test pattern, please evaluate

Mostly Printed CNC - MPCNC Advice
#1

I’ve used my mpcnc to cut large things (on the scale of inches), but it seems to be not so good at small things. I mainly see the problem with small text. I’m attaching a jpg of a test pattern which has shapes and text. The shapes look pretty good - parallel sides, correct size. The text seems a bit squiggly. I went back and adjusted the gantry as described in the assembly documentation - make sure all bearings are touching, etc.

Please look at the output and tell me if you think this is as good as I can hope for, or is something clearly amiss?
I’ll attach the e10 file too if possible.
Thanks.

mpcnc-test-1.jpg
mpcnc-test-1.jpg4958×6448 1.64 MB

#2

I only see the input pattern. I’m assuming the e10.jpeg is the e10 file?

#3

If you have arc commands on turn them off, or if they are on turn them off. See if that helps.

What speeds are you using, how long is your z axis?

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#4

There is a .jpg and an e10.jpg. rename the e10.jpg to just e10 if you want to see the e10 file.

#5

In estlcam, arc comands are on. I’ll try turning those off.
Speed x,y is 12mm/sec.
z-axis conduit is 14 in. I was planning to also use it as a 3d printer, but that idea is fading.

#6

I would say your lines are excellent for a working length of 14", when 4" is about as tall as you should go without other means of support.

#7

correction, speed x,y is 25mm/sec, not 12mm/sec

#8

I have a 6" that prints very very well with a mk8 style extruder.

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#9

After you try without arcs, try 12. Only change one thing at a time please.

Arcs usually only work for very large arcs and saves a lot of lines of code, but for small arcs usually better without.

#10

this is the image with arcs turned off in estlcam. It already looks better. The text is less squiggly.
I’ll also try speed reduction.
I suppose the last option is cutting down the machine height. I suppose go back to the calculator.
I want mill two by N dimensional lumber. What do you think the minimum height would be to support that?
I suppose it depends on the length of my longest bit.

Thanks.

mpcnc-test-1-noarcs.jpg
mpcnc-test-1-noarcs.jpg4958×6418 1.6 MB

#11

Oh, this is a scan from a pen. I didn’t look closely at it because I thought it was the input file.

It’s not the pen mount’s fault is it?

#12

Looks good, at that size it could be your surface, the pen mount, Pen mount tension (should be light try a felt tip), etc. I think it’s pretty good now.

#13

I used a ball point pen with Ryan’s printed pen mount - which is also a spring.
I’ll try it with felt tip as well.