I have found several articles related to this but everything I try it still is not working.
Here is the situation.
I have a project in LightBurn using Absolute Coords.
[image]
My Machine is set as GRBL, Using OpenBuilds X32 Controller.
My Machine is oriented with home being at the bottom left corner (its where I always start my work.
I do not use Lightburn to run the job. I use OpenBuilds Control software as I find it much easier to use, and has the ability for me to use my iphone to home the machine to where I want to start my project on my table.
I Save GCode.
When I open the gcode in note pad you can see an issue right away. Its wanting to move into the negative space outside of the bounds of where my machine is already homed: (What am I doing wrong?)
Please post a screenshot (not a cell phone pic) of your entire Lightburn screen with your project loaded and the Cuts/Layers Panel and Laser Panel visible. Also post a screenshot of the Device Settings Window (Wrench and Screwdriver icon). https://www.take-a-screenshot.org/
I think I may have figured it out.
I tried to restart lightburn and tried to save Gcode again and possibly fixed this issue? Is this a bug in lightburn?
Your screenshot shows you’re using user origin rather than absolute coordinates, as you stated in your initial post, with your origin point (green square) outside the work area. If you’re not connected to your laser through lightburn I don’t think it can know what your origin point is so it’s assuming it’s the machine origin (red square) position. Move your graphic so the origin point is within the workspace and see what that gives you.
Side note: I’ve never used a workflow where you export gcode so I may be way off in my advice.
Yes, move the graphic up or use absolute coordinates. In user origin the green square is at the location of your graphic that you chose with the 9 dot selector. You will still need to move the graphic up in absolute coordinates because it’s outside the work area.
Using Current Position and Job Origin to lower left corner.
Looking Better, but seems strange that unlike in VCarve where you setup a job and define the material, place your design on the material, and set your origins it just works regardless of what you have on the screen you only generate gcode for the items you have created cut laser layers for.
His should solve that issue. Use the cut selected graphics AND use selection origin switches. That will cause it to only look at the selected item for origin placement.
Will try it out after my current project made in vcarve is done. (I dont like how their laser module does not use variable power and turns on and off the beam but gets the job done eventually lol).
I think part of your issue is you’re used to the VCarve way and haven’t taken the time to learn the lightburn way. You’re expecting lightburn to work like vcarve.
If your machine has limit switches at the lower left I’m going to suggest a different workflow. Set up an L shaped fence along both 0 lines and then place your workpiece against the fence and use absolute coordinates. If you’re working on a cutting board for example, make a rectangle that matches the size of your board and set that to a tool layer. Position your graphics inside the outline, adjust your settings and hit start. Forget trying to position the laser with your phone. It will engrave exactly where you tell it. This works great for repeatability. You can also make jigs that register against the fence.
M not a CNC guy so I don’t understand that switch, but I’ve seen many instances where it should be enabled and wasn’t and vice versa. Glad you got it sorted.
Thank you! Crazy something so simple can ruin your day and faith in an industry gold standard for Laser Engraving! You were curious about my workflow see below
Just ran a job without any issues and my workflow is preserved thank GOD!
I tried to use LightBurn to design and run the job but I cannot STAND the jog controls built into the software, then again coming from OpenBuilds Control, its like going from a BMW to a Pinto IMO.
My favorite Feature of OpenBuilds Control is the Remote Control on your Phone:
I use this to set my machine where I want to start the job, often Im running different jobs that require a new origin. With LightBurn I have to walk back and forth trying to Guess how many times I need to jog the machine (annoying). My computer is on my workbench with my machine about 10 steps away.
And then the main screen has so much control and job recovery which makes life so nice:
Thanks for the explanation of your workflow. If it works well for you keep it up.
I use absolute coordinates and an L fence for positioning my workpieces and never use the jog controls in that workflow. The material engraves exactly where I expect it to. Most of my workpieces have a square corner to align with or a circle which works well also. I also have jigs set up for odd shaped items like key fobs or knives. These also register to the corner of my fence.
