This set-up is specific to a Genmitsu 4030, but only in that the values entered are for that machine. This can easily be applied to other similar CNC routers like 3018 style machines.
Hei thanks a lot for the video, I am operating a genmitsu 3030, and I have a question regarding the range limited on the kinematics, you add -400mm to +400mm isnt it out of the capabilities? For example mine is 300x300x78, should I set the range limits to -150mm to +150mm X,Y, and X from 0 to 78 or -78 to 0?
Hi, good question. I hadn't decided on what coordinate system to use (0,0 at back right where the machine homes, or front left, which seems more sensible), so I was leaving my options open by allowing either positive or negative XY values. I have another video about using G54 to set relative coordinates, which means you don't need to worry about machine coordinates, just work coordinates.
Great help. Thanks. Could you tell us how you managed this for the CNC lathe you tried with your router? I had some confusion about generating GCodes and testing the CNC router as a lathe.
Hi, sorry for the delay, I couldn't think of a reason, and I've only just got round to re-watching my video and having a play with Fusion so that we're on the same page. I haven't been able to replicate the missing menus that you are having issues with, so I can't really offer any advice, sorry. I hope you work it out.
I have the same issue with the “dimension” menu. It’s not there. There is nowhere to put in the dimension of my working table. Basically there’s only these menus; General Capabilities Kinematics Post Processing Additional settings And that’s it. Quite annoying
Thank you for this! Saved me some time. I do have a question, however: If the maximum movement of the machine along the X-axis is 400mm, wouldn't a setting of -400 to 400 give an effective range of 800mm? Am I missing something?
Hi, sorry for the delay, this one got lost in the noise. I think the -400 to 400mm is because I hadn't decided on the coordinate system I was going to use (0,0 at front left or back right) so I was just leaving in the option to go either way.
Thanks this helped me a lot. I used Fusion 360 about 2 years back and it was quite easy to select GRBL export. Now I would never have figured this one out with the copy and paste thing!
My career was electrical engineering also... At first I thought I would like to be a mechanical engineer. Worked in that field for a few years and decided electricity was more to my liking. Back for four more years of schooling and I never regretted a minute of EEing...
Hi Danny, I find I get involved with the mechanical aspects of design far more than the mech guys get involved with the electronics, so I'm happy with my choice too. Interestingly fusion360 is now both electronics and mechanical design software all in one, perhaps soon we won't need the mech guys at all!
I would start with a 3018 style machine. They can be had for £150ish now, and are a great way to learn. It's very easy to have the machine do something unexpected and damage tools and work, so best to start on something cheap (I speak from experience). Once you've got the idea, then decide if you want to spend a lot on a better machine. If I had my time again, I would probably go for a Foxalien rather than the Sainsmart.
There is another generic machine for me called generic 3-axis which says "This machine has Y axis on the Table and XZ axis on the Head". Wouldn't that be a better description of the machine? Does it make a difference (ie if the g-code specifies a y move does it matter if that causes a motor to move the head or the bed as long as the cutting head gets positioned correctly)?
I can't see that it makes any difference until you get into fully modelling the setup and the machine to check for collisions or whatever. I think for home shop use it doesn't matter. I can't remember now why I picked that particular configuration. Thanks for the question.
To understand this it is best to consider that the Sainsmart 4030, 4040 and other gantry type machines with static tables, only move axis in any direction because they are carried by the travel of the overhead gantry (head) assembly. So that's why they are described as XYZ or YXZ axis on head. In contrast, the Y on table and XZ on head configuration relies upon a moving table for the y axis and another separate moving head/gantry assembly for the XZ axis, or in other words two independently moving mechanicals to achieve the milling operations those machines are designed for. The pictures which accompany the Autodesk generic machines are correct and helpful to differentiate the two types. The other thing that stumps most of us here and indeed Olly too in this case was which one of the gantry machines do we use. XYZ or YXZ? Well, it is related to the way Fusion orients the work with your machine. I have a 4040 Pro but I'm guessing a lot of these gantry type machines will be similar and run the following convention. X-axis allows movement “left” and “right”, (parallel to the cutting tool) Y-axis allows movement “forward” and “backward”, (perpendicular to the cutting tool) Z-axis allows movement “up” and “down” However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, that will depend on the machine model or manufacturing company. While this convention is certainly followed it requires the Autodesk generic machine with the YXZ axis format to properly represent the Sainsmart machines in Fusion 360 Manufacture. and I can confirm it does for the 4040 PRO. In contrast, the XYZ format is displayed the opposite way round ie X is "forward and backward" and Y is "left and right" which is clearly wrong on our smaller machines. I think this may due to another convention on larger machines where the longest horizontal axis is always X, in which case the XYZ format would be correct. Hope this helps.