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
Use the Move Window to:
- Jog the tool around the work area
- Activate optional hardware features
- Home the axes
- Get tool position
- Establish project origins when zeroing out each axis
- Move the tool to saved positions
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¶
Most options in the Move Window are always presented, while other options are only available when you have selected one of window's three tabs:
- Jog: move the toolhead around the machine's work area.
- Position: home and zero your machine, get current positions, and move to specified locations.
- Override: adjust travel speeds and spindle speeds while a job is in progress.
Click any option or tab in the image below to jump to more information, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
Shared Settings and Features¶
These tools and settings are available regardless of which tab is active in the Move Window.
Tool Position (M)¶
The first line of the Move Window shows the tool position relative to the entire work area of the machine.
Tool Position (W)¶
The second line of the Move Window shows the tool position in the workspace coordinate system. Zero the axes with the buttons below this line to set the Workpiece Origin.
Zero Workpiece X/Y/Z¶
Use these buttons to set the current location of the tool as the origin for the workpiece coordinate system. You can use Zero Workpiece to home all three axes at once, or Zero Workpiece X, Zero Workpiece Y, or Zero Workpiece Z to zero out one axis at a time.
XY Speed¶
Set the jog speed for the X and Y Axes. You can click the preset speed buttons or manually enter a speed in the number entry box.
Z Speed¶
Set the jog speed for the Z Axis. You can click the preset speed buttons or manually enter a speed in the number entry box.
Probing¶
Click this button to open the Probing Wizard.
Coolant¶
Use this button to enable or disable coolant, if your machine has this capability.
Vacuum¶
Use this button to enable or disable a vacuum system, if your machine has this capability.
Spindle¶
Use this button to enable or disable the spindle, if your machine has this capability. Use the numeric entry box next to the button to set the spindle speed.
Jog Tab¶
Use the Jog tab to move the toolhead around the machine's work area. Click any option in the image below to jump to more information, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
XY Jog Controls¶
Use the arrow buttons to move the tool in X (left and right) and Y (forward and backward). With each click, the tool will move the distance set in the XY Distance controls, at the speed specified in XY Speed.
You can also use the number pad on a keyboard to jog X and Y as shown in the diagram to the right. Make sure Numlock is enabled on your keyboard and the Edit Window/Workspace — the area where you create and edit graphics — is 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.
Alternate Jogging Hotkeys
If your keyboard doesn't have a number pad, you can use the following shortcuts for jogging the X and Y axis:
- Jog Left: Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmd + [
- Jog Right: Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmd + ]
- Jog Forward: Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + ]
- Jog Backward: Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + [
XY Distance Controls¶
The distance controls determine how far the tool will move when jogging. Click the buttons or type in a distance to set an appropriate distance.
Z Jog Controls¶
Use the arrow buttons to move the tool in Z (up and down). With each click, the tool will move the distance set in the Z Distance controls.
Z Distance Controls¶
The distance controls determine how far the tool will move when jogging. Click the buttons or type in a distance to set an appropriate distance.
Position Tab¶
Use the Position tab to home and zero your machine, get current positions, and move to specified positions. Click any option in the image below to jump to more information, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
Home Axes¶
Use the machine's limit switches to home one or more axes. The tool will return to its homing location and reset the machine origin. This requires that limit switches are installed and configured on your machine.
Warning
Some machines have firmware that does not allow for homing individual axes. If you get an error in the Console Window regarding invalid GCode commands while attempting to home an individual axis, try using Home All.
Get Position¶
Gets the current position of the toolhead for a selected axis or all three axes and enters it into the position entry boxes to the right.
These buttons will use either Workpiece Coordinates or Machine Coordinates, depending on the setting of the Workpiece Toggle.
Workpiece Toggle¶
When turned on, the Get and Go To buttons will use Workpiece Coordinates. When turned off, they will use Machine Coordinates.
Position Entry Boxes¶
Set values here and use with the Go To buttons to go to a specified location.
Use the Get buttons to insert the current position into these boxes.
Go To¶
Move the toolhead to the position specified in the boxes to the left.
These buttons will use either Workpiece Coordinates or Machine Coordinates, depending on the setting of the Workpiece Toggle.
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 or commonly used jig. Manage the contents of this list by clicking the Manage button.
Selecting a saved position will enter it into the Numeric Entry Boxes, allowing you to move to that location with the Go To buttons.
Manage 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.
Use the Manage button to add, modify, and delete saved positions. All saved positions are stored in Machine Coordinates.
Override Tab¶
The Override tab allows you to adjust travel speeds and spindle speeds while a job is in progress. Click any option in the image below to jump to more information, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
Tool Travel Speed Override¶
Note
Each Overide option adjusts settings as a percentage of the original values — not by absolute values.
Use these buttons to bump the travel speed up or down, or use the Reset button to return to the speed specified in GCode.
Spindle Speed Override¶
Use these buttons to bump the spindle speed up or down, or use the Reset button to return to the speed specified in GCode.
Related Topics¶
For more help using MillMage, please visit our forum to talk with MillMage staff and users, or email support.