With a rotary the machine works on round workpieces all the way round. The rotary is plugged into the controller instead of the Y motor: what would otherwise be a move forwards or backwards now turns the workpiece. On the router, open the window via Workpiece → Rotary …, in laser mode via Laser → Rotary ….
Type
- Chuck: the workpiece is held in the chuck and turns with it, often supported by a centre at the other end. The usual type on a router because it takes the cutting forces. The rotation depends on the diameter of the workpiece.
- Rollers: the workpiece rests on two rollers, one of them is driven. Good for glasses, bottles and mugs without a handle on the laser. The rotation depends on the diameter of the drive roller.
Entering the values
- Workpiece diameter: measure where you work. For tapered workpieces take the middle value.
- Drive roller diameter (rollers only): measured including the rubber ring, if there is one.
- Y travel per revolution: how many millimetres of Y the controller moves for one full turn of the roller or chuck. It is the number of steps per revolution (given by the maker, often 3200 at 1/16 microstepping, more with a gearbox) divided by the value of $101 on the controller. Example: 3200 steps, $101 = 80 → 40 mm.
When the rotary is on, the material height follows the circumference of the workpiece (π × diameter). The canvas is the unrolled surface: what lies at the top of the canvas moves to the back as it turns. The width stays the length along the axis.
Test one revolution
Put a mark on the workpiece and tap Run one revolution. Spindle or laser stay off; on the router the bit lifts 5 mm first. The workpiece should turn exactly once. If it turns too far or too little, enter the revolutions you saw, for example 0.9 or 1.1, and tap Correct value. The app recalculates the Y travel per revolution. Then test again.
Milling with the rotary
- Set Z zero on the highest point of the workpiece, right above the axis. The depth counts inwards from there. The job wizard reminds you in the Z zero step.
- The axis must lie parallel to X and centred under the bit, otherwise the depth varies.
- Engravings, V-carving, lettering and shallow pockets work well. Take care with deep cuts and cut-outs, the workpiece is only held by the chuck.
Lasering with the rotary
- Put the head over the middle of the workpiece (the highest point) and set the focus on the surface.
- The workpiece must lie level, otherwise the focus drifts. For tapered mugs, raise the narrow end.
- Registration marks are not available with the rotary.
Good to know
- The G-code converts Y into rotation and adjusts the feed so the surface moves at the set speed. The canvas and the 3D view keep showing the unrolled surface.
- There is no limit switch on the Y port: skip homing while the rotary is connected and switch the soft limits off (Settings → Machine).
- For normal work switch the rotary off and plug the Y motor back in.
- The values belong to the project. New projects take type, roller and Y travel from the last ones used.