Maddie James
Grbl/Candle is a free, open-source, cross-platform, C++-based, multi-prototyping platform that allows users to design, build, program, test, and debug robots. It is designed to be user-friendly and can produce high-quality engravings on a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and glass. Grbl/Candle does not support radial offsets, but it does offer a G-code visualizer and essential functions for running G-code programs. To set up Grbl/Candle, users need to establish a serial connection to their PC, and ensure correct COM port settings and baud rates. The software is compatible with Arduino hardware and can control CNC machines with up to three axes (X, Y, and Z).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac OS X |
| Connection | USB cable |
| Communication | Serial port |
| G-code controllers | Radial offsets not supported |
| Jog functions | Position tool where axis datums need to be |
| Zero XY and Zero Z buttons | Set work coordinates to spindle's position |
| Safe position | Move machine away from stock material |
| Home button | Move machine to predefined point |
| Height mapping | Requires conductive stock material |
| Height map creation | Select Probe, then Edit |
| Height map saving | Click Open |
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What You'll Learn
Set up a serial connection to your PC
To set up a serial connection to your PC, you will need to download and install the software on your computer. You can download Candle, a free and open-source program, on its own for Windows. The file linked is stored in a compressed .zip file. To use it, extract the contents of the .zip file to a designated folder and run the file from there. Do not run files from the .zip file directly. Place the folder on your Desktop or another location on the C: drive.
Once you have placed the folder where you want it to be stored, open the folder and find the primary file, Candle.exe. Create a shortcut to your desktop so you can use it to start up Candle. If you are using Google Chrome and having issues with download links, right-click the download link and select "Save Link As". Then, select where you want to save the file.
If you do not have access to a PC, you can use a USB cable to connect your printer to the printer port on the computer and then use the serial port to communicate with the candle. You can also use it with other computers with Ethernet ports, but they will not be able to communicate via serial.
For GRBL, you will need to download and install Arduino IDE 1.6.3 or later. This software needs to be uploaded to the Arduino so that it can control the machine's motor. GRBL translates the G-code into a digital signal that can be read by a microcontroller. Install a new firmware on your Arduino and unzip the file. Place it in the same folder as the firmware and upload the new version to your computer.
GRBL is a firmware for Arduino boards that control stepper motors and spindles/lasers. It uses G-code as input and outputs signals via the Arduino pins. The parallel port controller is required for the big serial ports to be connected to the computer. The code is written in C++ and can be ported to other platforms.
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Utilise height mapping
To utilise height mapping in GRBL Candle, your stock material must be conductive at least on its surface. You will need to follow the setup procedures for Candle, which includes opening your project, jogging your CNC into position on the X, Y, and Z axes, and zeroing out everything. You can use the 'safe position' button as your home position if your machine does not have home/limit switches.
Next, you will need to make some non-permanent modifications to your Z probe. Usually, the red lead is connected with an alligator clip to the side of the engraving bit or end mill, and a round touchpad is placed underneath. For height mapping, you will need to replace the touchpad with the alligator clip. To do this, turn the touchpad upside down and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw. Fully disassemble the touchpad, being careful to keep the parts organised.
Now, you are ready to generate your height map. In the centre of Candle, at the bottom, press 'Probe'. This will begin the height mapping process, during which your CNC will move, but the spindle will not turn on. Once the map is complete, you will see rainbow colours in a grid on your project. Select 'Edit' to exit the height map creation process. The rainbow illustration will disappear, but the data will still be there.
Finally, select Send at the bottom centre of Candle to start your engraving. Your CNC will now refer to the Height Map for this project, giving you an even engraving.
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Set home positions for X, Y, and Z
Setting home positions for X, Y, and Z in GRBL Candle is a crucial step in ensuring accurate machining operations. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it:
Firstly, understand that the ""home" position is a predefined point that your machine can return to. This is essential for accurate positioning and can be set up using limit or home switches. If your machine doesn't have these switches, you can use the ""safe position" function instead. This function moves your machine axes according to the settings in the settings dialog box. By inputting specific G-code commands, you can set the "safe position" as your home position.
Now, to set the home positions for X, Y, and Z, follow these steps:
- Position your tool where you want your three-axis datums to be using the Jog functions. This allows you to manually adjust the position of your tool.
- Once your tool is in the desired position, press the "Zero XY" and "Zero Z" buttons. This sets the work coordinates to the current position of your spindle.
- After setting the datums, press "safe position." If you've set it up correctly, your machine will return to its home position.
- Load your program and click "Send" to run it.
- If you need to stop the program for any reason, press "Abort," which will stop the machine completely. You can then use the ""safe position" function to send the machine back to its home position.
It's important to note that the workspace coordinates are relative to the workspace zero position you set. This zero position can be set to either the front left bottom corner (resulting in positive values) or slightly above the top of the raw stock (resulting in a mix of positive and negative values). Additionally, pay attention to the GRBL settings, especially the homing parameters, and make changes one parameter at a time.
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Jog functions to position your tool
Jog functions are an essential part of positioning your tool accurately and efficiently in GRBL Candle. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use Jog functions to position your tool:
Firstly, you need to open the Jog panel in GRBL Candle. This panel allows you to control the movement of each axis: X, Y, and Z. Set the Step amount and Feed rate according to your requirements, typically 10mm and 1000mm/min, respectively. You can then use the arrow keys or the arrows on the Jog panel to move each axis and familiarise yourself with the directions of movement.
When you are satisfied with the position of your tool, it is time to set your datums. Press the Zero XY and Zero Z buttons to set your work coordinates to the current position of your spindle. This step ensures that your tool's position is accurately recorded relative to your workpiece.
After setting the datums, press the 'Safe Position' button. This will send your machine back to its home position, away from the stock material. You can set up this 'Safe Position' according to your preferences in the settings dialog box.
If you need to make further adjustments, you can use smaller jog step increments to fine-tune the position of your tool. This is especially useful when you need to precisely position the tool in relation to the workpiece. For example, you can manually turn the blue couplings to position the cutter's tip to just touch the top surface of the workpiece.
Finally, once your tool and workpiece are in the desired positions, you can load your program and click 'Send' to start the machine. Remember that you can always press 'Pause' to temporarily halt axis movements or press 'Abort' to stop the program completely and return to the safe position.
By following these steps and utilising the Jog functions in GRBL Candle, you can efficiently position your tool and ensure accurate and controlled movements during your CNC machining process.
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$14197
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Use GRBL and a controller
GRBL is a CNC machine control software that is free to use and uncomplicated, making it perfect for beginners. It incorporates a G-code visualiser and only has the essential functions needed to run G-Code programs. It uses GRBL source code, which can be run using Arduino hardware. Any CNC machine with an Arduino controller and no more than 3 axes (X, Y and Z) can use GRBL software to control it.
GRBL is often used in conjunction with Candle software, which is also free and uncomplicated. Candle uses GRBL source code and can be run using Arduino hardware. It comes bundled with many 3018 CNC engraver machines. Candle has a G-code visualiser and only the essential functions for running G-Code programs.
To use GRBL and a controller to set the material size in GRBL Candle, you can follow these steps:
- Use the Jog functions to position your tool where you need your three-axis datums to be.
- When in position, press the Zero XY and Zero Z buttons.
- When the datums are set, press 'safe position'. If you set it up correctly, your machine will move back to its home position.
- Once your program is loaded, click 'Send', and the machine will run the program.
- If you need to stop the program, press 'Abort', and the machine will stop completely. Then, press 'safe position' to send the machine away from the stock material.
- To restore your previous work offsets, press the 'restore origin' button, which will use a G92 command.
- To set up height mapping, you will need to make some non-permanent modifications to replace your touchpad with an 'Alligator Clip'.
- Turn the touchpad upside down and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw holding it together. Fully disassemble the touchpad, keeping the parts organised.
- Connect the red lead with an alligator clip to the side of your engraving bit or end mill, and place the round touchpad underneath.
- When the end mill comes in contact with the touchpad, a circuit is completed, and the CNC knows where the surface of your material is, stopping it from moving further down.
- Open your project and jog your CNC into position on the X, Y and Z axes, zeroing out everything.
- To generate your Height Map, press 'Probe' at the bottom centre of Candle. The CNC will move during this process, but the spindle will not turn on.
- Once the map is complete, you will see rainbow colours in a grid on your project. Select 'Edit' to exit the Height Map creation process.
- To save your height map for later use, click 'Open' and then save your map.
- If you need to re-establish your previously stored offsets, use the 'Safe Position' function, which will move your machine axes as specified in the settings.
- If your machine does not have home/limit switches, you can use the 'Safe Position' function as your home position button. Open the settings box and type the specified code in the safe positions command box.
- You can now press the 'Home' button, and your machine will travel to its home position.
These steps outline how to use GRBL and a controller to set up material size and other functions in GRBL Candle.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to set up a serial connection to your PC. If you don't have a PC, you can use a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer's printer port. You can then use the serial port to communicate with the candle.
Press the ''home button' to set your machine to a predefined point. If your machine does not have limit/home switches, you can use the 'safe position' button instead.
Jog your CNC into position on the X, Y and Z axes and zero out everything.
You will need to make some non-permanent modifications to replace your touchpad with an alligator clip. You will then need to select the checkbox next to 'Use Height Map' and select 'Create' under 'Map'.
