Here's a video of shapeoko + grbl parsing gcode being streamed from my Dell Mini9. (You can download the gcode below.)

Clearly something is not right. However, the job will run identically, which makes me think that it's a simple software tweak as opposed to something more devistating like a hardware problem.

Another positive sign is the fact that the z-axis height seems to be working just fine. This particular g-code calls for a clearance height of 6.25mm and a target depth of -1mm. Both of which seemed to be consistent throughout the job.
helloworld.gcode
File Size: 11 kb
File Type: gcode
Download File
 
 
Here is a short video of ShapeOko drawing a box via grbl and hyperterminal. There is still a lot of work to do before this project is "production" ready. But it's really nice to make some progress every once in a while.

The current setup includes:
CNC Controller: Arduino running grbl
Stepper Controllers: Easy Drivers
Stepper Motors: 65oz/in bipolar
Linear Rails: Salvaged from previous builds
Power Supply: 24v 150W
Frame: Custom Designed Laser Cut 1/4" MDF (from ponoko.com)
Z Axis Mount/Slide: 3D Printed Custom Design (from shapeways.com)

If anyone has an idea as to what is causing the wobble in the y-axis, please let me know. I'm open for suggestions :)
 
 
After a busy holiday season, it looks like we're back to work:

eps files have been uploaded to Ponoko, and can be found by searching for "ShapeOko". From there you can order. It wasn't exactly necessary but removes one step of the process for anyone looking to build their own mill. Instead of having to upload the files, you can just add them to your cart, and go. Also, the files are freely available to anyone either through ponoko or through the forum here.

Does anyone have experience releasing something under an open source license of an sort? After giving this some though I'd really like to get an official release method but don't really know where to start. Suggestions are welcome.

Machine progress update:
  • grbl is loaded on my arduino!
  • replicatorG is loaded up and (hopefully) configured correctly on my PC.
I will have some time tonight to test this out, so everyone please keep your fingers crossed. I'll report back tomorrow.
 
 
I have managed to find some time during the holiday season to work on the mill. Here's a recap:
  • Soldered the EasyDrivers down to a protoboard, and ran the appropriate wires, bringing out the power, step, and dir from each one. I'll get a picture of that up soon.
  • Still working on configuring grbl. I've email Simen again trying to clarify a few things. Hopefully he gets back to me soon.
  • Posted the updated set of drawing files on the forum (including STEP, DXF, PDF, and the EPS nest.
  • Posted link to shapeways
  • Looking at embedding a 3D model using Autodesk's Project Freewheel
  • Used myNesting to product semi-efficient nests. They are in beta now, so all of the nests are free! A very good service if you're looking for a simple nesting solution.
 
Update: Mill 11/23/2009
 
There is a point in every project’s build cycle that puts you face to face with the details you have procrastinated. This is the time that you need to focus, keep scope, budget, and timeframe in mind, and make some tough decisions. For me, this time came over the weekend.

From the time I received the first nest from Ponoko, I started thinking about points of failure and then possible design changes. I plugged away, carefully assembling what I could without fully committing myself. In retrospect, I was just buying time I think, time to convince myself that I should change the design, that I should fix some inconsequential mistakes, that I should start over.

Then I glued the main box together, it scared the crap out of me clamping the pieces together and waiting for it to dry. One thing i really liked about the designed made from steel was the fact that you can unbolt them! With glue... well it's sort of permanent. Everything worked out just fine. So I glued the uprights in place, then I glued the cross supports in place. Then there was only one item left to glue, and I glued it.

Now I'm on to the hard part: The electronics. It's so frustrating/exciting to dive into something you know so little about, it's difficult to know where to start. However, working through the reference material I'm reminded of why I like projects so much: Learning!