How are the axis directions named?

[reibuehl]

Hi all,

maybe a trivial question, but I am a beginner: What is the usual directions for the axis on my Shapeoko? E.g. is X+ a left or right on the X axis, is Y+ a forward or backwards on the Y axis and is Z+ up or down on the Z axis?

Best regards,
Reiner

[WillAdams]

Not trivial at all (and a matter of some debate)

Used to be in the instructions: http://shapeoko.github.io/Docs/electronics.html

Go For a Spin
Z-Axis --- (Counterclockwise) Note that when testing, the Z-axis should turn for a longer duration than the other axes since the screw requires more revolutions to move a given distance than the belts used on the X- and Y-axes. With the standard drive (M8 on Z, 20-tooth GT2 on X and Y), for the same distance travelled, the Z motor turns 8 times more than the X and Y motors. Positive moves are up, negative are down.

Another Spin
X-Axis --- (Counterclockwise) the X- and Y-axis should move for the same duration for a given degree of movement. Positive moves will be to the right, negative towards the left.

And a Final Spin
Y-Axis --- (Both Clockwise and Counterclockwise) make certain that the two motors for the Y-axis are rotating in opposite directions --- the one which is for the right side of the gantry should turn clockwise, the one for the left should turn counter-clockwise. Positive moves will be away from the front of the machine, negative moves towards the front.

Please see the glossary anytime terms are confusing http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Glossary

[reibuehl]

I thought that this is something with a potential for religious discussions I've seen those on the same topic when it comes to 3D printers.

Thanks for explaining the Shapeoko notation, @WillAdams!

[cvoinescu]

I thought that this is something with a potential for religious discussions

Thankfully, no. It's pretty much agreed that the axes match what we usually see in CAD programs, which is X to the right and Y to the top as viewed from the top, with Z pointing upwards. It's the same for 3D printers.

[reibuehl]

What is the desired position for homing then? My current setup homes at (max X, max Y, max Z) in that coordinate system. Is this okay or should I use the $23 bitmask to set it to (min X, min Y, max Z)? I have limit switches on both ends of the X and Y axis...

[WillAdams]

Top right is traditional 'cause it's safest --- use a work coordinate system to map from that.