Warning

The current version of MillMage is a Release Candidate — a stable version of software that is nearly ready for official release, but in need of additional public testing. Please report any unexpected behavior in the MillMage Software Questions section of our forum, including screenshots and as much detail as possible. Ask hardware compatibility questions in the MillMage Hardware Compatibility section.

Users new to MillMage should follow the Getting Started guide.

Video: How to Use a Release Candidate

This video features our sister software, LightBurn. While there may be slight differences in appearance and layout, the demonstrated processes are similar in MillMage.

Warning

This documentation is in active development and in a prerelease state. These documents are not complete and may include missing pages, broken links, and placeholders. Content is being updated as feedback is reviewed. Your patience is appreciated.

Move Window

The Move Window is used primarily for jogging, positioning, and homing and zeroing the axes of your machine.

Accessing the Move Window¶

By default, the Move Window is docked behind the Operations Window on the upper right side of your screen. Click the Move tab to bring the Move Window to the front.

If you have closed the Move Window go to Window → Move to re-enable it. To restore it and all other windows to their default positions, go to Window → Reset to Default Layout.

Tip

The layout of MillMage is highly customizable. For more information on enabling and disabling windows and toolbars, or rearranging the default layout, see Customizing the MillMage Window.

Move Window Options and Settings¶

The type of CNC you have active and certain options in the Settings window — including enabling Beginner Mode — will affect the way the Move Window looks.

Click any option in the image below to jump to more information, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.

Get Position¶

The Get Position button queries the controller for its current location and displays the current X, Y, Z, and U Axis coordinates.

Move to Position¶

Selecting the Go button will move the CNC to the X and Y Axis coordinates in the Move to Position entry boxes.

Saved Positions¶

The Saved Positions dropdown displays a list of previously stored positions. Use Saved Positions for jogging to known locations on the work area — for example a specific corner, the location of your rotary tool, and commonly used jigs. Manage the contents of this list by clicking the Manage button.

Managing Saved Positions¶

Add new positions to the Saved Positions list by pressing the Add New button and entering the desired coordinates.
Activate Z Axis movements by toggling the Enable Z Axis option and updating the Z Axis coordinate.
Optionally, press the Sort by Name to sort the position list alphabetically.
Press OK to save the list.

Manual Movement¶

Move the CNC by a specific amount in a given direction through a process called Jogging.

Move Window Directional Arrows¶

Jog the CNC throughout its work area by clicking any of the arrow buttons that surround the Home button. Each click will move the CNC by amount entered in the Distance field, at the rate set in the Speed field.

The dashed up and down arrows move the Z Axis up or down.

The rotational arrows jog the A Axis, commonly used for rotaries.

Note

If you're using an A Axis rotary, the Distance field determines degrees of movement of the rotary axis with each click.

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

Each keyboard shortcut will move your CNC by the amount entered in the Distance field, at the rate set in the Speed field.

Jog CNC Left: Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmd + [
Jog CNC Right: Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmd + ]
Jog CNC Up: Shift Ctrl/Cmd + ]
Jog CNC Down: Shift Ctrl/Cmd + [

Keypad Jogging¶

You can also use a keypad to Jog your CNC. In order to use keypad Jogging, you must enable Numlock on your keyboard, and the Edit Window / Workspace — the area where you create and edit graphics — must be in focus.

What does it mean for a window to be in focus?

There are several Windows and Toolbars in MillMage that accept user input — when a window is clicked on, it is in focus and accepting input.

If a window other than the Edit Window is in focus, click anywhere in the Workspace to bring it into focus.

Each press will move your CNC by the amount entered in the Distance field, at the rate set in the Speed field. If Continuous Jog is enabled, the CNC will Jog until you release the key.

The Jog options are also available in the Arrange Menu, within the Move CNC to Selection submenu.

Zero Axes¶

After moving the tool to the Project Origin (or Zero Point of your job, use these buttons to set the project origin to zero on that axis or on all axes.

Device-specific Buttons¶

Set Origin¶

Creates a custom-set starting point, known as the User Origin.

Clear Origin¶

Press Clear Origin to remove and reset a custom-set User Origin.

Set Finish Position¶

Press Set Finish Position to establish the position the CNC head will move to after a job is finished.

See Finish Position for more information.

For more help using MillMage, please visit our forum to talk with MillMage staff and users, or email support.