Jaxen CNC Milling Machine

Jaxen CNC Milling Machine

Model Grizzly G0619 See Manual (CNC Fusion stepper + ballscrew conversion)
Status Operational. Runs UCCNC ,but not user-friendly
Usage Restrictions Members with Training
Training Mandatory
User certification required YES
Hackable NO
Owner Vancouver Hack Space (donated by Chris / ccudahy )
If it Breaks Notify champion, put up an Out of Order sign
Loan Status Donated — VHS purchased for $1; Chris / ccudahy retains first refusal if disposed
Arrival Date August 29th, 2020
Location CNC Area
Champion AndroidLX

Specifications

  • Gecko G540 stepper controller (see Gecko G540 Manual) (parallel port → LinuxCNC PC)
  • Integrated PC, stepper PSU, and controller in enclosure
  • AXBB-E (CNCdrive) controller with UCCNC. See information below
  • CNC mill controller installed in Wall panel. See information below.
  • Includes R8 tooling
  • New Base: King Industrial base purchased
  • Original Base: Wood 93 × 61 cm footprint, 93 cm tall (engine hoist fits underneath)
  • Weight: ~200 kg
  • Modified with CNC Fusion stepper + ballscrew kit (original parts retained)

Training

  • Mandatory training required before use
  • Must first complete training and certification on the 6040 CNC Mill "Loratron"
  • Certification must be recorded before using Jaxen

Speeds & Feeds

  • Use the CNC PC’s cutting speed calculator to determine correct RPM and feed rates
  • Always set both cutting speed and feed rate properly to avoid tool damage and poor results

Maintenance Log

Date Who Note
2016/2017 Chris (donor) Disassembled after poor cut quality; discovered defective saddle, replaced with new Grizzly part, controller box rebuilt.
Jul 4, 202X AndroidLX Significant modifications performed. Machine confirmed to run UCCNC, noted as “not particularly user-friendly.”

History

Mill and original stand as donated by Chris Jaxen CNC Milling Machine


CNC mill controller setup

All the controller hardware is located in an electrical panel on the wall behind the mill.

NDR-480-48


1. Power Supplies

There are four Mean Well power supplies:

  • NDR-480-48 (x2): Provide 48V, 10A DC to the stepper/servo drivers (blue modules marked Motor Z/A and Motor X/Y).
    • These deliver the high-power DC that actually runs the motors.
  • MDR-60-24: Provides 24V DC for control electronics (like relays, sensors, and logic boards).
  • MDR-60-5: Provides 5V DC for logic-level components (controller board, encoders, or optoisolators).

Hookup:

  • AC mains (100–240V) enters at the bottom (L/N/Earth).
  • DC outputs (+V and –V) run to the motor drivers and controller boards.

NDR-480-48  MDR-60-24 and MDR-60-5


2. Motor Drivers

The blue modules marked X, Y, A, and black module Z, are stepper/servo motor drivers.

  • Function: Convert low-level step/direction/enable signals from the controller into high-power pulses for the motors.
  • Each axis has its own driver.
  • Wiring:
    • Signal side (green connectors): Receives Step (Red), Dir (White), Ena (Green) from the motion controller.
    • Power side: Fed by 48V from the NDR-480 supplies.
    • Motor outputs: Four heavy wires going to each motor coil.
    • Rotary encoder inputs: see Motor (XY) Rotary Encoder Pinouts below

Motor (XY) Rotary Encoder Pinout

Pin # Pin Label Description Encoder Wire Color
1 EB+ Encoder B phase input + Yellow
2 EB- Encoder B phase input - Green
3 EA+ Encoder A phase input + Black
4 EA- Encoder A phase input - Blue
5 VCC Encoder voltage (+5V) Red
6 EGND Encoder ground (0V) White

NOTE: Disconnected encoder wires will damage the driver and/or encoder.

Motor (XY) Rotary Encoder Cable Color Mapping

The installed 6-wire cable uses three identical black conductors. They are correctly landed on EA−, EB−, and EGND but should be labeled to avoid confusion.

Pin # Signal Function “Standard” Color (from prior table) Jaxen Cable Color
1 EB+ Encoder B phase input + Yellow Green
2 EB- Encoder B phase input - Green Black (label: EB−)
3 EA+ Encoder A phase input + Black White
4 EA- Encoder A phase input - Blue Black (label: EA−)
5 VCC Encoder supply +5 V Red Red
6 EGND Encoder ground (0 V) White Black (label: GND)

 Motor Drivers

Photos of X,Y and A Servo Drivers

 Motor Drivers  Motor Drivers  Motor Drivers

HSS57 Hybrid Servo Driver

The HSS57 is a hybrid servo driver used to control the X and Y axis closed-loop stepper motors on the Jaxen CNC mill. It drives the 57HSE2N-D25 motors with encoder feedback, ensuring reliable closed-loop operation.

HSS57 driver datasheet

Device Identification

  • Model: HSS57
  • Type: Hybrid Servo Driver (closed-loop stepper controller)
  • Voltage Range: 24–50 VDC
  • Control Interface: Step/Dir inputs
  • Feedback: Encoder input (closed-loop control)

This driver is designed for closed-loop stepper motors (sometimes called “servo steppers”). It prevents lost steps by correcting position via encoder feedback.

Connections

Motor (4 terminals)

  • A+, A–
  • B+, B–

Encoder (6 terminals)

  • VCC
  • EGND
  • EA+, EA–
  • EB+, EB–

Control Inputs/Outputs (12 terminals)

  • ENA+, ENA– : Enable input
  • DIR+, DIR– : Direction input
  • PUL+, PUL– : Step pulse input
  • ALM+, ALM– : Alarm output (fault status)

Pulse/Rev Table (Microstepping)

DIP switches SW3–SW6 set the resolution (controller pulses per motor revolution): X and Y currenltly set for 10000 Pulses/Rev

Pulses/Rev SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6
Default on on on on
10000 off on off off

* Lower values = coarser steps, higher speed * Higher values = finer steps, smoother motion, higher resolution

Key Features

  • Closed-loop stepper control with encoder feedback
  • Prevents lost steps and provides stall detection
  • Alarm output via ALM pins
  • Uses standard Step/Dir interface (compatible with AXBB-E controller)
  • Optimized for NEMA 23/24 closed-loop stepper motors

Summary The HSS57 Hybrid Servo Driver controls the X and Y axis motors on the Jaxen CNC. Powered by the Mean Well 48V supplies, it accepts step/dir signals from the AXBB-E motion controller and uses encoder feedback to guarantee position accuracy. This closed-loop setup improves reliability compared to open-loop stepper drivers.


Photos of Z Servo Driver

 Motor Drivers  Motor Drivers  Motor Drivers

MA860H Stepper Driver (Z axis)

The MA860H is a digital stepper motor driver used to control the Z axis on the Jaxen CNC mill. It is designed for high-torque NEMA 34 stepper motors and provides microstepping, current control, and high-voltage operation.

MA860H driver manual (PDF)

Device Identification

  • Model: MA860H
  • Type: 2-phase digital stepper driver
  • Voltage Range: 18–80 VAC or 24–110 VDC
  • Control Interface: Step/Dir inputs
  • Microstepping Resolution: Up to 40,000 pulses/rev
  • Peak Current Output: Up to 7.2 A

Connections

Signal Inputs

  • DIR+ / DIR– : Direction control input
  • PUL+ / PUL– : Step pulse input
  • ENA+ / ENA– : Enable input

(Inputs accept +5V to +24V logic.)

Motor Outputs

  • A+, A– : Motor phase A
  • B+, B– : Motor phase B

Power Supply

  • AC ~ terminals : 18–80 VAC input
  • DC terminals : 24–110 VDC input

DIP Switch Configuration Your current switch settings: SW1 = 0, SW2 = 0, SW3 = 0, SW4 = 0, SW5 = 0, SW6 = 1, SW7 = 0, SW8 = 0

  • Motor Current Setting (SW1-SW3 = 000): 6.0 A RMS / 7.2 A peak maximum current
  • Idle Current (SW4 = 0): Half-current hold mode (reduced current when idle)
  • Microstep Resolution (SW5-SW8 = 0100): 10,000 pulses/rev (≈ 1/50 microstepping for a 1.8° stepper)

Key Features

  • High-voltage, high-current driver for large stepper motors (NEMA 34 class)
  • Microstepping up to 1/128 (40,000 pulses/rev)
  • Automatic idle current reduction (via SW4)
  • Step/Dir/Enable compatible with AXBB-E motion controller
  • Used exclusively for the Z axis on the Jaxen CNC

Summary The MA860H powers the Z-axis stepper motor on the Jaxen CNC. It runs at 6.0 A RMS, half-current hold, with 10,000 steps/rev microstepping, providing smooth motion and strong holding torque. It interfaces with the AXBB-E controller via standard Step/Dir signals.


3. Ethernet Motion Controller

The AXBB-E (CNCdrive) is the central brain. Pic below.

  • Function: Interfaces between UCCNC on your PC (via Ethernet) and the motor drivers, limit switches, and I/O.
  • Ports:
    • Port 1 (Isolated Outputs): Sends step/dir/ena signals to the motor drivers.
    • Port 2 (Isolated Inputs): Reads signals from limit switches, homing switches, estop, etc.
    • Port 3 (Non-Isolated Inputs/Outputs): General-purpose inputs/outputs.
    • 24V/5V Power In: Supplied from the Mean Well MDR units.
  • Status LEDs show link, power, and I/O states.

AXBB-E Controller and Breakout Board Users Guide

 AXBB-E (CNCdrive) Ethernet Motion Controller


4. UCSB Breakout and I/O Board

The smaller green PCB to connected to left of Ethernet Motion Controller(near orange terminal blocks):

  • Expands I/O from the AXBB-E.
  • Provides screw terminals for clean connection of inputs (limit switches, probe, estop) and outputs (coolant pump, spindle relay, etc.).
  • Optoisolated for noise protection.

 Breakout I/O Board


Example setup of Ethernet Controller and Breakout I/O Board

 Example Setup Motion Controller and Breakout Board


5. Motors

Jaxen Mill (Grizzly + King base) uses stepper motors on X, Y, Z. There is a fourth driver 'A', that could run a rotary or 4th axis. These receive power and control via the drivers.

X and Y axis Motors

 XY Closed loop stepper motors  XY Closed loop stepper motors

XY Motor Identification

  • Model: 57HSE2N-D25
  • Type: Hybrid stepper motor with integrated encoder
  • Manufacturer: JSS Motor (as labeled on the tag: “JSS MOTOR NO:201701”)

XY Motor Leads

  • The motor side has the usual 4-lead bipolar wiring:
  • A+ = Red
  • A- = Green
  • B+ = Yellow
  • B- = Blue

This means it’s a 2-phase, bipolar stepper.

XY Encoder Leads

  • The encoder provides feedback for closed-loop control:
  • EA+ = Black
  • EA- = Blue
  • EB+ = Yellow
  • EB- = Green
  • VCC = Red (supply power for encoder, usually 5 V)
  • EGND = White (encoder ground)

Typical Wiring Diagram

 Typical Wiring Diagram

This is a standard quadrature encoder setup (channels A and B), giving the controller both position and direction feedback.

XY Typical Specifications (based on 57HSE2N series) While exact numbers vary slightly by supplier, the 57HSE2N-D25 generally matches:

Attribute Value (typical)
Frame Size NEMA 23 (57 mm)
Step Angle 1.8° (200 steps/rev)
Holding Torque ~2.0–2.5 Nm (280–350 oz-in)
Rated Current ~4.0–5.0 A/phase
Resistance ~0.5–0.8 Ω/phase
Inductance ~2.5–4.0 mH
Encoder Resolution 1000–2500 PPR (typical, quadrature)
Voltage Drive 48 V DC (as supplied by your Mean Well NDR-480-48 PSU)
  • XY axis are closed-loop stepper motors—sometimes marketed as servo-stepper hybrids—which combine the simplicity of stepper drive with the position assurance of encoder feedback.

Function in Your CNC (Jaxen)

  • X Axis Motor: Moves the table left/right (long axis).
  • Y Axis Motor: Moves the table front/back (short axis).
  • Both motors receive step/dir signals from the CNCdrive AXBB-E motion controller via the blue motor drivers you showed earlier.

The encoders feed back position to the drivers, enabling stall detection and correction, preventing lost steps.

Z Axis Motor not documented

Summary: The 57HSE2N-D25 motors on your Grizzly/Jaxen CNC are NEMA 23 closed-loop stepper motors with encoders. They provide about 2–2.5 Nm torque, run at ~4–5 A/phase, and are driven by your 48 V Mean Well PSU through dedicated stepper drivers. Their integrated encoders make the system far more reliable than open-loop steppers.


7. Limit Switches and RJ-11 Breakout Board

Limit Switch Configuration

Jaxen CNC uses one limit switch per axis (X, Y, Z). Each switch is mounted at the home end of travel for its axis. UCCNC manages the opposite end of travel via soft limits. If any limit switch is triggered during machining, motion stops immediately on all axes.

Physical Layout

  • X Axis → Limit switch at the X− end (left side when facing the machine).
  • Y Axis → Limit switch at the Y− end (front of the table).
  • Z Axis → Limit switch at the Z+ end (top of spindle travel).

Each switch is wired into the controller as both a homing switch and a limit switch.

Function in UCCNC

  • During homing, the axis moves toward the limit switch until it triggers, then backs off to establish machine zero.
  • During normal operation, the same switch acts as a hardware limit in that direction.
  • The opposite end of travel is protected using software soft limits, defined in UCCNC machine setup.

 X Minus Limit Switch  Y Minus Limit Switch  Z Minus Limit Switch

These limit switches are connected through a dedicated Creltek RJ-11 Sensor Breakout Board v2.1 for safety and homing. This board consolidates up to 8 limit switch inputs into RJ-11 connectors, making wiring cleaner and reducing electrical noise from motors and power electronics.

  • Each axis (X, Y, Z) has independent limit switches routed through the breakout board.
  • Output signals can be wire-OR’d, allowing multiple switches per axis if needed.
  • The breakout board is wired into the AXBB-E motion controller.
  • Designed for reliability in CNC environments with high electrical interference.
Feature Description
Name Creltek RJ-11 Sensor Breakout Board v2.1 (by Kevin H. Patterson)
Connectors 8 × RJ-11 jacks (each with power, ground, and signal)
Outputs Active-low, open-collector, capable of sinking >200 mA
Pull-ups Optional on-board 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistors
Noise Filtering Built-in circuitry for robust operation in electrically noisy environments
Voltage Support Native 3.3 V, or 5–18 V with onboard regulator
Mounting Panel-mount capable; designed for professional installation

 Creltek Limit RJ-11 Switch Board  Creltek Limit RJ-11 Switch Board  Creltek Limit RJ-11 Switch Board


8. Spindle Feedback Encoder

The spindle position and speed are monitored using a rotary encoder mounted at the top of the spindle assembly.

 Rotary Encoder on Top of Jaxen  Spindle Feedback Rotary Encoder

Device Identification

  • Model: E38S6G5-600Z
  • Type: Incremental rotary encoder
  • Body size: 38 mm diameter
  • Mounting: Solid shaft, direct-coupled to spindle

Specifications

  • Resolution: 600 pulses per revolution (P/R)
  • Channels: A, B (quadrature) + Z (index pulse, 1 per revolution)
  • Supply voltage: 5–24 VDC
  • Output type: Line driver / push-pull TTL (depending on wiring)
  • Shaft: Solid, 6 mm or 8 mm diameter (variant dependent)
  • Output signals: Differential A, B, Z for accurate detection

Function

  • Provides real-time spindle speed feedback to the motion controller (AXBB-E).
  • Index pulse (Z) can be used for precise synchronization tasks:
    • Rigid tapping
    • Thread cutting
    • Accurate spindle homing

Role in Jaxen CNC The encoder ensures that the control system knows the actual spindle RPM and rotational position. This allows for advanced machining operations where tool motion must be precisely synchronized with spindle rotation.

References


9. Spindle Control Board

10. E-Stop

tbd


11. Tool Offset Sensor

MY20-20-2 CNC Automatic Tool Sensor Gauge

 Tool Offset Sensor Gauge

Parameter Specification
Model MY20-20-2
Type Automatic tool setter / touch sensor
Operating voltage 24 VDC (nominal, 5–24 V compatible)
Contact type Normally Closed (NC)
Construction Anodized aluminum body, carbide plunger
Plunger travel ~2 mm (spring loaded)
Repeatability ±0.001 mm
Output signal Switch closure (opens on touch)
Wiring 2-wire NC switch: +24 V → sensor → AXBB-E input (I±)
Recommended AXBB-E input Isolated input (e.g. I6+ / I6-)
UCCNC configuration Assign as Probe input
Application Automatic tool length offset, tool change probing
Notes Wire as NC for fail-safe; if cable breaks, UCCNC sees an open input (probe tripped).

12. PC & UCCNC Software

  • UCCNC software (Windows 10) generates the motion control stream.
  • Sends commands (steps/directions) over Ethernet to the AXBB-E.
  • The AXBB-E translates them into hardware pulses for the drivers.
  • Operator inputs (limit switches, estop, spindle control) feed back to UCCNC via the AXBB-E.

Signal Flow Summary

  • Mains AC → Power Supplies → Provide 48V (motors), 24V (control), 5V (logic).
  • PC running UCCNC → Ethernet → AXBB-E Motion Controller.
  • AXBB-E Outputs → Step/Dir/Ena → Motor Drivers (X, Y, Z, A).
  • Motor Drivers → High-voltage pulses → Stepper Motors.
  • AXBB-E Inputs ← Limit switches, estop, home sensors.
  • Optional: Outputs control spindle, coolant, etc.
wiki/tool/jaxen_cnc_mill.txt · Last modified: 2025/09/30 14:27

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