I am new to cnc but old in age (75). I have tried a surfacing gcode but no luck. I can’t set the project limits without it not opperating. I can get Y so that it goes the correct distance but not X. It is correct on the left side but 1.5 inches off on right. I have tried everything. I am ready to throw in the towel pretty soon. I bougt a SPEtool 2.5 bit, but I wonder if that is not workable. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am desperate.
Hello Randall,
Oh I wish I was only a block away from ya, to look at this over a cupper.
I however am not the best one to have over for this. My machine isn’t an altmil, my machine does not have limit switches and I use an anchient version of gsender. All you have and all I have does not match, but one. We tend to think we are far away from the solution when we cannot find the solution to a problem.
Your solution is to breathe, the neighbours are close and willing to help. Please do not dispare and open a ticket with the good people of sienci. You are so close to having an amazing machine that will bring you many joy. Just one hurdle. How to open a ticket.
Use the contact form below:
And while waiting, browse around on the page below, because patience is a thing when waiting with a ticket in hand.
But whatever you do, do not throw in the towel this close to a victory. You can beat this and the reward will be so sweet!
I hope others with direct helpful tips will tune in, but this is as much as I can nudge you towards at least some source of help. You’re almost there!
I hope to see you post awesome projects soon.
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Why don’t you supply some more info about what you are trying to do? I am sure there will be many people chiming in to get you going.
What do you mean by ‘project limits’?
What machine are you using? Is it a Sienci machine? If so, which one?
What software do you use to drive the machine? gSender ?
How do you generate the gcode for surfacing? gSender?
What SPEtool bit did you get (I am not aware of anything from SPE labled as ‘2.5’)?
@rratcliff69 If you meant the Spetool 2.5" surfacing bit, that’s way too big, especially if you’re just starting out. I’d use a maximum diameter of 1.5". But really, you should go with a smaller bit like 1" or the Sienci 22mm until you are comfortable with the machine.
On the Altmill, the spindle gets pretty close to the rails. A 2.5" bit might just hit the rails. It was getting uncomfortably close with my 1.5" bit.
Are you using the gSender surfacing module? There are specific instructions for it. And if you want to surface your entire spoilboard, they suggest turning off limits. If you do this, the 2.5" bit will cause you grief. I would not use it. Ever.
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@rratcliff69 And take @Spamming_Eddie’s advice. Take a deep breath, take it slow, and come here to ask questions.
It’s easy to get buyer’s remorse with your CNC. You just have to be patient. Give yourself some time.
Seems I didn’t read the original post completely … it said Altmill in the heading so I am assuming you are using gSender to talk to it. I read the post 3 times looking for a mention of the equipment - looks like senility has me in it’s ugly grasp 
Also, as @Chucky_ott said, even an experienced operator would think 3 times before using a 2.5" surfacing bit if that is what you were trying to do (just don’t). Besides it being dangerous, the 1.5kW spindle really doesn’t have enough power for that bit.
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@rratcliff69 I just double-checked the distances on my Altmill with the limits disabled. The centreline of the spindle is at 1.25" from the side rail. A 2.5" bit might just touch the rail. Return the 2.5" bit and buy something smaller.
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