Easel and Easel Pro can connect and control machines as long as you are using a Grbl-based motion controller. Easel currently supports the following GRBL versions for third-party machines: Grbl 1.1h, Grbl 1.1g, Grbl 1.1f, Grbl 1.1e, Grbl 1.0c, Grbl 1.0b, Grbl 0.9j, Grbl 0.9i, Grbl 0.9g, Grbl 0.8c.
For more information on Grbl, check out this guide: Grbl - Overview and FAQ
If you are not sure which type of motion controller you have, reach out to your machine provider.
There are two ways to set up a new machine profile in Easel.
The first is after making an Easel account you will be prompted to set up a new machine profile:
The second is from an Easel project:
Once you select the machine type, you will have the option to specify the manufacturer and model for the machine for which you are creating a profile.
Once the machine details are input click confirm to continue with the machine profile setup. Easel will either start writing the machine configuration, or it will prompt you to download the Easel driver before continuing.
For more detailed instructions on downloading and installing the Easel driver, you can follow this link: Downloading and Installing the Easel Driver
Once the machine configuration is written, Easel will bring up a page to test the wiring of the machine. On this page, you will be able to jog the machine along each axis to ensure everything moves in the correct direction. Once you have confirmed that everything is jogging correctly, click continue.
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Helpful Tip: If one of the machine axes is jogging in the wrong direction, you can adjust the GRBL settings by following this guide:My Machine is Carving in Reverse |
After confirming that the machine jogs in the correct direction, you’ll proceed to a page where you’ll select your spindle type and test it.
You’ll see a dropdown menu with two spindle-type options: Automatic and Manual. Automatic means that the spindle is powered on via the machine's controller. Manual means the spindle is turned on manually by the user, such as when using a router.
If automatic was selected, Easel will prompt you to test the spindle. Click the green "Turn Spindle On" button to activate the spindle. Once you have confirmed that the spindle is working correctly, click the green button again to turn off the spindle. You can then click continue to proceed with the setup
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Helpful Tip: If the spindle does not power on you can follow the steps in this article to troubleshoot that issue:Spindle Won't Turn On |
On the next page, Easel will ask if you want to enable or disable homing.The homing cycle is used to accurately and consistently establish a known reference position on your machine each time you start Grbl. This ensures that the machine always knows its exact location, providing reliable positioning between sessions.
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When If you click “Yes, Enable Homing,” you will be prompted to run the homing sequence. This process moves your machine to its home position before continuing with the setup. If you click "No, disable homing,” you will proceed to the next setup step page
Lastly, Easel will ask if you want to set up a Z-Probe. The z-probe is an accessory that helps you set the z-axis work zero for your carves. Easel knows the thickness of the brass puck and can determine how much to lower the z-axis so your bit touches the material.
First, you will confirm whether or not you have a Z-Probe. If you click "Yes," Easel will direct you to the Z-Probe setup.
You will be prompted to plug the lead into the carriage, essentially requesting that you connect your Z-Probe to the machine. Once this is completed, the circle will change to a green check mark.
Next, you will be instructed to attach the clip to the collet. Take the Z-Probe clip and secure it to the spindle collet nut. Once the clip is attached, click the blue "Clip is attached" button.
The final step will involve touching the Z-Probe plate to the spindle collet nut. This will complete the connection. You can then click the blue "Continue" button to go to the final setup screen.
If you do not have a Z-Probe select "No" and you will be taken to the final setup screen.
Once the Z-Probe is set up you will be brought to the final setup screen. Here Easel will ask if you want to finish and go back to the project selection screen or start the Intro to Easel Project. This project will provide a guided walkthrough of the basic Easel functions while setting up and running your first carve.