New Machine Build- How do you home a CNC router?

[ssutton]

OK, I am really showing how much that I do not know but here goes.....I am completing after 3 years and am about to put the juice to it.

I am running a rack and pinion system with gecko G540 drive, I have 2 motors powering the X and one for Y and one for Z. Here is the questions:

1. Is there a homing routine that I am supposed to use on start-up to find a zero position for all the axis? If so, do I use sensors BESIDES the end of travel limit switches that I have installed?


2. How do I align the 2 X axis motors so that they are perfectly aligned and square to the Y when I power up? It seems to me that they could be out of step with each other causing the Y to be out of square.


Thanks,
Scott Sutton

[ger21]

Typically, yes, you home the machine to zero all the axis. You can use the limit switches as home switches also.
What software are you using to control the machine?

But, depending on where you mount you're work, you then may also need to zero the machine at your part zero location. It really depends on how you'll be using the machine. Will the parts always be in exactly the same place? Or will they be randomly mounted anywhere on the table?


If the motors are slaves, and you're using Mach3, then you mount a home switch for each motor, and when you home the machine, each side will move independently to it's switch. Adjust the switch position(s) until the machine is square when it homes.

[ssutton]

Thanks Gerry,
I am using Mach3. the parts will be at various places on the table so I would need to find 0 at various locations.


Help me understand "If the motors are slaves".

Thanks again,
Scott

[ger21]

Are you slaving the two X motors in Mach3?

[surrfman]

what is the part(s)? one option would be to cut the parts from one piece of material if they are all the same material. If they were different or say finishing molded parts, you might consider building a shoe that you would route pockets into and set the parts in. you would set-up a routing file using the placement of the parts, then use the file to route a shoe that you would affix to the table. you would place a hole the size of the intended cutter diameter in the shoe at the 0,0 location. simply attach the shoe to table, drop the parts in the pockets, home the cutter into the 0,0 hole and cut!

[ssutton]

I have not actually powered up yet, should I slave the motors in mach? I am just finishing the wiring of the G540's now.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by ssutton I have not actually powered up yet, should I slave the motors in mach?

Were you planning on doing something else?