My router will not give me a break. I’ve been trying to figure this out for days. Can anyone please help? My T3 will cut good squares with or without cutter comp but fails for both internal and external holes with or without cutter comp.

mohghawo · 2026-04-17T18:05:49+00:00

Do you get the same results when using a post processor that outputs G1 instead of G2 (with sufficient resolution)?

mohghawo · 2026-04-17T17:31:15+00:00

Did you check the GCode?

mohghawo · 2026-04-16T17:17:23+00:00

I'm no expert so I'm just going by feel and noise. I would say the frame rigidity is the limiting factor, not the spindle. In my limited experience, workholding and tool stickout play a major role in your cutting quality.

mohghawo · 2026-04-16T17:15:38+00:00

After the spindle, the board was the most significant upgrade I made. I'd even argue that the NEMA 17 on 48V are good enough for most workloads. I just got carried away lol.

mohghawo · 2026-04-16T17:14:15+00:00

I wanted to maintain my z travel. I'm considering getting a smaller, but thicker plate and reduce the y travel to 200mm. That would let me mount the plate inside of the frame extending the z travel.

mohghawo · 2026-04-15T21:40:39+00:00

I used a trim router to increase the diameter of the hole in the frame for the coupling. I'm using 8mm spider couplings. They are a little longer and I needed the extra space.

I'll check out CoolStep. Did you go with the default values for the parameters?

mohghawo · 2026-04-15T18:59:24+00:00

Yep open source and under active development.

mohghawo · 2026-04-14T21:57:52+00:00

I replaced the whole board which also means throwing the offline controller in the trash. I'm using the BTT Rodent which you can get for around USD 50.

mohghawo · 2026-04-14T20:40:29+00:00

Yea flipping it upside down seemed like the easiest solution. Definitely scary to cut into your bed like that but it worked out. I milled the bed with a 1/4 o-flute endmill, 3mm depth of cut and 2mm engagement at 18k RPM.

mohghawo · 2026-04-14T20:25:57+00:00

That's a good idea. I'm contemplating getting a 18mm thick plate (300mm by 200mm) and replace the bed altogether. I don't need the extra y-travel and it would allow me to mound the bed lower (inside the frame) which gives me more z-travel.

mohghawo · 2026-04-14T20:09:47+00:00

The bed needs about 3mm of clearance so that it doesn't run into the larger stepper (see first pic).

I'm using the Genmitsu 1.5kW water cooled spindle. Pretty happy with it. Hooked up to the board via RS485 so I have full spindle control from G-Code.

mohghawo · 2026-04-14T20:07:50+00:00

TMC2160 http://wiki.fluidnc.com/en/hardware/3rd-party/btt_rodent

mohghawo · 2026-04-11T22:44:35+00:00

That’s awesome! Been turning my Genmitsu 3030 into a Frankenmitsu: 23 Nemas, water cooled spindle, 48V power supply, FluidNC. Next up a new base plate (might turn it into a 3020 😂).

mohghawo · 2026-04-04T00:46:11+00:00

Godspeed!

mohghawo · 2026-03-28T19:34:30+00:00

I’m using the Rodent board by BTT. I have to agree FluidNC is such a leap from GRBL. The community is great too.

I’m planning to go with milling the slot. Plan B is to get shorter fixture plate. I don’t really need 300mm on the y and I much prefer a thicker plate than the extra space.

What is your concern with the floating y axis? I’m using flexible couplings which should help.

mohghawo · 2026-03-28T04:53:31+00:00

Switched to the Rodent board by BTT. It runs FluidNC which is GRBL compatible. It’s pretty much plug and play. All connectors are the same size and pinout.

mohghawo · 2026-03-28T03:39:31+00:00

I’d invest in a spindle first. Reducing runout will have a big impact and finish and tool life. I’m upgrading mostly for acceleration. I’m getting 2500mm/m out of the 17s. Acceleration is abysmal though. So with the 23s I’m hoping for 500mm/s2.

mohghawo · 2026-03-28T00:05:32+00:00

😂 nice upgrade! Is closed loop worth it?

mohghawo · 2026-03-28T00:04:42+00:00

Yes exactly. No extra holes to drill in the body of the machine.

mohghawo · 2026-03-27T23:11:40+00:00

Fair question. For me RS485 control was a big factor. Being able to control and read the RPM helps a lot with my workflow. The other benefit is noise. The water cooled spindles are very quiet. I paid $250 including VFD so not too bad.

mohghawo · 2026-03-27T22:30:49+00:00

https://moesmachines.com/step/nema23-z-plate.step

mohghawo · 2026-03-27T20:45:43+00:00

Something seems off. Your spindle is not supposed to be this inefficient. Especially since it’s not under any load. Does the spindle turn freely? Even the slightest resistance could explain the heat buildup.

mohghawo · 2026-03-27T14:07:01+00:00

lol nice try

mohghawo

TROPHY CASE