Milo Facing Operation Macro

A comprehensive facing operation macro for RepRap-based Milo machines with an optional DuetWebControl plugin interface.

Features

• Automated facing operation with configurable parameters
• Optional automatic probing if work offset isn't set
• Configurable roughing and finishing passes
• Integrated coolant control
• DuetWebControl plugin for easy parameter input

Installation

Macro Installation

1. Copy facing_macro.gcode to your macros directory
2. Ensure your machine has proper probing capabilities set up (if using automatic probing)

DuetWebControl Plugin Installation

1. Create directory: /plugins/FacingPlugin/
2. Copy index.js and plugin.json to the FacingPlugin directory
3. Restart DuetWebControl

Usage

Via G-code

Basic usage:

M98 P"face_macro" P100 Q100 R0.2 S3

Required Parameters

• P - Width of material (X axis) in mm
• Q - Depth of material (Y axis) in mm
• S - Number of passes to complete

Optional Parameters

Roughing Parameters

• R - Depth of cut per pass (Z axis) in mm (default: 0.2mm)
• F - Feed rate in mm/min (default: 1500)
• T - Spindle speed in RPM (default: 15000)
• O - Stock offset in mm (default: 2)
• C - Coolant option (0=off, 1=on, default: 0)
• W - Step over width in mm (default: 1)

Finishing Parameters (Optional)

• RF - Finishing depth of cut in mm (default: 0.1)
• FF - Finishing feed rate in mm/min (default: 1000)
• TF - Finishing spindle speed in RPM (default: 15000)
• WF - Finishing step over in mm (defaults to roughing step over)

Via DuetWebControl Plugin

1. Navigate to the Facing Operation panel in DuetWebControl
2. Input your desired parameters
3. Toggle finishing pass if needed
4. Click "Run Facing Operation"

Workflow

1. Setup

   • Mount your workpiece securely
   • If using probing:
     • Ensure probe is calibrated
     • Position probe over front left corner of workpiece
   • If not using probing:
     • Set your work offset (G54) manually

2. Parameter Selection

   • Set material dimensions (width and depth)
   • Choose cutting parameters based on your material and tool
   • Enable finishing pass if needed

3. Operation

   • The macro will:
     • Probe the workpiece if no work offset is set
     • Perform roughing passes at specified depth
     • Execute finishing pass if enabled
     • Return to safe position when complete

Safety Features

• Automatic work offset verification
• Spindle warm-up dwell
• Controlled plunge rates
• Safe retract heights
• Coolant control integration

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. "Missing required parameters" Error

   • Ensure P, Q, and S parameters are specified
   • Check parameter formatting

2. Probing Failures

   • Verify probe is correctly positioned
   • Check probe wiring and settings
   • Ensure workpiece is properly secured

3. Unexpected Cutting Depth

   • Verify work offset is correctly set
   • Check R parameter value
   • Ensure proper tool length offset

Support

For issues and feature requests, please open an issue in the repository.

License

This project is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later. See LICENSE file for details.