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Machine Setup

Configure your laser cutter or engraver to work with Rayforge. This section covers machine profiles, device connections, and hardware configuration.

Quick Start

  1. Machine Profiles: Create profiles for different machines
  2. Device Configuration: Connect via serial, network, or telnet
  3. GRBL Settings: Configure firmware parameters
  4. Multiple Lasers: Set up machines with multiple laser modules

Supported Devices

Rayforge supports a wide range of GRBL and Smoothieware-based laser cutters:

GRBL Devices

  • Connection: Serial (USB) or Network (WiFi/Ethernet)
  • Versions: GRBL 1.1 and later
  • Common Brands:
  • Ortur
  • Atomstack
  • Xtool
  • Generic K40 with GRBL board
  • DIY GRBL builds

Smoothieware Devices

  • Connection: Telnet over network
  • Versions: Smoothieware v1 and v2
  • Common Brands:
  • Cohesion3D boards
  • Custom CNC controllers

Machine Profiles

Machine profiles store all configuration for a specific laser cutter:

  • Working area dimensions
  • Power and speed ranges
  • Origin position
  • Laser module configuration
  • Device connection settings
  • GRBL/firmware parameters

Benefits of Profiles:

  • Switch between multiple machines instantly
  • Share configurations with others
  • Backup and restore settings
  • Test different configurations safely

See Machine Profiles for details.

Connection Types

Serial Port (USB)

Most common connection method for GRBL devices.

Pros:

  • ✓ Reliable and fast
  • ✓ No network configuration required
  • ✓ Works with any GRBL device

Cons:

  • ✗ Requires USB cable
  • ✗ Limited by cable length

Network (WiFi/Ethernet)

Connect to GRBL devices over your local network.

Pros:

  • ✓ Wireless operation
  • ✓ No cable length limitations
  • ✓ Multiple users can access (not simultaneously)

Cons:

  • ✗ Requires network-capable GRBL board
  • ✗ Potential latency issues on congested networks

Telnet (Smoothieware)

Standard connection for Smoothieware controllers.

Pros:

  • ✓ Full Smoothieware feature support
  • ✓ Network-based (no cables)

Cons:

  • ✗ Only for Smoothieware devices
  • ✗ Requires network configuration

Configuration Workflow

Follow this workflow to set up a new machine:

stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Disconnected
    Disconnected --> Connecting: Connect
    Connecting --> Connected: Success
    Connecting --> Error: Failed
    Error --> Disconnected: Reset

    Connected --> Idle: Ready
    Idle --> Homing: Home Command
    Homing --> Idle: Complete

    Idle --> Running: Start Job
    Running --> Paused: Pause
    Paused --> Running: Resume
    Running --> Idle: Complete/Stop

    Connected --> Disconnected: Disconnect
    Running --> Error: Alarm/Error
    Error --> Idle: Reset

    note right of Disconnected
        Configure profile
        Select connection type
    end note

    note right of Connected
        Test communication
        Read GRBL settings
    end note

    note right of Idle
        Ready for commands
        Can jog/frame/start
    end note

Setup Steps:

  1. Create Profile: Define basic machine parameters
  2. Configure Device: Set up connection (serial/network/telnet)
  3. Test Connection: Verify communication with machine
  4. Read GRBL Settings: Import firmware parameters
  5. Configure Lasers: Set up laser modules (if multiple)
  6. Test Movement: Jog controls and homing
  7. Calibrate: Run test cuts to verify power and speed settings

Troubleshooting

Common machine setup issues:

  • Connection Issues: Can't connect to device
  • Permissions: Linux/Snap permission problems
  • Homing Fails: Check limit switches and GRBL settings
  • Incorrect Origin: Verify origin position in machine profile

Next: Machine Profiles → | Device Configuration →