Practice
Conversational or G-Code First? What to Learn When
Learn G-code first in most cases: it transfers everywhere and makes every conversational system easier. Learn conversational first only for this week's machine.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Posts, page 34 of 44
Guides
Why a Boring Bar Crashes Into the Back of the Part
A boring bar hits the back of the part when the Z depth runs too far: wrong depth, wrong Z zero, an absolute mix-up, or a bad retract. Here are the causes and fixes.
Lawrence Arya··5 min
Code reference
G71 vs G72: Lathe Roughing Cycles Explained
G71 roughs with passes along Z for shafts and long profiles, G72 roughs with passes along X for faces. Here is how each cycle works and which to pick.
Lawrence Arya··5 min
Code reference
Lathe vs Mill G-Code Differences: A Cheat Sheet
The motion core is identical; six differences do the damage: default plane, diameter programming, feed modes, CSS, cycle families, and comp mechanics.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Practice
Learn CNC Machining on iPad: What Works, What Can't
An iPad covers the study half of CNC genuinely well: code drills, program reading, and concepts. The machine half it cannot touch. Here is the honest split.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Code reference
Left-Hand Threading M-Code: M04 vs M03 Explained
A left-hand tap runs on M04, the reverse spindle code, with the G74 cycle on mills. For single-point threading, the spindle and feed direction together set the hand.
Lawrence Arya··5 min
Code reference
LightBurn G-Code Console Commands, Explained Simply
LightBurn's console is a direct line to your GRBL controller: $$ lists settings, $H homes, $X unlocks, $G shows active modes. Here is the working command set.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Code reference
M06 Tool Change in G-Code, Explained for Beginners
M06 executes a tool change while the T word selects the tool. Here is how T6 M06 works, the safe sequence around it, and why G43 always follows.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Code reference
M3 vs M4 on a CNC Laser Cutter: Which Mode to Use
In GRBL laser mode, M3 holds constant power while M4 scales power with speed, killing corner burn. Here is when each wins and why laser mode must be on.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Practice
Makerspace CNC Router Safety Test: A Printable Guide
A makerspace CNC router safety test should cover PPE, the emergency stop, workholding, tooling, and program review. Here is what to include, with sample questions.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Code reference
Mazatrol vs G-Code: The Differences That Matter
Mazatrol is Mazak's menu-guided programming language; G-code is the universal word-address standard. Here is how they differ and when each one wins.
Lawrence Arya··4 min
Guides
CNC Lab Practice for Mechanical Engineering Students
ME students lose scarce lab hours to basics they could learn beforehand. Drill the core G-codes before lab day and spend machine time on setup and cutting.
Lawrence Arya··4 min