Question 1

Will the D-Series Machines fit into the enclosure with the Performance Upgrade Kit added?

Erick · Accepted Answer

Will the D-Series Machines fit into the enclosure with the Performance Upgrade Kit added?

Yes, the machines will fit into their respective enclosures if you decide to add the performance kit to the the machine.

The Performance Upgrade is a new product that allows you to convert your D-Series D.840, D.600, or D.420 to dual Y axis motors thus eliminating the drive belt and increasing performance from 50 mm/sec to 70 mm/sec.

For more information on the performance kits, please visit: https://www.stepcraft.us/shop?search=performance

Question 2

Why my 3D printer head (PH40) goes into Stand-By mode while working

Hugo Neil · Accepted Answer

Why my 3D printer head (PH40) goes into Stand-By mode while working

The printers are going into standby and eventually shutting off because they are not receiving the correct signal from UCCNC that the machine is running. This is a very simple fix outlined below.

1.) Define pin outs in UCCNC --> CONFIGURATION --> I/O SETUP. On the left hand side you have "Current hi/low". Those two pins should read "16" and "1".

2.) Define pin outs in UCCNC --> AXIS SETUP --> SPINDLE. Bottom Left you have "M3 relay pin". Change those values to "0" and "0" and uncheck the "spindle relay output enabled" if it is checked.

Question 3

Why is My UCR201 Jog Pendant Not Showing Up In UCCNC?

Greg Bodnar · Accepted Answer

Why is My UCR201 Jog Pendant Not Showing Up In UCCNC?

The UCR201 Jog Pendant requires the user to enable the plugin in the configuration window in UCCNC. If you are running version 1.2037 of UCCNC, you may find that the Jog Pendant does not show up in the configuration window. If this is the case, you simply need to update UCCNC to a newer version which can be found below...

UCCNC Version 1.2049 - http://www.cncdrive.com/UCCNC/download_UCCNC.php

After downloading and installing version 1.2049 of UCCNC, the Jog Pendant should now be visible in the configuration window and you can proceed with the rest of the setup!

Question 4

Why is my laser positioning light is not visible?

Hugo Neil · Accepted Answer

Why my laser positioning light is not visible?

Turn the power key switch to the ON position.

Move the laser head approx. 20mm above work piece to focus positioning laser beam clearly.

To enable the positioning light, move the zero point sensor to the middle position and the light should turn on.

The positioning light is a class 2 laser with far less power (comparable to a laser pointer).

If your laser positioning guide wont turn on after following this procedure please contact our support team and they can guide you on how to fix this issue.

Question 5

What Vectric Post Processor do I use for the Stepcraft DL-445 Laser?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

We have a special post processor that you need to use for the laser. You can download that file [here] You need to place the file in the correct folder in your Vectric Program. Do do this, open your program (V Carve, Cut 2D, etc) In the FILE Menu, select OPEN APPLICATION DATA FOLDER

Look for a "PostP" or "My_PostP" folder

Copy the laser post processor file (downloaded above) Into both of these folders. NOTE: if you copy the file into the My_PostP folder then when you open your Vectric Program, only the post processors in this folder will show. So I always recommend copying the post processors for my CNC into this folder so when you go to create a G Code file, you will not have to scan though a ton of files for other machines. If you do not want to use the My_PostP folder then simply copy the above Laser profile into the PostP folder and you will see it in the list of post processors. ALSO, you will need to restart the program for the post processor to be visible in the list

Question 6

What STEPCRAFT attachment will I need to cut thin sticker-type foil to make stickers or stencils?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

What STEPCRAFT attachment will I need to cut thin sticker-type foil to make stickers or stencils?

The STEPCRAFT Drag Knife will work fine for this. Please see: https://stepcraft.us/product/drag-knife/

Question 7

What software is recommended to run the Touch Probe?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

What software is recommended to run the Touch Probe?

STEPCRAFT customers can use UCCNC for the Touch Probe. We have a special screenset and macros to control it for various functions (DOWNLOAD HERE). For 3D object scanning with the Touch Probe, you will need a CAD/CAM program like Vectric Cut2D or VCarve to be able to draw a box and create a simple tool path for the scanning area. Once a point cloud file is created, you can download Meshlab (www.meshlab.net) for free, which will convert the point cloud file into a STL 3D file that you can CNC machine. Non-STEPCRAFT customers will need to setup a macro for their machine control software to allow it to work. You would need to reference your software's manufacturer to obtain information on this. The videos below will give you much more information the setup and use of the STEPCRAFT TOUCH PROBE

Question 8

What is the Mini Tool Adapter (P# 10120) used for?

Erick · Accepted Answer

What is the Mini Tool Adapter (P# 10120) used for?

The Mini Tool Adapter is used to reduce the size of our 43mm x 20mm adapter down to an 8mm hole so you can use STEPCRAFT attachments like the Engraving Point, Plotting Pen or 3D Touch Probe, which all have an 8mm shank on them.

Alternatively you can use an 8mm Collet in your spindle (Just be sure to power the spindle OFF) when running these attachments.

The Mini 20mm to 8mm tool adapter fits inside of the 43mm to 20mm adapter. Then you can insert the Engraving Point (or other 8mm attachment) directly to the 43mm tool holder on the STEPCRAFT CNC.

This shows the Mini Tool Adapter nested inside the 43mm to 20mm adapter.

Here is the assembled unit, ready to be installed into the STEPCRAFT CNC tool holder.

Question 9

What is "MPG" on the STEPCRAFT RMC 100 Wireless Controller?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

What is "MPG" on the STEPCRAFT RMC 100 Wireless Controller?

The term "MPG" stands for Manual Pulse Generator and is basically and electronic hand wheel. Selecting "MPG Mode" will allow you to rotate the wheel and move the axis on the machine in steps based on the indents in the wheel. This is a great way to move the spindle around, specifically when setting the starting position for each job.

Question 10

What collet sizes come with the HF-500 spindle?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

What collet sizes come with the HF-500 spindle?

The HF-500 Spindle comes with 1/8" and 1/4" collets. It uses standard ER11 collets and you can get them in metric sizes as well. The 1/4" is the largest that they make for ER11 and 8mm is the largest metric size.

Question 11

My Q-Series will turn on while pressing the green button, but will not stay energized.

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

My Q-Series will turn on while pressing the green button, but will not stay energized.

Your E-Stop could be active. Check to make sure the E-Stop in the front face of your machine is not engaged. Also, the US 110 volt edition of Q-Series machine has an additional spindle safety circuit to check - Make sure your 110 volt plug from the back of the machine is connected to a live power source, or, your spindle safety override switch (located on the top of the machine) is engaged.

Question 12

I have a HF-500 Spindle and I want to add an Engraving Point, how can I do this?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

I have a HF-500 Spindle and I want to add an Engraving Point, how can I do this?

To use the engraving point you have a couple options 1) you can get an 8mm collet and then simply put the engraving point into the collet like you would an end mill - just make sure the HF500 is powered off - link to collet: https://www.stepcraft.us/shop/product/10040-008-er11-collet-8mm-for-hf-500-spindle-and-mm-1000-automatic-tool-changer-291?search=8mm 2) If you want to remove the HF500 then you will need two tool adapters: Links: https://www.stepcraft.us/shop/product/10120-mini-tool-adapter-from-20-mm-to-8-mm-29?search=mini AND https://www.stepcraft.us/shop/product/10107-tool-adapter-from-43-mm-to-20mm-proxxon-28?search=proxxon

Question 13

How do I setup and install the Tool Length Sensor on my STEPCRAFT CNC?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

How do I setup and install the Tool Length Sensor on my STEPCRAFT CNC?

The Tool Length sensor is a great addition to your Stepcraft 2 machine, saving time in zeroing the Z axis. There are two ways to connect your Tool Length Sensor to your machine.

1. Using the Quick Connect 3.5mm Jack: Your Tool Length Sensor comes with a 3.5mm male headphone jack. Most are already installed, but if you find your jack is not installed, refer to the soldering instructions included with the sensor. Simply plug the male jack into the female jack on the back of the main board. To check to make sure your sensor is functioning, under the UCCNC Diagnostics page, your "Probe" indicator should light up green when you press the Tool Length Sensor button and go away when disengaged. Its important to make sure the jumper in front of the wire TLS connector is present and connected on both of the pins.

2. Wiring Directly to the Main Board: If you do not have a 3.5mm male or female jack (not included on older versions of the main board), you can wire your Tool Length Sensor directly to the main board. Strip the two wires at the end of the sensor (brown and white are the two most common) and install directly to the board terminals. The correct terminals are listed on the board itself and in your machine manual. Unplug or position it only on 1 pin the jumper to enable the internal Tool Length Sensor terminals.

Using the sensor: After homing your machine setup your machine with some test material and place the sensor on top. Move the axis over the sensor and zero all. Now press the tool probe button from the main screen. The Z axis will lower slowly until it contacts the sensor. It will then retract and calculate the Z zero taking into account the height of the sensor. Move the sensor out of the way and you can now click Go to Zero. The Z axis will lower to the calculated height for the work material.

Question 14

How do I connect my Remote Switchable Power Controller?

Greg Bodnar · Accepted Answer

How do I connect my Remote Switchable Power Controller?

To connect your remote switchable power controller system, follow the diagram below...

Question 15

How Can I Calibrate My Tool Length Sensor?

Greg Bodnar · Accepted Answer

How Can I Calibrate My Tool Length Sensor?

If you find that your tool length sensor (TLS) is functioning properly, but not touching the very top of your material, you may need to preform a quick calibration. This ensures that the tool length sensor is accurate and reliable. The following video will walk you through the simple TLS calibration...

https://youtu.be/4xk06wxbkCk

Question 16

Does the Laser DL445 use the same port on the STEPCRAFT as the 3D Printer and HF500 spindle?

Erick Royer · Accepted Answer

Does the Laser DL445 use the same port on the STEPCRAFT as the 3D Printer and HF500 spindle?

Yes, they both use the same serial port on the back of the machine. You would need to disconnect the cable and reconnect the attachment that you wish to use. STEPCRAFT also offers a Switchbox which allows you to connect everything and simply turn the dial to select the attachment you wish to use. This is very handy if you are constantly changing attachments.

Question 17

Can I cut carbon fiber on the STEPCRAFT CNC?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

Can I cut carbon fiber on the STEPCRAFT CNC?

Yes, you can. In fact, carbon fiber cuts very easily on the STEPCRAFT. The main issue with cutting carbon is the dust that is created is very hazardous to your health if you breathe it in. To combat this, STEPCRAFT has a Milling Bath in three separate sizes for the 420, 600 and 840 machines. You can find information on the Milling Baths here: https://stepcraft.us/product-category/accessories/system-accessories-accessories/cnc-accessories/ Additionally here are a couple videos that you can watch containing more information on using a STEPCRAFT CNC for carbon fiber.

Question 18

Can I connect my HF-500/MM-1000 spindle and 3D printer to the STEPCRAFT at the same time?

Hugo Neil · Accepted Answer

Can I connect my HF-500/MM-1000 spindle and 3D printer to the STEPCRAFT at the same time?

Yes you can with the use of the of the STEPCRAFT System Attachment Switch Box. To use the Switch Box, you simply plug a serial cable from the Switch Box to the serial port on the CNC and then you plug the 3D Printer and the HF500 Spindle into the respective ports on the back of the box. Then you can just rotate the dial to select the attachment that you would like to use and mount that attachment into the tool holder on the STEPCRAFT.

Question 19

Can I buy the STEPCRAFT Touch Probe for use with a non-STEPCRAFT CNC machine?

stepcraft · Accepted Answer

Can I buy the STEPCRAFT Touch Probe for use with a non-STEPCRAFT CNC machine?

Yes, you can purchase the Touch Probe and it will most likely work with just about any CNC. However, you be responsible for the correct software setup, macros and configuration for your system. STEPCRAFT will NOT support the operation or configuration of the Touch Probe for non-STEPCRAFT machines. The unit will, however, be warranted for mechanical defects.

Question 20

Why is My UCR201 Jog Pendant Not Showing Up In UCCNC?

Greg Bodnar · Accepted Answer

Why is My UCR201 Jog Pendant Not Showing Up In UCCNC?

The UCR201 Jog Pendant requires the user to enable the plugin in the configuration window in UCCNC. If you are running version 1.2037 of UCCNC, you may find that the Jog Pendant does not show up in the configuration window. If this is the case, you simply need to update UCCNC to a newer version which can be found below...

UCCNC Version 1.2049 - http://www.cncdrive.com/UCCNC/download_UCCNC.php

After downloading and installing version 1.2049 of UCCNC, the Jog Pendant should now be visible in the configuration window and you can proceed with the rest of the setup!

Common Pre-Purchase Questions

Common Pre-Purchase Questions

Why my 3D printer head (PH40) goes into Stand-By mode while working

Why my 3D printer head (PH40) goes into Stand-By mode while working

Can I cut carbon fiber on the STEPCRAFT CNC?

Can I cut carbon fiber on the STEPCRAFT CNC?

Can I buy the STEPCRAFT Touch Probe for use with a non-STEPCRAFT CNC machine?

Can I buy the STEPCRAFT Touch Probe for use with a non-STEPCRAFT CNC machine?

Why is My UCR201 Jog Pendant Not Showing Up In UCCNC?

Why is My UCR201 Jog Pendant Not Showing Up In UCCNC?