Maddie James
Candle is a software program used to control and send G-code to CNC machines. It is often used with desktop CNC mills, such as the Minimillr, to create 2D and 3D geometries. To use Candle with a CNC machine, users must connect the mill to their PC and install the correct drivers. The software can then be used to send G-code to the mill, controlling the cutting process. Users can experiment with different settings and test pieces to ensure optimal results and avoid overloading the machine's stepper motors. While Candle is a popular choice, there are alternative open-source programs available for users to control their CNC machines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Software | Candle, Universal GCode Sender, Easel |
| Speed | 1000mm/min for soft foams, 150-200mm/min for oak |
| Depth of Cut | 5mm for soft foams, 1-2mm for oak |
| Bit Diameter | 6mm for soft foams, 2mm for oak |
| Jog Values | Can be adjusted to change cutting size |
| G-code Visualization | Can change diameter and convert from V to cylindrical |
| Tool Model | Can be adjusted to match bit size |
| Spindle Power | Can be turned off for test runs |
| Workpiece | Should be securely clamped to the bed |
| Home Positions | Set to the lower left corner of the workpiece for X, Y, and Z |
| Cutter Tip | Should just touch the top surface of the workpiece |
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What You'll Learn
Setting up Candle for the first time
Connect the Device
First, you need to establish a connection between your computer and the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill. Use the provided USB cable to connect the mill to your PC. Then, connect the 24V power supply to the mill. In most cases, Windows 10 and Macs should automatically recognize the Minimillr and install the necessary drivers.
Software Setup
To control the mill, you can use software like Candle or Universal GCode Sender. Candle 1.1.7 is the recommended software for sending GCode to the mill. You can download the software and then extract the files to your preferred folder. Open the Candle folder and launch the program by clicking on Candle.exe. Set up the correct COM port by navigating to Service > Settings. Typically, the COM port will not be COM1, but you can use the Control Panel to identify the correct port. If no ports are visible, click the refresh icon. Set the baud to 115200, which is the default setting.
Test Run
Before starting any cutting operations, it's essential to perform a test run to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Click "Send" without spindle power to observe the mill's movement. If there are tool change commands, you can set them to "Ignore" in the Settings or act on them as required.
Workpiece Preparation
Securely clamp the workpiece to the bed. Set the home positions for X, Y, and Z to the lower left corner of the workpiece. Adjust the jog step increments to smaller values for precise positioning. Manually turn the blue couplings to position the cutter tip slightly above the top surface of the workpiece. Jog Z to about 20mm above the home position to prevent the tool from scraping the surface during the initial movement.
Cutting Operation
Connect the spindle to the mill using the red and black connectors. Adjust the cutting speed using the speed control knob. Start the spindle by pressing the red rocker switch, and then click "Send" to initiate the cutting process.
Remember to experiment with different cutting parameters and materials to get a feel for the machine's capabilities and always stay within the mill's limits to avoid overloading the stepper motors, which can ruin your workpiece.
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Using Candle to cut soft foams
Using a Candle to cut soft foams requires some preparation and experimentation. Firstly, you need to prepare the Candle software for controlling the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill. This involves connecting the mill so it shows in Device Manager and downloading the recommended software, Candle 1.1.7, to control the mill and send G-code. You can then set up the software by locating the zip file, extracting the files, and opening the Candle folder. Click on Candle.exe to launch the program and set the correct COM port of the mill so it can connect.
Once the software is set up, you can start preparing for cutting soft foams. Soft foams, such as polyurethane foam (PU foam), are lightweight and have an open-cell structure, making them ideal for various products like furniture cushions and mattresses. To cut soft foams effectively, you should use a feed rate of around 1000mm/min with a 5mm depth of cut and a 6mm bit. Before cutting your desired soft foam, it is recommended to experiment on a test piece to ensure the motors are not overloaded and working within their limits. This is important because if the stepper motors are overloaded, axis slipping can occur, ruining your workpiece.
When you are ready to cut the soft foam, use rough cut tools for initial shaping and cleanup tools for finishing to give a clean and professional finish. Similar to polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam (PE foam) is also lightweight, but its closed-cell structure makes it more durable and rigid. As a result, you will need a more aggressive blade to cut through PE foam, such as a V-Tooth or C-Tooth bandknife blade. If you are looking for an even cleaner finish on the cut, a Scallop blade is recommended.
For rigid foams, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), you will typically need a sawing blade to cut through effectively. You can start with the lightest set of bandsaw blades and work your way up to heavier-duty options if needed. Waterjet cutting is another advanced precision method to cut intricate shapes into foam inserts without interfering with the original structure of the foam. This process uses an ultra-high-pressure jet of clean water to produce a highly accurate cut at a very fast speed.
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Using Candle to cut hardwoods
Using a candle to cut hardwoods may refer to using a CNC router, which is a computer-controlled machine that can cut and engrave various materials, including wood. One example of a CNC router is the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill, which uses software called Candle to control the cutting process.
When using a CNC router to cut hardwoods, such as oak, it is important to use the correct settings and tools to achieve a clean and precise cut. According to the Minimillr Quick Start Guide, the recommended depth of cut for hardwoods like oak is 1 to 2mm with a 2mm diameter bit and feeds of 150-200mm/min. It is also recommended to experiment on a test piece to ensure that the stepper motors are not overloaded, as this can ruin the workpiece.
Before beginning the cutting process, it is important to securely clamp the workpiece to the bed of the CNC router and set the home positions for the X, Y, and Z axes. The cutter should be positioned just touching the top surface of the workpiece to avoid any accidental cuts. Once the settings are configured, the cutting process can be started by connecting the spindle to the mill and adjusting the speed using the speed control knob.
In the context of using a candle to cut hardwood floors, it is important to consider the potential for wax drippings onto the floor. To remove candle wax from hardwood floors, you can use heat or ice to soften the wax and then scrape it off using a plastic credit card or a plastic razor blade. It is important to avoid scratching or gouging the surface of the wood while removing the wax.
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Troubleshooting Candle
Firstly, ensure that you have the correct software for your machine. Candle GRBL software is a popular choice for CNC machines, but it is not the only option. Many open-source PC controllers are available, most of which are free to use and modify.
If you are using Candle, ensure that you have the correct version for your machine, as different CNC machines may require different versions of the software. For example, Candle 1.1.7 is the recommended software for controlling the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill.
When setting up Candle, make sure that the correct COM port is set in the software to match the one in the Control Panel. Be aware that changing USB ports will change the allocated COM port.
If you are experiencing issues with the machine cutting size, check your jog values and ensure they are set correctly for the software to cut 1:1. Additionally, when running a G-code program, ensure that the G20 code (inches) is specified in your program if you are working in imperial units. Candle will only show millimetres in the 'state' readouts, with no apparent way to change this.
Finally, if you are experiencing glitches or unexpected movements, try restarting the software or machine. Ensure that you follow the correct procedure to set up and start your CNC machine, including performing a test run without spindle power to ensure the mill moves as expected.
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Using Candle with a Tomtop mini CNC machine
The Tomtop Mini CNC Machine is a DIY engraving machine designed for fun, study, and research, giving you an extremely portable experience. The machine is capable of engraving, carving, and milling. It can engrave materials such as plastic, wood, acrylic, PVC, and PCB. It is important to note that the drill bit cannot engrave hard materials like metal, jade, or similar substances.
The Tomtop Mini CNC Machine comes unassembled, so you will need to put it together yourself. It is recommended to wear laser goggles while using the machine and to avoid touching the laser directly with your eyes and skin. The package includes a CD that contains a laser engraving tutorial, a CNC tutorial, a user guide, and a software download link.
To use a candle with the Tomtop Mini CNC Machine, you will need to download and install the Candle software. Candle is a program used to control and send G-code to your CNC machine. It is provided on the CD that comes with the machine, but you can also download it from the link in the provided documentation. Once you have downloaded the zip file, extract the files to your preferred folder on your hard drive. Open the Candle folder and click on Candle.exe to launch the program. Set the correct COM port of the mill so that Candle can connect to it.
Before beginning your project, it is important to do a test run to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Securely clamp the workpiece to the bed and set the home positions for X, Y, and Z to the lower left corner of the workpiece. Adjust the jog step increments to position the tip of the cutter so that it just touches the top surface of the workpiece. Finally, connect the spindle to the mill and set the speed using the speed control knob. Start the spindle and click "Send" to begin cutting.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle 1.1.7 is the recommended software for controlling the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill. It is used for sending GCode to the mill.
Soft foams can be cut at around 1000mm/min with a 5mm depth of cut with a 6mm bit. For hardwoods like oak, use a 1 to 2mm depth of cut with a 2mm diameter bit and feeds of 150-200mm/min.
Ensure that the jog values are set correctly. If the problem persists, try using different source files or check if there is a G20 or G21 at the start of the program.
