Axyz millennium

[petesos]

Hi Guys
First time back for a while, but in the process of buying this axyz cnc ,does any people have any comments good or bad about these machines and are they a capable machine.
It has a 1.0 mtr 1.0 mtr bed and looks like a solid machine but would love to hear any good or bad points.
Petesos

[routerdriver]

I don't have knowledge of that particular machine,but my AXYZ experience would suggest that you need to be sure that all relevant software is part of the package.You need to determine how the program is sent to the machine and what operating system it was intended to run with.I would hope a manual is part of the package and it ought to include any calibration data.Do you have the means to generate a toolpath for the machine?

[petesos]

Don't have a manual with it yet , think I will need to source one bud, I have got it wired up and it goes through the process of finding its limits on the bed but am not sure how to raise and lower the spindle.
The computer has all the ayxz software on it but no vectric software yet ( cut3d ) .
Am just thinking can I, and what it would involve getting it to run with mach3 as I have used that in the past, anyone know if this can be done , also am not sure on the collet size. Any help on this machine would be great

[routerdriver]

This thread may be of some help https://www.cnczone.com/forums/commercial-cnc-wood-routers/366118-cnc-cad-cam-autocad-software-forum.html .You shouldn't need Mach 3 if the machine is able to move and I believe you are describing a homing routine.The computer that you seem to have got with the machine will have some kind of software to send the code to the controller,any idea what it is?
Unless you already have it,there isn't a need for Aspire unless you have plans to cut 3D most of the time.Vcarve will work with 3D .stl files and it costs less to upgrade Vcarve to Aspire than you might think.

Be very cautious about using the machine until you have a good idea about such things as the reference height used for the last job.It may be unneccessary to make the point,but it might be sensible to run with no collet and no tool until you are confident that no harm will result.

[petesos]

Thanks for the reply bud, really appreciate your help.
Am going to post some photos of what is on the computer as it is and a video

[petesos]

I forgot how to post a video

[petesos]

31968
This is my home screen

[routerdriver]

If the operating system is XP,you may get away with what you have there.Toolpath can be used to create toolpaths from imported .dxf files and you need a particular mindset to use it.It is said to be robust and reliable in that context but I have only used it to transfer files to the controller.Between Toolpath and the machine's control electronics,you don't have to get hold of anything else,as long as the machine is like the only example I have experience of (a 6010).

If the machine didn't come with a cable to connect the computer to the controller-maybe an RS485 is involved,that is a vital piece of equipment,as is the Toolpath manual.If you are really good at using Google,there may be an old copy online somewhere for reference.It will tell you which of the functions that are accessed from the controller relate to the work you are trying to do.

For collets,you need to know which family the spindle uses and then you can fairly easily buy those which may be useful.If you compare one of yours with perhaps an ER 20 it may be a guide.It may be as large as an ER32 but you need to measure what you have or refer to the manual you don't have.....

I say again,don't run a program until you are sure it won't go through the spoilboard.

[petesos]

Hi bud
Thank you for your help , but do I still need to install a software program that will enable me to write a program ie the name of a sign or something that I then send to toolpath don't I

I have the cable that goes from the computer to the cnc , I finally managed to download a manual,

I think it's a 32 collet as it is about 32mm so I need to invest in a set .

In order to start writing a program for a design any ideas on a good program vcarve Pro is not supported on this computer so any simple software would do.

[routerdriver]

Lets begin with the collet;this page should give you the information https://littlemachineshop.com/info/er_collet_sizes.php

To create a program you need some geometry and in the distant past we could do this by typing Gcode in a text file.It still works if you have the patience,but it is very slow and not hard to make a mistake.You could use the Toolpath software you have to create the code for an imported .dxf file-good luck if you do try that.Alternatively you can use one of the Vectric programs to either import the same .dxf and then produce the Gcode or you can use the geometry creation aspect to create your own.The select the tools for the operation you are carrying out,select the relevant geometry and tell the software to calculate the part in question.There may be several operations such as pockets or internal cutouts as well as an external shape.All of these can be turned into Gcode by using the post processor for your AXYZ machine.You will need to save this as a .nc file and use the Toolpath software to send it to the controller.

Do not try to run any program until you understand the following functions F4 F8 F9 and F12.Even then,run the first attempt with no tool just to stay safe.

[petesos]

Thank you Routerdriver
Really appreciate your help bud, I really do ,Thank you
Going to have another go tomorrow evening and will keep you updated and will post a few photos on here on the progress.
Pete

[petesos]

Hi all
One more question. Will axyz toolpath software work on Windows 10 before I go and buy it.

[routerdriver]

The screenshot of your computer suggests that you already have it.Have you ever clicked on the icon to check? Quite a few years ago I heard that Toolpath wouldn't work with Windows 7! AXYZ may prefer you to buy some newer software.Whether you actually need to is something you may determine after trying to use what already appears to be available.

[petesos]

Hi bud
Yes I have it and I have only managed to send one file over so far using toolpath as I have only seen the lights on the box RS485 come on once so am not sure if it's a faulty box but I am not a 100% sure if I maybe doing something wrong in the software, can you talk me through the process of sending a file across to the cnc and how I should be doing it and the right format .
Cnc shop wanted £485 for the RS485 box but found a new one on ebay for £45 even if it's not the box it can be a spare .
I forgot how much fun all this was lol

[routerdriver]

If you managed to send a file,you've cracked it!Its a year or two since I had to fight Toolpath and I wasn't using it to create programs.I suggest you try not to as well,it is from a very different time and may well have an 8 character file name length limit which was common in the days before Windows 95...
If you can see the files already in the controller you can assume the comms side of things is correctly set up.To send a file you have to select it then go to output-Send-Transmit.It isn't a fast process as I believe it has a 9600 baud rate-again a legacy from earlier times.
When you get to creating your own programs you need to find some software that can post process to a suitable file format I believe.nc is the preferred type but .txt will probably work.

If you have a manual it will tell you how to determine tool length,although they describe it as qualifying the tool.You absolutely have to understand the use of F4 and F8 before cutting anything.If its going wrong then F9 is the function you need.

[petesos]

Am on it bud
This is going to be one hell of a learning curve for me, just a thought is there anyway of brining it into the 20th century . Just a thought.
Am writing a program in v carve Pro and saving it to a stick ready for transferring tomorrow I will do one in nc and one in tex and see how we get on with it

[petesos]

Bingo and just like that , it's all working perfectly.
Write the program what I want in v,carve Pro and send it across. Perfect.
Just took delivery of some lovely white marble slabs 400x400x25mm and that will be on my list of things to do very soon.
One cock up I did make is to order a full set of ER 32 collets
and it's only ER 20 , bugger .
Thank you Routerdriver for all your input with this machine, really couldn't have done it without your support.

[routerdriver]

Good to know it worked out.Make haste slowly and be careful when working with material of a different thickness.

[petesos]

Exactly Routerdriver
Small steps, one at a time,
But two things that baffles me is how do you get the suds working, the pot on top of the machine is full but and have tried it while working and stopped but no suds come through.
And secondly I want to grease all the rails but there is not enough room to get a standard size grease gun in to grease everything or is it a certain type that I need to get.

[routerdriver]

I know nothing about suds,there might be a setting in Vcarve that would activate it if there isn't a tap.Are you sure it isn't an autolube system?

For greasing the rails you will need a special nozzle and AXYZ will be delighted to sell you one.Store it carefully because they aren't exactly cheap.

[petesos]

Hi Bud
The switch on the back of the head has three settings. Auto.Hand. and off , I will have a look on vcarve Pro.
I will have a look on the axyx site .
Cheers bud

[petesos]

Any idea what post processer that should be used with this machine I have it on AXYZ Arcs mm *nc just now and carver a flourish , the roughing program went perfect but when I ran the finishing program it turned out like a mad rabbit with a dremel had attacked it lol .

[routerdriver]

That wold be my choice of post processor too.Check the tool parameters perhaps.The other thing might be to use "Vector Validator" to see if any entities aren't joined.

[petesos]

Cheers bud

[petesos]

Everything is working as it should......Except if I send a 3d relief to the machine, the roughing process is done as it should but when I upload the finishing process the machine does it in a sort of fashion but misses quite a lot of it ??? Any ideas how to fix this or am I doing something wrong .
The whole programme is created in Vcarve Pro in one process.

I be baffled

[routerdriver]

I'd be taking a look at the parameters for the finishing cut.It might be that the stepover settings for the tool need to be reduced to a much smaller value.

[petesos]

3197631976

Sorry for the bad piece of wood but it's only testing.
This is how it comes out in the finishing,

I have tried it out from two computers that have cut 3d on and the same thing happens, I have checked the tool parameters and they seem OK, but I am baffled.

All writing is good ( perfect ) . Roughing is good . Just the finishing and I am at a loss.

[routerdriver]

How about a screenshot of the Vcarve simulation?Come to that,have you tried asking for help on the Vectric forum?You have arrived at the point where the machine starts,stops and moves in response to the instructions it receives.I have a feeling that the problem has it's roots in a Vcarve setting.

[petesos]

31977

This what happened tonight

[routerdriver]

Thats not too bad,is it what you were expecting?I'm guessing you did a tool change and there may be a very slight discrepancy in the tool length for one of them.For 3D work it isn't uncommon to use a smaller tool for some of the fine detail,but this leaves you with a very long sequence so what I do is to introduce a new layer for boundaries and create outlines around the areas that need the finer detail and use those boundaries to restrict the smaller tool to those areas.Which leads us back to the point about tool length,if it isn't accurate you will have a step to sand out and lose.A tool length sensor is a wonderful thing to have as it deals with the actual tool length-no need to adjust Z datum or introduce errors from a pre-setter.

Odd that only two of us find the topic interesting and nobody else seems interested isn't it?

[petesos]

Right I will have a play with that bud , yes I did notice the lack of input ������

[Neale]

Right I will have a play with that bud , yes I did notice the lack of input

I suspect that one reason is that this is a commercially-built machine and not many forum members are familiar with it. I have absolutely no idea myself!

However, the first thing that comes to mind is how you are setting tool height when switching between tools. This has to be done very carefully for obvious reasons and I don't know how you are achieving this. Is there a tool setter? Quick-change tool holders? Tool changer? Competely manual?

I have used Vectric Vcarve quite a lot and it is my go-to tool for woodworking projects (I use Fusion 360 and Solid Edge for engineering jobs). I have done a bit of relief carving for various projects but too long ago to remember all the Vcarve toolpath generation options. Can you post screen grabs of your Vcarve CAM settings for the roughing and finishing passes? Might help give a bit of insight into what's going on.

[petesos]

Success.
Well after many trial runs and a lot of head scratching and walking to and from the workshop I finally realised what I was doing wrong.
When the roughing cut has been done and I need to change from a 6mm end mill to a 3mm bullnose and reset toolheight I was entering the new tool height and resetting the tool bottom and resetting tool height when I didn't need to and the last couple of jobs I have Done by only setting the new tool and just pressing enter everything is working perfect .
So regardless of me thinking it's a crap machine and not fit for purpose as in many cases I am sure that it boils down to operator error, its just we get so involved with the problem that we don't see where we are going wrong .
I wonder how often this happens in our lives .
ONE HAPPY CHAPIE
A big thank you Routerdriver

[routerdriver]

Glad to help.I had similar battles as I got to grips with the AXYZ way of doing things.There really was no need for a load of new hardware and software once you delve a bit deeper.How long was it taking to transfer the longer sequences?

[petesos]

Transfer from PC to machine probably takes about 2 or 3 minutes with a size of 200mmx200mm .
Just one more question, on the axyz software it also has dnc files settings, what a all that about , tried googling them but just came up with dance moves Lol

[routerdriver]

I've never found a reason to use DNC.It is an abbreviation of Drect Numerical Control.Back in the days when a Sinclair Spectrum was a useful home computer,there was often very little memory in a controller and this was a way to use the memory and processor of a computer to control the sending of the code.

[petesos]

Perfect bud
I won't be using that at all now or even trying to use it as everything is working fine.
Cheers bud

[petesos]

Hi all
I have identified a problem that I can't get my head round.

If I write a pocket program in vcarve Pro the software simulation shows a pocket then I save it to a memory stick and send it to the machine . The machine only cuts an outline of the pocket and doesn't do the pocket.
I have watched countless videos on YouTube and followed them exactly but the machine still only cuts the outline of the pocket, any idea's would be appreciated as to what is wrong

[routerdriver]

The obvious question is whether you had ticked the boxes of all operations before you post processed the data.Unless you do,you might not have included all phases of the intended operation.

[petesos]

Hi bud
Am sure I did but I will double check with that tomorrow as the Mrs is on my back as I have been in the shed all day lol

[petesos]

Hi again
Well I made sure all the boxes were ticked, I changed from offset to raster , I have cut direction on climb and using a 6mm end mill cutting 4mm deep and she still only cuts a single line down to the set depth.......mystified

[routerdriver]

I wouldn't use climb cutting without a fairly powerful reason.For specific Vectric advice I think you would have a wider range of experience to call on at either of these:

https://forum.vectric.com/

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/vectric/

[Neale]

I'm a Vectric user but have never seen this problem. Any chance of screen shots showing all the configuration parameters when you set up the toolpath?

But the more specialist forums might help, as suggested above.

[petesos]

Got it.
As always I am sure I am not the only one that creates our own problems because we try to find a reason and try to sort a problem that we miss the obvious that is staring us right in the face Routerdriver. Man I was getting stressed over this simple problem, I know it sounds bad but I didn't even think ( shameful ) to ask vectric support, don't know why either but in 5 minutes it was all sorted and all working perfect.
Now I just need to sort out the optical box that sends it to the machine but it works .

[petesos]

I'm a Vectric user but have never seen this problem. Any chance of screen shots showing all the configuration parameters when you set up the toolpath?

But the more specialist forums might help, as suggested above.
Hi Neale
All sorted bud
What I was doing is on my old cnc using mac3 I would write a program in vectric and send it to the chinky machine and it would just cut a pocket and that's what I was used to doing, but on this new machine using axyz stuff , I write the program in vectric to do the pocket and now I have to save two toolpaths and what was happening is I was only sending one toolpath and that was the final cutting toolpath not the clearing toolpath, the problem was right in front of me and didn't see it , but all sorted now and I am hanging my head in shame over it ,
Thank for the imput bud
Pete

[Neale]

I can understand the problem - I use both Vcarve (for 2D machining) and Fusion 360 (for more complex "engineering" jobs) and they handle this kind of thing differently so you have to stop and think each time! I have just made a brass plaque - engraved, holes drilled, outside cut and chamfered - which involved 5 different tools. So 5 separate toolpaths as Vcarve can't cope with multiple tools in one gcode file unless it believes the machine has a toolchanger (as far as I can see) where F360 can mix; my machines are set up to pause for a manual tool change so that works for me.

I presume that you are using different tools for roughing and finishing? If you are using the same tool, you should be able to combine them in one file.

But you've found the trick, so it won't happen again! Probably :smile:

[petesos]

:thumsup:

[routerdriver]

How about a link to the thread on the Vectric forum?If somebody else comes along with the same problem,we can send them straight there.

[petesos]

How about a link to the thread on the Vectric forum?If somebody else comes along with the same problem,we can send them straight there.

Good idea but I don't know how to do it bud

[routerdriver]

You could copy and paste the url of the page with the answers.In the meantime,I'm guessing that you hadn't ticked the boxes for all the sequences when you post processed.

[petesos]

Hi bud
Well what was happening is although All the boxes were ticked only one set of gcode was being sent to the machine, so how I do it now is send a clearing file and when that's done I send the finish file that sharpens up the final cut, not how I used to do it but it works fine .
I do have a small issue but it's not a problem is when I send the file to the machine with the axyz software it won't send another file unless I disconnect the 486 optical sensor and then reconnect it and then it sends it but I need to do it every time I try to send a new file to the machine, I thought it may be the optical sensor so I bought another one but I need to get the installation disc from somewhere.
Any ideas on this
Pete

[petesos]

Well folks
This is for anyone who wants to try carving letters into stone with there router but using water to prolong the life of the tool.
This was my solution to carving a piece of white marble, more pictures to come and a video of my process 319953199631996
I made meself a water tight box that fits under the gantry of my cnc and sealed it all round , put my piece of marble inside and wedged it on four sides then filled it with water so it covers the stone by about 5mm and then just let her go .
More photos to follow

[petesos]

31997

[petesos]

https://youtu.be/1bpTiWU2fL0?feature=shared

[petesos]

31998
Not to shabby for an hours work

[Killiwatt]

I have the same machine and would like to talk about how you're making out with yours. I'm having some spindle speed issues with mine.

[petesos]

The machine is working good just now and getting use to it , I am cutting aluminium. Stone.wood and I am happy with the results, am happy with it .
What problems you having bud ???

[Killiwatt]

The machine is working good just now and getting use to it , I am cutting aluminium. Stone.wood and I am happy with the results, am happy with it .
What problems you having bud ???

Having a couple of issues is all.

Firstly, my machine doesn't do the warm up routine when I first start it up and I'm wondering if this is a glitch or if the Millenium does not do this feature. Also, when I call an F2 to start the spindle, it gives me the choice of Auto, On or Off as it is supposed to but once I click "On" it doesn't then give me the option to set the speed. Again, wondering if this is just a software specific feature for the bigger machines.
As it stands, I can manually start my spindle which turns on and ramps up to about 900 rpm but I can't change the speed at all.

The bigger issue is that I'm having trouble getting the RS485 convertor to work. I am using after market convertors because I have a really tough time paying $800 for a $25 dollar part and I can't believe that there is anything proprietary about the convertor having a fair bit of experience with this protocol in the past. I was wondering what convertor your machine was using and what the exact wiring pinout you have working.
If I can get DNC to talk to the machine then I would be able to load some test code with a high rpm value and see if the spindle does indeed ramp to that speed.

Other than these issues, I'm thrilled with this machine. I come from a company that owned a couple of the bigger AXYZ's as well as two Multicam machines and I have to say that this little Millenium is the best value small footprint I've ever seen. Not sure how far you've gotten into yours but the construction of these things is first rate!

Thanks for your time on this, any help or guidance you can give is much appreciated!! I have parts to make!!!!
Ken

[Killiwatt]

After I sent you that private message I was able to get most of my problems sorted.

I now have the machine talking to Windows 10 through a cheap RS485 convertor that took me three tries (two blown convertors and 1 5 amp fuse) to figure out.
Turns out the red wire coming from the AXYZ RS485 D9 connector is 5vdc and was used to power the original proprietary converter as back in the days these hooked up to serial port which had no power. Of course, modern USB supplies 5v power to the device so I just used the green and white cables as send and receive and then the black as ground. Left the red power cable out of the mix altogether. Had to reverse green and white but once I did, it connected seamlessly. There was a bit of messing about with the comm port number in the laptop setup as well. Was a strange mental trip back to the late 90's for that bit but once the fog cleared I figured it out.

Finally connected, it was brought to my attention that there was no OS installed on the machine but I have a disc image courtesy of my friend who has a 5' x 10' version of the same vintage that has every possible file and driver that you could need for these machines and I was able to upload the OS easily. Once that was successful the machine automatically ran the warm up protocol that was missing and I now have full control of the spindle.

I'm using the DNC software(taken from the same disc) to send the files across to the machine. Works flawlessly.

I put Google Drive Desktop on the machines laptop(which I do for all my machines) and now the files I generate on my MAC in Fusion 360 are available via the cloud. No USB stick needed.

Was able to run a file of mine but I know it was wrong. I put this down to the post process. I need to do some work on that tomorrow and get it sorted.
I also have to figure out the setting of heights and surfaces as I git that wrong but i built in quite a bit of tolerance so no damage done.

WIll cut some basic shapes to confirm calibration once I figure it out and will let you know how that goes.

Fantastic machine all 'round. I really like that once the file is loaded onto the machine the laptop is no longer involved. As an owner of a Stepcraft 600, two Chinesium machines and an old Grizzly Mill CNC conversion(all running UCCNC) this is by far the best of the bunch(the Grizzly would be second). When I first got the machine I was fully prepared to convert the entire electronics package to UCCNC and ethernet control but I'm glad I stuck this out. These are serious controllers and would be hard to beat.

If you want a copy of this disc image, I'd be happy to dropbox it to you or anyone needing files for these machines.

I have a number of manuals too. they are huge and have not been scanned yet but could be done.

[petesos]

Hi bud
Glad your machine is working well, and yes they are one hell of a well built machine I am over the moon with mine But it wasn't always like this, if I hadn't had the support from routerdriver on this site I could of ended up in a padded cell.
I would be interested in a manual for this machine as I have nothing and e everything I do is trial and error, pm me if we can sort a manual out. That would be good.
Pete

[Killiwatt]

Pete, do you have the function processes manual. I have one and could easily scan and upload for you.
I also have two gigantic manuals but one is a studies manual from a school course, haven't gone through that one much yet but not sure how useful it would be.
I also have a complete Toolpath manual and I believe a copy of said as well.
I don't use Toolpath for much so happy to part with one.
Let me know what you think.
I'll check and see what is on the disc I have as well. There is a bunch of support material on there as well.
Ken

[routerdriver]

I remain convinced that Toolpath is a very useful program for sending files to the controller and wouldn't advise exploring it's capabilities beyond that if you have access to a more recent CAM program.In a way,DNC is similar in that it sends the Gcode from the computer to the controller and doesn't involve the archaic process of toolpath creation that is packaged within Toolpath.It does have a certain nostalgia value in that respect.A full list of the various F functions is a handy thing to have and may impress you with the amount of control available with the machine.

[Killiwatt]

One thing that Toolpath was invaluable for was in figuring out what was wrong with my post coming out of Fusion 360.

A simple test rectangle was adding circles at each corner of the part as a means to transition to the next cut instead of just "turning the corner" as one would expect.
Turns out the AXYZ post(version 44083) has a "Built In" maximum circle radius of 1000 which when reduced to 0.001 eliminated the circles at the corners. This can be found under Post Properties, Built Ins.
Nothing would show this anomaly until I opened the code in Toolpath. Then it was as obvious as the day is long.
Now I only use Toolpath to do a quick check of the toolpath to make sure it is clean and to be honest once I figured it out I haven't been back to Toolpath at all.
I'm using DNC exclusively for transfering files to the PC and once they are there I can essentially turn the PC off. I've found the transfer times to be pretty quick but I've yet to do anything really complex.
Did a bunch of test cuts and some path tracing of letters, some chamfering both of features and lines and everything is dead accurate, Very happy at this point.

[Killiwatt]

Update
Machine is fully functional now and I ve made a vacuum hold down table for it that works like a charm.
I have a bunch of pictures but can't seem to get them to upload here.
The AXYZ ZIP file I have has everything you need to get one of these things going including OS, Toolpath, DNC, manuals etc.
I'm happy to forward this disc image to anyone who may need it.
Just have to finish my drawers and the panel work and it will be done.
K

[routerdriver]

Its good to know there is a satisfied user out there.I have a feeling there will be occasional requests for your stash of relevant data for years to come.I'm a little surprised that the circular transition from one part of the cut to the next came as a shock to you as this has been the common way to do it for some time,it means the machine continues cutting on the optimised trajectory instead of halting at the end of a straight move and then beginning a new move.In other words it removes a deceleration and subsequent acceleration phase from two moves as well as permitting a slightly shorter distance to be covered.It might not matter for a handful of one off items but if you had a couple of thousand items to cut,we might be looking at a saving of a few days.

[Neale]

In fact, most people seem to have the opposite problem! "My machine seems to judder its way round a cut and the whole machine keeps shaking." The answer is to allow this kind of corner-rounding although how you do so depends on your control software. There is usually a "tolerance" setting as well which affects just how much error you will allow - absolute accuracy means full stop-start but is seldom needed. How much tolerance you allow is very machine- and case-dependent, though!