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Post by jddupuy on Apr 9, 2018 21:03:25 GMT -5
Okay I bought this CNC about 6 months ago and have not got it up and running yet. AXIOM AUTOROUTE 1 HOBBY. I see it is not even listed on the site anymore. I have had VCarve for sometime now. Most of the manual does not even reference the machine I have. Contacting the company has been a waste of time. Did I buy the wrong machine? Does anyone know how I get started using this machine. I don't want to dork it up even if it cost only 2K. I just need to understand setup etc. Don't know how it can determine the distance to the work on the table like the other higher cost machines do. Any help would be appreciated.
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Post by cletus on Apr 9, 2018 22:58:17 GMT -5
jd,I know you have contacted the company but have you spoken with Chad? He was so helpful with me. I am very new to cnc but I feel your pain. Are you using a small ( 4 gig? 2.0 vwersion?) usb? Have you leveled the spoilboard yet. I had to do mine manually but it can be done.. Do you have the spindle go to home when you first turn it on?Can your controller read the files on your usb? Mine would say "no files found in directory" but getting a small gig 2.0 version fixed that problem. Do you have a puck for zeroing z axis? Are you setting the center of your work as the xy axis or the left lower corner of the work? the machine must be set the same as the file you downloaded to the usb.I'll tell you my sequence of getting started. I place usb in controller port then turn on machine. I press ok to get the machine to home. Then I move the gantry in the y+ direction to get it out of my way to place my workpiece on the bed( spoilboard). you can do this before you start the machine if you want. If I use the center of my work as the xy-0 axis. establish center on your work and mark it with a dot. then manually move gantry in z then y axes until the bit is directly over your center mark. I the do a touch off by placing the puck on the mark under the bit and press tool set. it automatically moves in z- direction gently touches the puck and moves back up(z+).Then make sure spindle speed is set correctly. then press delete pause( green button on my machine) Make sure dust shoe is in place.The controller screen should read 3 choises choose usb by scrolling to it with up or down arrowsIt should show you your file in the usb stick scroll to it and press ok.
the machine may start at theis point or some numbers can come up but press ok again it should start. I know when the other guys see your problem they will jump in to help you. They are a great bunch of great guys. I have had mine for a month but have struggled ric, allan stev em fean and a whole host of others will help dont dispare. I am certainly no expert Will do what I can, You may call me at 660-626-5190 cst. good luck Keep me posted.
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Post by ricphoto on Apr 10, 2018 0:22:22 GMT -5
Don't despair JD these look a lot more daunting than they really are...getting them to run is fairly straight forward...getting them to run efficiently and effectively is where you'll have some head scratching moments but rest assured that as dead as this forum may seem there's lots of members more than willing to lend a hand especially when you can't seem to get help from the company...
The one question you did ask was how to determine the Z axis height so I will guess yours didn't come with a "puck" a little metal round thingy about an inch in diameter that connects to the machine and uses electrical pulses to establish relative height...though that is the most convenient way to accomplish this it's not the only way...(though they are available aftermarket from a number of vendors)
The older/manual way to establish Z axis height is the paper trick...mount your bit...center X and Y axis per Cletus' instructions above...log that as XY zero then take a single sheet of paper and lay it on your workpiece and SLOWLY lower the bit till the very tip of the bit catches the paper as you try and slide it out from under...set that as your Z zero...proceed to find and run your file...
In a few weeks you'll be just like Cletus running your own help hotline and humming right along wondering why you were worried ;-)
Ask specific questions...know your controller and the capabilities of your machine/router/spindle and you'll do just fine...
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Post by savannahdan on Apr 10, 2018 6:22:15 GMT -5
You should consider attending one of their workshops and making sure you get someone to go over using your machine with you. My first machine is a shark and there's no such workshop for it. I do admit that their documentation is a bit better but their support is severely lacking. Also, you might want to find out if there are any Axiom users in your area so that you can get with them on operating the cnc.
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309cnc
Junior Member
Posts: 124 
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Post by 309cnc on Apr 10, 2018 8:33:44 GMT -5
Hi jddupuy From your description I am not sure where exactly in the process you are stuck. Creating a file in VCarve? Installing and using the correct post processor resulting in the *.mmg toolpath file? Transferring the file to the machine/controller? Setting your x and y origin? Setting z height to zero? Running the file from the USB drive or controller internal memory? Other? I agree with ricphoto , the paper method of zeroing the z-height the old fashioned way with a piece of paper works just fine... I also second savannahdan. I have had a chance to attend their Vectric workshop taught by Mike Mezalick in Columbus, OH and it is definitely worth the time. PS: Most of us were likely surprised with your comment about calling support being 'a waste of time'. I am curious about who at Axiom did you talk to? Or did you call a dealer you perhaps purchased the machine from? |
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Post by stevem on Apr 10, 2018 9:48:04 GMT -5
Hi jddupuy
I also noticed that Axiom no longer lists the small hobby machine anymore. Probably just wasn't selling enough to keel stocking them.
As others have already stated, calling Chad at Axiom would be a great first step. Chad should have a manual for you to download and assist you in setting up your machine.
Once you have done that, please post your questions on this form. Everyone here is willing to assist you in getting you up and running.
The first things are always the hardest, but after that, everything will come together for you.
I don't recall the actual working envelope for your machine, but I believe it is about 12" x 18". Start with small projects, like cutting squares, letters, circles and other things like that.
What router bits do you currently have? What type of projects would you like to make?
Watch the Vectric videos as often as you can. They are some of the best out on the web. Vectric doesn't have a manual for any cnc machine. That is the responsibility of the machine manufacturer.
I do believe the A11 controller is used on the hobby machine as well as the other Axiom machines, so there are many posts on this forum as well.
I had mentioned this before, but there are some videos on the A11 controller on Youtube at Laguna tech tips, that explains how to use the A11 controller. That info is the same as in our manuals, but like many others, watching a video seems more helpful than trying to read the manual.
Don't worry, everyone here is willing to help you. It won't be long before you're making some really fantastic stuff.
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309cnc
Junior Member
Posts: 124
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Post by 309cnc on Apr 10, 2018 10:48:27 GMT -5
pretty sure the work envelope is 300 x 300mm (just under 12x12in)
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Post by cletus on Apr 10, 2018 21:57:14 GMT -5
jd, Vectric also has a workshop coming up in Chicago in Oct. that might also be helpful.Check it out on their website. Let us know how you are doing. I told you these guys are great to help us newbies out.
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:24:03 GMT -5
jd,I know you have contacted the company but have you spoken with Chad? He was so helpful with me. I am very new to cnc but I feel your pain. Are you using a small ( 4 gig? 2.0 vwersion?) usb? Have you leveled the spoilboard yet. I had to do mine manually but it can be done.. Do you have the spindle go to home when you first turn it on?Can your controller read the files on your usb? Mine would say "no files found in directory" but getting a small gig 2.0 version fixed that problem. Do you have a puck for zeroing z axis? Are you setting the center of your work as the xy axis or the left lower corner of the work? the machine must be set the same as the file you downloaded to the usb.I'll tell you my sequence of getting started. I place usb in controller port then turn on machine. I press ok to get the machine to home. Then I move the gantry in the y+ direction to get it out of my way to place my workpiece on the bed( spoilboard). you can do this before you start the machine if you want. If I use the center of my work as the xy-0 axis. establish center on your work and mark it with a dot. then manually move gantry in z then y axes until the bit is directly over your center mark. I the do a touch off by placing the puck on the mark under the bit and press tool set. it automatically moves in z- direction gently touches the puck and moves back up(z+).Then make sure spindle speed is set correctly. then press delete pause( green button on my machine) Make sure dust shoe is in place.The controller screen should read 3 choises choose usb by scrolling to it with up or down arrowsIt should show you your file in the usb stick scroll to it and press ok. Thank you for your help and clarification on a few issues. I think I am making some progress now and should be moving in the right direction. I'll report back on my efforts. Thank you for your time! the machine may start at theis point or some numbers can come up but press ok again it should start. I know when the other guys see your problem they will jump in to help you. They are a great bunch of great guys. I have had mine for a month but have struggled ric, allan stev em fean and a whole host of others will help dont dispare. I am certainly no expert Will do what I can, You may call me at 660-626-5190 cst. good luck Keep me posted. |
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:24:44 GMT -5
pretty sure the work envelope is 300 x 300mm (just under 12x12in) Yes you are correct. Thanks. |
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:26:35 GMT -5
Don't despair JD these look a lot more daunting than they really are...getting them to run is fairly straight forward...getting them to run efficiently and effectively is where you'll have some head scratching moments but rest assured that as dead as this forum may seem there's lots of members more than willing to lend a hand especially when you can't seem to get help from the company... The one question you did ask was how to determine the Z axis height so I will guess yours didn't come with a "puck" a little metal round thingy about an inch in diameter that connects to the machine and uses electrical pulses to establish relative height...though that is the most convenient way to accomplish this it's not the only way...(though they are available aftermarket from a number of vendors) The older/manual way to establish Z axis height is the paper trick...mount your bit...center X and Y axis per Cletus' instructions above...log that as XY zero then take a single sheet of paper and lay it on your workpiece and SLOWLY lower the bit till the very tip of the bit catches the paper as you try and slide it out from under...set that as your Z zero...proceed to find and run your file... In a few weeks you'll be just like Cletus running your own help hotline and humming right along wondering why you were worried ;-) Ask specific questions...know your controller and the capabilities of your machine/router/spindle and you'll do just fine... I appreciate your instructions as yes I must use the manual method. Don't know if I can buy a puck and plug it into mine or not. Need to investigate that. I tested out the paper method and it worked like a charm. Thank you! |
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:31:11 GMT -5
Hi jddupuy I also noticed that Axiom no longer lists the small hobby machine anymore. Probably just wasn't selling enough to keel stocking them. As others have already stated, calling Chad at Axiom would be a great first step. Chad should have a manual for you to download and assist you in setting up your machine. Once you have done that, please post your questions on this form. Everyone here is willing to assist you in getting you up and running. The first things are always the hardest, but after that, everything will come together for you. I don't recall the actual working envelope for your machine, but I believe it is about 12" x 18". Start with small projects, like cutting squares, letters, circles and other things like that. What router bits do you currently have? What type of projects would you like to make? Watch the Vectric videos as often as you can. They are some of the best out on the web. Vectric doesn't have a manual for any cnc machine. That is the responsibility of the machine manufacturer. I do believe the A11 controller is used on the hobby machine as well as the other Axiom machines, so there are many posts on this forum as well. I had mentioned this before, but there are some videos on the A11 controller on Youtube at Laguna tech tips, that explains how to use the A11 controller. That info is the same as in our manuals, but like many others, watching a video seems more helpful than trying to read the manual. Don't worry, everyone here is willing to help you. It won't be long before you're making some really fantastic stuff. Wow! lots of good information. Yes I figured the smaller machine was just not big enough. I'm wanting to do stuff on small keepsake like boxes so that's why I went for it. Maybe upgrade later as the need appears. And thanks for the info on video, web etc. I think I just need to get familiar with all the new terms with CNC,s, the software and just getting the performance seat time in using the machine. Great on the A11 controller. have a bit of reading and learning ahead of me. Thanks again for your time, understanding and direction. |
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:32:07 GMT -5
Hi jddupuy From your description I am not sure where exactly in the process you are stuck. Creating a file in VCarve? Installing and using the correct post processor resulting in the *.mmg toolpath file? Transferring the file to the machine/controller? Setting your x and y origin? Setting z height to zero? Running the file from the USB drive or controller internal memory? Other? I agree with ricphoto , the paper method of zeroing the z-height the old fashioned way with a piece of paper works just fine... I also second savannahdan . I have had a chance to attend their Vectric workshop taught by Mike Mezalick in Columbus, OH and it is definitely worth the time. PS: Most of us were likely surprised with your comment about calling support being 'a waste of time'. I am curious about who at Axiom did you talk to? Or did you call a dealer you perhaps purchased the machine from? |
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:35:23 GMT -5
Hi jddupuy From your description I am not sure where exactly in the process you are stuck. Creating a file in VCarve? Installing and using the correct post processor resulting in the *.mmg toolpath file? Transferring the file to the machine/controller? Setting your x and y origin? Setting z height to zero? Running the file from the USB drive or controller internal memory? Other? I agree with ricphoto , the paper method of zeroing the z-height the old fashioned way with a piece of paper works just fine... I also second savannahdan . I have had a chance to attend their Vectric workshop taught by Mike Mezalick in Columbus, OH and it is definitely worth the time. PS: Most of us were likely surprised with your comment about calling support being 'a waste of time'. I am curious about who at Axiom did you talk to? Or did you call a dealer you perhaps purchased the machine from? The steps you mention above I have jotted down so if I get stuck at one of them I will let you know. Yes I need to attend a workshop no doubt. I had left about 5 messages at their tech line and never got a call back. Maybe I got lost in their system. Just never could reach a live person, always and answering machine. Thanks so much for your additional direction as I am sure it has provided me with a roadmap of steps to pay attention too! Thank you! |
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Post by jddupuy on Apr 10, 2018 22:36:29 GMT -5
jd, Vectric also has a workshop coming up in Chicago in Oct. that might also be helpful.Check it out on their website. Let us know how you are doing. I told you these guys are great to help us newbies out. Thanks for your support! Yes I was surprised at all the response I got. |
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Post by Axiom Tool Group on Apr 26, 2018 10:46:48 GMT -5
JD, We are sorry to hear that you are having some trouble getting started. Even more so that we may have let you down by not responding to your messages.
Please feel free to email me directly at cmccarty@axiomtoolgroup.com
If you can let me know where you need assistance, I'm more than happy to help you get going.
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