Tools/boxford/BoxfordQR
⚠️ This page is intended only as a quick reference guide for trained users! ⚠️
Introduction[edit]
A Quick Reference to generating a CNC toolpath from Fusion 360 for the Boxford and running it correctly.
Initial Tasks[edit]
Design the model in Fusion. Switch to Manufacturing mode. Open the tool library model in another tab.
Setups ⇒ New Setup.
Tab | Setting | Details |
---|---|---|
Setup | Machine | Machine ⇒ Boxford 260 VMC |
Setup | Operation Type ⇒ Milling | |
Work Coordinate System (WCS) | Orientation ⇒ Select Z axis & X Axis | |
Touch off on faces perpendicular to Z and X axes | ||
Flip X-Axis ⇒ On | ||
Origin ⇒ Stock Box Point | ||
Stock Point ⇒ Select point on stock as origin. Top Centre is a good default | ||
Stock | Stock | Mode ⇒ Fixed Size Box |
Set width, depth and height, and the relative location of the model to each. 'Center' is a good default for X and Y | ||
Z-Axis Model position ⇒ Offset from top | ||
Z-Axis Offset ⇒ Depth of facing cut, zero if there isn't one | ||
Post Process | Nothing to set in here. |
Facing Off, for preparing stock[edit]
From '2D Milling' menu, select 'Face'
Tab | Setting | Details |
---|---|---|
Tool | Tool | Tool ⇒ Choose from library |
Coolant ⇒ Flood | ||
Feed & Speed | Spindle Speed ⇒ Max 3000 rpm, keep to 2500rpm if possible | |
Feedrate ⇒ Max 300mm/min | ||
Geometry | Stock Contours |
Stock Selections ⇒ Nothing - this will face all of the stock to the highest point of the model. |
Heights | Defaults should be good. May adjust the Clearance and Retract heights to save time | |
Passes | Passes | Pass Direction ⇒ Angle offset from X Axis |
Pass Extension ⇒ Distance past the face to extend for an overcut - X axis only | ||
Stock Offset ⇒ Distance past the stock to move past for an overcut - Both X and Y Axes | ||
Stepover ⇒ Overlap between passes. Do not use exactly 1/2 or more than 1 x tool width. | ||
Direction ⇒ Use Climb milling, or both. | ||
Multiple Depths | Maximum stepdown ⇒ Depth of each pass | |
Both Sides ⇒ Cut in both directions on multiple passes | ||
Finishing Step ⇒ Select to make a final finish pass | ||
Finish Feedrate ⇒ Max 300mm/min | ||
Finishing Stepdown ⇒ Depth of final cut | ||
Stock to Leave | Option to leave a margin on the facing cut for future operations. |
Drilling[edit]
From 'Drilling' menu, select 'Drill'
Maximum drill size is around 6mm.
Tab | Setting | Details |
---|---|---|
Tool | Tool | Tool ⇒ Select from library |
Coolant ⇒ Flood | ||
Feed & Speed | Max 3000rpm, 100 mm/min plunge rate | |
Geometry | Geometry | Selection Mode ⇒ Faces or Points. Usually Faces. |
Hole Faces / Points ⇒ Select locations. | ||
Heights | Bottom Height | From ⇒ Hole Bottom |
Offset ⇒ How far past the bottom to go | ||
Drill Tip Through Bottom ⇒ Select to make the entire hole full diameter | ||
Cycle | Cycle | Cycle Type ⇒ "Deep drilling, Full retract" for holes more than 2 x drill diameter; "Drilling - Rapid out" for less than 2 x diameter |
Pecking Depth ⇒ Depth for each cycle. 2mm is a good default. |
2D Contour Milling, for cutting something out[edit]
From '2D Milling' menu, select '2D Contour'.
Tab | Setting | Details |
---|---|---|
Tool | Tool | Tool ⇒ Choose from library |
Coolant ⇒ Flood | ||
Feed & Speed | Spindle Speed ⇒ Max 3000 rpm | |
Feedrate ⇒ Max 300mm/min | ||
Geometry | Geometry | Contour Mode ⇒ Selected Contours |
Contour Selection ⇒ Select the contour to mill | ||
Stock Contours | Used to calculate clearance for lead in and out | |
Tabs | Tab Shape ⇒ Triangular | |
Tab Width ⇒ in mm | ||
Tab Depth ⇒ in mm | ||
Tab Postioning ⇒ By distance or specific points. Use points. | ||
Tab Positions ⇒ Select locations on model. | ||
Heights | Defaults should be good. May adjust the Clearance and Retract heights to save time | |
Passes | Passes | Sideways Compensation ⇒ Leave on Left. Can compensate for tool wear etc. |
Finish Feedrate ⇒ Max 300mm/min | ||
Stepover ⇒ How far to cut each finish pass as you approach the final contour. | ||
Both Ways ⇒ Leave unticked. Use climb milling. | ||
Roughing Passes | Maximum Stepover ⇒ Do not use exactly 1/2 or more than 1 x tool diameter | |
Smoothing Deviation ⇒ How fine to cut radii | ||
Number of Stepovers ⇒ How many intermediate cuts to make to approach the final contour | ||
Multiple Depths | Maximum Roughing Stepdown ⇒ Max depth of each pass | |
Finishing Stepdowns ⇒ Number of cuts at finishing speeds | ||
Finishing Stepdown ⇒ Depth of each finish pass | ||
Smoothing | Option to simplify G-code for curves | |
Linking | Linking | Leave on defaults |
Leads & Transitions | Lead-in ⇒ Select to use a lead-in path | |
Horizontal Lead-in Radius ⇒ Distance from side to approach | ||
Lead-Out ⇒ Select to use a lead-out path | ||
Same as Lead-In ⇒ Use the same settings for the lead-out | ||
Ramp | Enable to cut in a spiral path down to final depth | |
Ramping Angle ⇒ Keep shallow. Max 2 degrees | ||
Max Ramp Step ⇒ Max depth of a single spiral cut | ||
Ramp Clearance Height ⇒ Height above the surface to start the ramp down | ||
Positions | Predrill Positions ⇒ Select holes in the material for the tool to enter | |
Entry Postitions ⇒ Select locations on the job to for the tool to enter |
Other useful 2D toolpaths
2D adaptive clearing : For removing spare material
2D Pocket : For recesses with flat bases
Trace or Engrave : For engraving patterns or text on a surface
3D Milling[edit]
From '3D Milling' menu, select 'Adaptive Clearing'.
Tab | Setting | Details |
---|---|---|
Tool | Tool | Tool ⇒ Choose from library |
Coolant ⇒ Flood | ||
Feed & Speed | Spindle Speed ⇒ Max 3000 rpm | |
Feedrate ⇒ Max 300mm/min | ||
Geometry | Geometry | Contour Mode ⇒ Selected Contours |
Machining Boundary ⇒ Select the outer limit of area to be cleared, or leave "nothing" to machine entire part | ||
Stock Contours | Used to calculate clearance for lead in and out | |
Rest Machining | Source ⇒ From stock for first operation, from previous operation for subsequent ones | |
Adjustment ⇒ ignore cusps | ||
Adjustment Offset ⇒ material to leave | ||
Model | Specify what model to use if there are several | |
Heights | Defaults should be good. May adjust the Clearance and Retract heights to save time | |
Bottom Height ⇒ Can limit how deep to machine | ||
Passes | Passes | Machine Shallow Areas - Add extra Z-steps when needed for shallow slopes |
Optimal Load - How much of the width of the tool to keep engaged with work | ||
Both Ways ⇒ Leave unticked. Use climb milling. | ||
Machine Cavities - Go down into pockets within the shape | ||
Direction - Which operation type to prioritize for horizontal moves | ||
Roughing/Fine Stepdown - Size of large and small vertical steps to take | ||
Stock to leave | Radial Stock = How much stock to leave on sides | |
Axial Stock = How much vertical stock to leave | ||
Multiple Depths | Maximum Roughing Stepdown ⇒ Max depth of each pass | |
Finishing Stepdowns ⇒ Number of cuts at finishing speeds | ||
Finishing Stepdown ⇒ Depth of each finish pass | ||
Smoothing | Option to simplify G-code for curves | |
Linking | Linking | Leave on defaults |
No-Engagement feed rate - Maximum 300mm/sec | ||
Leads & Transitions | Horizontal Lead-in Radius ⇒ Distance from side to approach | |
Vertical Lead In Radius ⇒ Distance from top to approach | ||
Ramp | Enable to cut in a spiral path down to final depth | |
Ramping Angle ⇒ Keep shallow. Max 2 degrees | ||
Max Ramp Step ⇒ Max depth of a single spiral cut | ||
Ramp Clearance Height ⇒ Height above the surface to start the ramp down | ||
Positions | Predrill Positions ⇒ Select holes in the material for the tool to enter | |
Entry Postitions ⇒ Select locations on the job to for the tool to enter |
The other 3D paths are for finishing operations once Adaptive Clearing has removed the bulk
Chamfering[edit]
From '2D Milling' menu select '2D Chamfer'
Tab | Setting | Details |
---|---|---|
Tool | Tool | Tool ⇒ Select from library |
Coolant ⇒ Flood | ||
Feed & Speed | Spindle Speed ⇒ Max 3000rpm | |
Feedrate ⇒ Max 300mm/min | ||
Geometry | Geometry | Contour Selection ⇒ Choose contour to chamfer |
Heights | Default settings should be OK | |
Passes | Passes | Leave at defaults |
Chamfer | Chamfer Width ⇒ In mm | |
Chamfer Tip Offset ⇒ Height above tip to use for cutting, in mm | ||
Smoothing | Option to reduce G-code load for curves |
Machine Setup[edit]
- (If you're using a superglue mount, start this first to allow 20 - 30 minutes to set)
- Turn on the Boxford and its monitor.
- Setup the air compressor and get it charging.
- Set the regulator on the un-oiled port to 5 bar (0.5MPa, 70PSI)
- Check the Boxford is reasonably clean. The bed and spindle must be spotless.
- Login to Windows, start Fusion 360 and CNC.js.
- Operate the one-shot oiler on the top left of the Boxford.
- Connect the Boxford to the compressor using the un-oiled port.
- Set the oil metering pressure (top regulator) to 1 Bar (0.1MPa, 15PSI)
- Set the air jet pressure (lower regulator). Aluminium needs the highest pressure, brass the lowest; steel is similar to brass. The normal range of pressures is 1-3Bar (0.1-0.3MPa, 15-45PSI). Lower pressure means less swarf clearance, higher means you may overheat the compressor on longer jobs.
- Empty the water drains on both regulators.
- Log in to Fusion 360 and load your design.
- Mount your work piece into the Boxford!
Using CNCjs[edit]
- If CNCjs starts in an 'Alarm' state, follow the E-Stop procedure.
- Check the bed and spindle are clear to move.
- Home the machine by clicking the "Homing" button which will home all 3 axes.
- The CNC milling machine has a maximum travel of 250mm x 130mm and a vertical travel of 180mm
- Using manual movement, zero your work X and Y axes according to the Origin/Stock Point you set in your Fusion 360 setup.
- This will often be the top centre of your stock.
- Taking a photo of the relationship between the work and machine axes positions may help you recover from a crash later!
E-Stop
If the machine E-Stop has been pressed, clear the problem and reset the E-Stop button. Then use the 'Reset' and 'Unlock' buttons in CNC.js to regain manual control.
Manual movement
Set a movement rate in the 'Move' box. This is the value (in mm) that each axis will move for one keystroke, tap the keys, DO NOT HOLD THEM DOWN.
- Left / Right Arrows move X Axis
- Up / Down Arrows move Y Axis
- Page Up / Down move Z Axis
- Shift moves at 10 x speed
- Alt moves at 1/10 x speed
Running a Job[edit]
- Export the g-code for the cut from Fusion 360:
- Right-click the toolpath and click 'Post Process'
- In the pop-up window set:
- 'Post' to 'Boxford Smoothie.cps'
- Hit 'Post'
- Save .nc the file somewhere - probably to a folder with your name.
- Import the .nc file into CNC.js by pressing the big blue 'Upload G-code' button.
- Sanity check the job:
- Look at the preview window (remembering that it will be rotated 180 degrees).
- Review the Max and Min dimensions for each axis.
- Install the correct tool in the Boxford.
- Touch off on the surface using the feeler gauge.
- Set the Z-height work axis in CNCjs to the height of the feeler gauge, offset to the top of the stock.
- E.g. if using a 0.7mm feeler gauge and a 0.2mm facing cut has already been taken, set the Z height to 0.5mm.
- Double check that you have actually set the z-height correctly.
- Point the air blast at the tool.
- Run an air pass (see below) if desired.
- Click the 'Play' button.
- Check that you've loaded the correct tool and set the z-height.
- Press OK.
- Click the 'Play' button (again).
- Check that you've loaded the correct tool and set the z-height (again).
- Watch it like a hawk with your hand over the E-stop if this is the first time you've used this .nc file. Second and subsequent runs you must remain next to the boxford but don't have to watch it constantly
- Press OK.
Running an air pass
- Set the machine to move to a known Z height clear of the workpiece, record/remember this height.
- Set the Z height value to zero
- Run the job and watch to check it runs as expected
- Move the machine Z height back to the original value
- Set the Z height value back to the height above the stock
Machine Shutdown[edit]
- Remove any mounting hardware. If the vice is mounted and trammed in, that can be left in place.
- Clean the inside of the machine and the table.
- Remove any tooling from the chuck and wipe clean the holder.
- Ensure the table and head are parked in sensible places.
- Log out of Fusion 360, and shut down the PC. You will need to power off the Boxford as it tries to reboot after shutdown.
- Empty the fluid drains on the two air regulators, and disconnect the air compressor.
- Drain the air tank and put the compressor away.
- Return all collets etc to the drawers under the machine.