Maddie James
Candle GRBL is a free, user-friendly CNC machine control software that can be used to set GRBL feed rates. It is recommended for beginners and DIY hobbyists as it has a minimum of functions, reducing the complexity of CNC machining. To set the GRBL feed rate, users must first load Candle on their computer and connect to their router. They can then access the GRBL feed rate parameters through the command interface of Universal GCode Sender (UGCS). The maximum feed rate can be determined by taking the lowest value, multiplying it by 0.8 for safety, and rounding it to a convenient number. This new maximum feed rate value is then set by sending the command to the router. Users can also adjust the feed rate while the program is running by using the Feed override slide control in the software.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Software | Candle GRBL software |
| Cost | Free |
| Compatibility | Any CNC machine with an Arduino controller and no more than 3 axes (X, Y, and Z) |
| Functions | Essential functions for running G-Code programs, G-code visualiser, home function, Z-probe, Zero XY and Zero Z, restore origin, jog functions, step amount, feed, spindle speed control, and G-code command |
| Feed Rate Adjustment | Access GRBL feed rate parameters through the command interface of Universal GCode Sender (UGCS); test and iterate to find the optimal feed rate settings; set the maximum speed for each axis |
| Feed Rate Values | $110=200.000, $111=200.000, $112=350.000 |
| Feed Rate Calculation | Multiply the lowest value by 0.8 to get the maximum feed rate, then round to a convenient number |
| Feed Rate Commands | G00 (maximum feed rate), G1 (requires a feed rate, e.g., "G1 X1Y1 F40") |
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What You'll Learn
Set steps per mm for each axis
Setting the steps per mm for each axis is an iterative process that involves fine-tuning your GRBL settings to achieve greater accuracy from your machine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set the steps per mm for each axis:
Step 1: Record Current GRBL Settings
Before making any changes, it is important to record your current GRBL settings. To do this, power on your machine and establish a connection with the Arduino. Once connected, type "$$" into the command window of Universal Gcode Sender. This will display the current GRBL settings, which you should copy and save for future reference.
Step 2: Measure Commanded Travel vs Actual Travel
The next step is to measure the commanded travel versus the actual travel of your machine. This will help you identify any discrepancies that need to be addressed. For example, you may discover mechanical binding at certain points in the travel range or lost steps due to acceleration or max feed rate exceeding the system's limits.
Step 3: Update GRBL Settings
Based on your measurements, you can now update your GRBL settings. For the X-axis, open the command prompt of Universal Gcode Sender and type "$100 = [new value]" (without quotation marks). Press enter to confirm the change. Repeat this process for the Y-axis ($101) and Z-axis ($102), ensuring that the dial indicator is parallel to the motion of the axis you are tuning.
Step 4: Test New Setup
After updating your GRBL settings, it is important to test the new setup to ensure it is functioning correctly. Run a quick G-code program to validate the changes and confirm that your machine is performing as expected.
Step 5: Fine-Tune as Needed
If your initial tests do not yield perfect results, don't worry. Fine-tuning is a normal part of the process. Cut an object of a known size, measure it, and adjust the steps/mm until the cut is perfect in all three axes. You may need to repeat this process a few times until you achieve repeatable results.
By following these steps and fine-tuning your GRBL steps per mm settings for each axis, you can improve the accuracy of your machine and ensure that your designs are translated into physical parts with greater precision.
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Adjust feed rate while the program is running
To adjust the feed rate while the program is running, you can use the following codes:
- 0x90: Set 100% of the programmed rate
- 0x91: Increase 10%
- 0x92: Decrease 10%
These are extended ASCII codes, so you can't just send them as text. You need to set up your GUI to send them through a button, slider, or another interactive element. For example, in BCNC, there is a slide control marked "Feed override" that you can use to adjust the feed rate.
To bind the command to a function key, go to the "Tools" page in the software, click on "Shortcuts", and then click on the right field of the shortcut you want to use. For now, you can only change the F# keys. For example, f10 sendhex 21 will send ! to feed hold, f11 sendhex 7e will resume, and f12 sendhex ae. Remember that you need to restart the software for the binding to take effect.
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Use Candle to control the mill
Using Candle to Control the Mill
Candle is a software program used to control and send G-code to your CNC machine. It is the recommended software for the Minimillr Desktop CNC Mill. It can be downloaded from the SainSmart website. Once downloaded, locate the zip file in your Downloads folder and extract the files to your preferred folder on your hard drive. Open the Candle folder and click on Candle.exe to launch the program.
To connect Candle to your mill, first make sure your mill is connected and shows up in Device Manager. Then, click on Service > Settings and set the COM port as per the one in the Control Panel. Usually, this will not be COM1, but the other COM port listed. If no ports are visible, click the refresh icon. Set baud to 115200 (the default setting).
Now, load up Candle and connect to your CNC if it does not do so automatically. Secure your stock material to the bed and use the jog arrows to bring the centre of the end mill directly over the bottom left corner on the X, Y Axis. Position it as best as you can and then press the key to zero out the X and Y Axis. You will see 2 out of 3 of the work coordinates turn to 0.
To change settings, locate the Console Command box and type “$$” (without quotation marks) to the router. This will return a series of $x=y lines where x is the parameter number and y is the current value. To change a setting, send a command of $x=y to the router, which will change the setting and store it until you specifically change it again. For example, to turn Laser Mode off, send “$32=0".
Before making changes, it is recommended to save your settings. To do this, send a “$$” command and it will display all settings. Copy and paste them into a text editor and save the file as a .txt.
You can also use Candle to set the GRBL feed rate. The GRBL feed rate parameters are accessed through the command interface portion of Universal GCode Sender (UGCS). To determine the maximum feed rate, take the lowest value, multiply it by 0.8 to reduce it by 20% for safety, and then round it to a convenient number. This is your new maximum feed rate value, which you can set by sending $110=yyyy, $111=yyyy, and $112=yyyy to your router.
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Set the machine to the far left of allowable travel
Setting the GRBL feed rate is a simple process that can save you a lot of time in the long run. The feed rate is the speed at which your machine will move to a location before or between cuts. By maximising the GRBL feed rate, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for your machine to complete each part.
To set the machine to the far left of allowable travel, you will need to follow these steps:
- Jog the machine: Use the keyboard or the jog buttons under the "Machine Control" tab to move the machine to the far left of the allowable travel. This step is crucial as it gives you the most room to test your new speed settings.
- Observe machine movement: Press Enter and observe how the machine moves. A smooth and seamless movement indicates that you can repeat the process and increase the speed.
- Test speed limits: If the machine struggles and sounds like it's straining, you have reached the upper limit of its speed. At this point, you can finalise your speed setting by multiplying the last entered setting by 0.9. This will be your final speed setting value for the X or Y axis.
- Final check: Enter this final value into the appropriate setting variable ($110 or $111) in the Command box under the Command tab. As a final check, jog the machine as far as possible in the negative X or Y direction.
By following these steps, you can safely set the machine to the far left of allowable travel and fine-tune the GRBL feed rate to optimise your CNC machine's performance. Remember to always err on the side of caution when adjusting speeds to avoid any potential damage to your machine.
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Test the machine's speed
To test the machine's speed, you will need to adjust the feed rate settings. The GRBL feed rate settings can be accessed through the command interface portion of Universal GCode Sender (UGCS).
Firstly, capture the baseline settings so that you can go back to them if you make a mistake while updating the new settings. Then, open UGCS and view your current settings by typing "$$" in the command box under the Command tab.
Next, you will need to adjust the settings $110, $111, and $112. Add about 100 to the value and send the new setting by typing $110="new value". For example, if the initial value is 100, change it to 200 by typing $110=200.000. Repeat this step for $111 and $112.
Now, jog the machine to the far left of the allowable travel to give you as much room as possible to test your new speed setting. Use the keyboard or jog buttons under the "Machine Control" tab.
Finally, type the following gcode command: "G00 X4". This will instruct the machine to move 4 inches in the positive X direction at the maximum feed rate. Ensure your machine has at least 4 inches of travel in the X axis. If not, adjust the command accordingly by reducing the travel distance.
You can also test the speed by individually testing each axis with slowly increasing values until the motor stalls. Finalize your acceleration setting with a value 10-20% below the absolute maximum value to account for wear, friction, and mass inertia. It is recommended to dry test some G-code programs with your new settings before committing to them.
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Frequently asked questions
GRBL is a free, basic CNC machine control software. It is uncomplicated and perfect for beginners.
Load Candle on your computer and connect to your router. Once in the software, locate the Console Command box and type “$$” (without quotation marks) to the router. This will return a series of $x=y lines where x is the parameter number and y is the current value.
To set the feed rate, send a command of $x=y to the router, which will change the setting and store it until you specifically change it again. For example, to set the maximum feed rate, send $110=yyyy, $111=yyyy, and $112=yyyy to your router.
Take the lowest value, multiply it by 0.8 to reduce it by 20% for safety, and then round it to a convenient number. For example, 2014.95 would be rounded to 2000.
You can adjust the feed rate by using the slide control marked "Feed override".
