I have the XL Hotwire CNC from Hotwire Foam Factory, I have a new controller (Jackpot by V1 Engineering) running FluidNC that I will be using. I know that there are a couple of things that I will need to do to get this up an running, but I am wondering if I can run my hotwire using Gsender. The current GCode I am Producing only has X and Y, it is 4 axis capable but this is using 2 individual tower arms. To not get to much in the weeds for now I would just like to get the 2 Axis mode working.
Is there a way I can set the software up to only run those without the Z? I know the laser feature exists but I’m wondering if there will be an issue with trying to run it like this.
To start, you should search on fluidnc and gsender. There are a few threads on using gSender with controllers running fluidnc. In short, it is not fully supported, but it can work.
As far are no Z moves, if there are no Z commands in the gcode, gSender will not by trying to move the Z axis. I run laser gcode in gSender frequently. It does not cause any issue since there are no Z moves in the gcode.
That’s awesome to hear, Thank you so much! I am currently in the process of connecting the MX4660 4 Axis Stepper Driver to a control board. I currently have 3 options of BTT SKR-PRO-V1.2, V1 Engineering Jackpot Board as I said above and an Arduino Mega 2560. If my goal is to us Gsender, should I use one of those other boards as a controller and put GRBL/GRBLHAL on it? This is just general thoughts while I have everything open and nothing finalized.
@captainpda You are way beyond my competence level. I’m sure that others here will be able to contribute. If you need anything more, open a support ticket with Sienci. I’m sure that they will be able to advise you.
From my experience, if you are looking to put in a new controller/Grbl take the opportunity to step up to GrblHAL as it is a) newer and better supported, and b) multi-axis natively for when you are ready for that step. I don’t know if there is a GrblHAL port on Atmel 2560, I opted for a Teensy 4.1 processor module in a Phil Barrett break-out-board as this gave a much better IO support (with opto-isolated IO, relay control pins, and external stepper driver sockets).
My project was up-rating an older ShapeOKO CNC, not a hot-wire machine, and I have XYYZA axes, but the concepts are broadly similar.
I can’t comment on not using Z, other than watching for calibration/homing to ensure Z is excluded so the machine doesn’t fail to get homing signals. This is a config issue, not a full GrblHAL rebuild to my knowledge and understanding (such config as can be done through gSender)
I’m sure that others here will be able to contribute. If you need anything more, open a support ticket with Sienci. I’m sure that they will be able to advise you.