEASE co-ordinate over email and in this wiki - we don't want people duplicating work or working at cross-purposes.


* Attempt to use the dos-based Boxford software linked below - assuming this just reads a file of gcode and
* Chip removal / coolant (compressed air or liquid pump)
controls stop/start, spindle, etc. it's all we really need and we can probably reimplement under Linux
* Finalise training
* Make the machine safe against accidental movement while debugging.
* Determine baud rate and handshaking on the serial port. Might be done by running above software, If it won't run, then try sending some harmless gcode at various baud rates and try to get it working. Could also find out how the 26450 UART is set up, if it's what's used for the external port. There are some serial patch items by the lathe. Don't lose them. Use them to help work out the necessary cable (it's apparently a null modem).
* Major cleanup and re-grease. This is an activity that historically involves leaving all the bolts on one side, where they get lost. Do NOT DO THIS. Plan the cleaning carefully, only leave things in parts if there's no other possiblity, and then keep all the parts in one box, partitioned and labelled so they can still be restored after several months, perhaps by a different person. Take photos and link them to this wiki.
* Mach 3 conversion which does does not involve destructive modification and simply intercepting the feeds to the stepper motor drives and adding a spindle signal converter - This has been cleared by Phil the device as donated through his mate and Tom who collected it as well as discussed with a number of stake holders who agree on this route forward


== More info ==
== More info ==
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== Needed ==
== Needed ==


* A base/stand (ideally, a sturdy cupboard or machine cabinet like [http://archive.today/7WDw3 this]
* Coolant / chip removal system - those chips build up fast! Either a suds pump or (quiet?) compressor/non fogging mist will be needed as the interlock prevents manual removal of chips during a program.
* ER type collect can be had from Gloster Tooling a price has not been obtained yet the, model is EC EM16 035 on page 8 @ http://www.glostertooling.co.uk/backup/download/Engineers%20tool%20catalogue.pdf
* ER type collect can be had from Gloster Tooling a price has not been obtained yet the, model is EC EM16 035 on page 8 @ http://www.glostertooling.co.uk/backup/download/Engineers%20tool%20catalogue.pdf
* Investigate g-code generation software and the interface - mach 3
* Further manuals or other information


== Not needed ==
== Not needed ==
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* The cutter appears to spin off-centre
* The cutter appears to spin off-centre
** When slotting in the collet make sure to put it the right way in as it's got a notch which will only go in fully when aligned
** When slotting in the collet make sure to put it the right way in as it's got a notch which will only go in fully when aligned
== Generating g-code from your designs ==
There are a lot of different options for preparing a g-code file which can be loaded onto the CNC to cut a design. Some examples include;
2D Packages
* MakerCam (Free, runs in a browser via Flash) http://www.makercam.com/makercam.swf
* Cambam (LHS has a license, installed on the Robotics CAD/CAM laptop) http://www.cambam.info/
3D Packages
* Autodesk Fusion 360 (Free for hobbyists and students, Windows / OSX) http://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/overview
When using Fusion 360, in order to post to the Hackspace CNC machines, the "Generic EMC2" post-processor should be selected when finally saving the g-code file. LinuxCNC recognises the "ngc" file extension although any extension can be used.
== Training ==
Training will be run on a rolling basis with the other CNC systems and announced on the main Mailing List.  You will get most out of the training and find using the machine easier if you take a look at one of the recommended packages above (or your own choice of package, we will try to accomodate).

Latest revision as of 11:52, 21 January 2019

CNC Mill
190VMC CNC mill.jpg
Model Boxford 190VMC
Sub-category defunct
Status Returned to owner
Training requirement yes
ACnode yes
Owner Dean Forbes
Origin Loan
Location Basement, CNC area
Maintainers =CNC Team, Metalbashers

Using the CNC

  • Costs - £6 / hr spindle "on" time - usage fee goes in blue cash tin, or paid to account sort code 779112 and account number 50365968, please use your Membership ID and date of use as a reference. (this is used for development costs and maintenance of the CNC machines)
  • NOTE this is only the spindle "on" time so will typically be less than the time you are actually on the machine setting up the job.
  • Logging - please log your usage to http://goo.gl/forms/6w1PVqYMdw
  • You must attend an induction
  • You will need a LDAP account to login to the machine - further information on creating an account at https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/LDAP#What_can_I_use_my_LDAP_account_for.3F

Specs

  • 8 spindle speeds 350 to 3500 rpm
  • Rapid traverse rate at 100% 2000mm/min (78"/min)
  • Axis travel
    • X(longitudinal) 225mm (8.9")
    • Y(cross) 150mm (5.9")
    • Z(vertical) 140mm(5.5")
  • System resolution 0.005mm
  • Table dimensions 410 x 130mm(16.1" x 5.1")
  • Spindle to table 202mm (7.9")
  • Centre line of spindle to column 130mm (5.1")
  • Table to column 5 to 130mm (0.2" x 5.1")
  • Tee slots 2 x 10mm


Health and Saftey

  • By using this machine you are self-certifying that you are competent to do so.
  • You will not use this machine unless all safety features are in place and operational.
  • You will not use this machine if you are under the influence of drugs ar alcohol. (this will result in a life time ban)


Updates

  • 1-Jan-2016 : System is now running LinuxCNC
  • 13-Oct-2015 : System is now up and running using BCNC on Ubuntu
  • 15-May-2015 : Dean, Phil et all doing conversion to Mach3 capable machine which will involve minimal retrofiting of mill and use of a PC
  • 24-SEP-2014 : Mill works with V5 of the boxford software, need to enter administration mode in the graphical screen by pressing F10
  • 12-JUL-2014 : Connector is DB25 and almost certainly serial. It appears there is an internal g-code interpreter.
  • 10-JUL-2014 : Mill arrived, mechanics and electrics work, has a 25W serial port out the back, need to research how to interface.

ToDo

  • Chip removal / coolant (compressed air or liquid pump)
  • Finalise training

More info

  • Boxford 1st, 2nd axis modification

    Boxford 1st, 2nd axis modification

  • Boxford GS-D200S Stepper Drive pinout

    Boxford GS-D200S Stepper Drive pinout

  • Boxford hack #4

    Boxford hack #4

  • Boxford hack #5

    Boxford hack #5

Boxford are said to be unhelpful regarding support and will only talk to educational users. However, they do publish spares lists and software updates.

Needed

  • Coolant / chip removal system - those chips build up fast! Either a suds pump or (quiet?) compressor/non fogging mist will be needed as the interlock prevents manual removal of chips during a program.
  • ER type collect can be had from Gloster Tooling a price has not been obtained yet the, model is EC EM16 035 on page 8 @ http://www.glostertooling.co.uk/backup/download/Engineers%20tool%20catalogue.pdf

Not needed

  • People who take it apart and leave it in pieces
  • Experimenting carelessly. Consider it in the same light as the laser cutter, the robot arm etc. : if you want to work on it, join the official maintainers group and cooperate.

Troubleshooting

  • The cutter appears to spin off-centre
    • When slotting in the collet make sure to put it the right way in as it's got a notch which will only go in fully when aligned

Generating g-code from your designs

There are a lot of different options for preparing a g-code file which can be loaded onto the CNC to cut a design. Some examples include;

2D Packages

3D Packages

When using Fusion 360, in order to post to the Hackspace CNC machines, the "Generic EMC2" post-processor should be selected when finally saving the g-code file. LinuxCNC recognises the "ngc" file extension although any extension can be used.

Training

Training will be run on a rolling basis with the other CNC systems and announced on the main Mailing List. You will get most out of the training and find using the machine easier if you take a look at one of the recommended packages above (or your own choice of package, we will try to accomodate).

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