![]() ![]() Shapeoko machines typically use GRBL 1.1f, as do newer X-Carve and some other systems, but as they are designed as CNC machines, they are typically configured for negative workspace coordinates. This will show the settings in plain text, requiring more familiarity with what each command means but allowing you to view the configuration directly, without any chance of mislabeling based on custom vendor configurations. In the Console, enter $$ to have the controller return the machine's configuration. You can also export these settings to a file for later restoration, like we did in our GRBL flashing guide. The Machine Settings window provides you with a formatted table with the parameters labeled. You can do this in LightBurn by using the Console window or the Machine Settings window to copy, update, or reset your machine settings. For advanced configuration like adding limit switches, updating firmware, or setting up a new controller, you'll need to interact with these values. Many GRBL based machines allow the settings of the machine to be easily exported or viewed. If this isn't an option, that's ok, but your results won't be as good, and pausing the laser runs the risk of leaving the beam on and ruining the job. ![]() If you aren't already running GRBL 1.1f (or later) on your controller, we highly recommend it for laser use. This is not always true with other versions of GRBL. This also has the benefit that when the laser comes to a complete stop, the beam turns off (zero speed equals zero power), meaning that pausing a job automatically turns off the laser. ![]() Since the machine needs to slow down to take sharp corners, this means corners get over-burnt, while long straight lines end up lighter. Older versions of GRBL do not have this feature, and simply run the laser at a constant power output for the duration of a cut. In this mode, GRBL adjusts the laser power as the machine speeds up and slows down, making for very consistent cutting and marking. The second is a feature called variable power mode, or the M4 command. Laser mode eliminates the pauses that happen when changing power output, because GRBL knows it's controlling a laser which reacts instantly, instead of waiting for a spindle to change RPM. The first is Laser Mode, enabled by setting $32=1 in the firmware settings. More recent versions of GRBL (1.1f and up) support two laser-oriented features. Luckily this is easy to change, and easy to switch from one to the other. The "standard" way a CNC machine is configured is somewhat different from the way laser machines often are. It is highly configurable, and this is both a blessing and a curse. GRBL firmware was originally designed for CNC machines and 3D printers, with laser support added more recently. If your machine does not have homing switches (also called limit switches) you will need to home it manually if you want to use Absolute Coords or User Origin modes.Make sure the controller is reporting positions in mm, as expected by LightBurn ( $13=0). ![]() Set your machine status reporting to be relative to the workspace origin, not the machine origin ( $10=0).If your machine uses negative workspace coordinates you'll need to apply a workspace offset ( G10 L2 P1 xx yy).The pause, which happens on older versions, or when not using Laser Mode, will cause excessive burn spots when engraving images. If you have an older version of GRBL (prior to 1.1f) upgrading the firmware is highly recommended, as Laser Mode also prevents the machine from pausing with every power change.You might need to enable "Laser Mode" if you have GRBL 1.1f or later ( $32=1).The value in LightBurn is called "S-Value Max" in Device Settings. You might need to adjust your spindle max RPM value ( $30) to match the LightBurn default (1000) or vice versa.Most GCode-based lasers are pre-configured to work with LightBurn, but if you have a less common machine like a Shapeoko, EleksMaker, X-Carve, or Acro system, you might need to make some simple changes to get the most from LightBurn. GRBL Primary Docs Common GRBL/GCode Setups ![]()
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