LinuxCNC

For LinuxCNC.

What the file looks like

The file starts with comments naming the project, the machine and the tools, then:

%
G21 G90 G17 G94 G40 G49 G54

Millimetres are G21; a profile that outputs inches writes G20 instead. The spindle starts with S{rpm} M3 followed by a dwell (G4 P seconds) for the spin-up time in your profile, unless spindle control is set to none. Cutting moves are straight lines only — G0 for rapids and G1 for cuts, never arcs — and every line is 80 characters or fewer.

The file ends with:

G0 Z{safe}
M5
M2
%

Tool changes

• One file per tool works: run the files in order and change the tool between them.
• M6 and pause writes T{n} M6 then M0.
• M6 with G43 writes T{n} M6 G43, taking the length from the tool table for the tool just loaded.

Before the first run

The % lines at the start and end are optional in LinuxCNC and harmless.

Set X and Y zero at the front-left corner of the piece and Z zero on the top of the stock, and run the first file with the tool well above the work and a hand on the feed hold.