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Create Your First Config (Under 10 Minutes!)

This guide will walk you through creating a complete FluidNC configuration in under 10 minutes using the Wizard mode.

What We'll Build​

A basic 3-axis CNC router configuration with:

  • 3 stepper motors (X, Y, Z axes)
  • Homing switches on all axes
  • Spindle control (PWM speed + direction)
  • Emergency stop and probe inputs

Step 1: Start the Wizard (30 seconds)​

  1. Open FluidNC GUI in your browser
  2. Click "Start Wizard" on the main page
  3. Enter basic information:
    • Machine name: "My CNC Router"
    • Board: Select "ESP32" (or your specific board)
    • Version: Keep default "3.7"

Step 2: Configure Machine Type (1 minute)​

  1. Select machine type: Choose "CNC Router"
  2. Set workspace size:
    • X: 300mm (adjust for your machine)
    • Y: 200mm
    • Z: 100mm
  3. Units: Select "mm" (or inches if preferred)

Step 3: Motor Configuration (3 minutes)​

For each axis (X, Y, Z):

X-Axis Motor:​

  • Steps per mm: 80 (common for GT2 belts with 1.8° steppers)
  • Max speed: 5000 mm/min
  • Acceleration: 500 mm/sec²
  • Step pin: gpio.2
  • Direction pin: gpio.5
  • Enable pin: gpio.8 (shared for all motors)

Y-Axis Motor:​

  • Steps per mm: 80
  • Max speed: 5000 mm/min
  • Acceleration: 500 mm/sec²
  • Step pin: gpio.3
  • Direction pin: gpio.6
  • Enable pin: gpio.8

Z-Axis Motor:​

  • Steps per mm: 400 (common for leadscrew)
  • Max speed: 2000 mm/min
  • Acceleration: 200 mm/sec²
  • Step pin: gpio.4
  • Direction pin: gpio.7
  • Enable pin: gpio.8
Pin Validation

The GUI will automatically warn you if you try to use the same pin twice! Look for the colored indicators:

  • 🟢 Green: Pin available
  • 🟡 Yellow: Pin in use
  • 🔴 Red: Pin conflict

Step 4: Homing Setup (2 minutes)​

Configure limit switches for homing:

  • X-axis limit: gpio.9
  • Y-axis limit: gpio.10
  • Z-axis limit: gpio.11
  • Homing sequence: 1, 1, 2 (X&Y together, then Z)
  • Pull-up resistors: ✅ Enabled

Step 5: Spindle Configuration (1 minute)​

Set up spindle control:

  • Type: PWM Spindle
  • Output pin: gpio.12
  • Enable pin: gpio.13
  • Direction pin: gpio.14
  • Max RPM: 24000
  • Min RPM: 1000

Step 6: I/O and Safety (1 minute)​

Configure essential I/O:

  • Probe pin: gpio.15
  • Emergency stop: gpio.16
  • Coolant flood: gpio.17 (optional)

Step 7: Review and Export (1 minute)​

  1. Review summary: Check all your settings
  2. Validate configuration: Look for any warnings or errors
  3. Export YAML: Click "Export YAML" to download your config
  4. Save to file: Name it something like my-cnc-router.yaml

Step 8: Upload to FluidNC (30 seconds)​

  1. Connect to your board via USB or WiFi
  2. Upload the config file using FluidNC's web interface or SD card
  3. Restart your board
  4. Test basic movement with simple G-code commands

Congratulations! 🎉​

You've just created a complete FluidNC configuration in under 10 minutes!

What's Next?​

Fine-tune Your Configuration​

  • Test each axis individually
  • Adjust steps/mm for accuracy
  • Tune acceleration for smooth movement
  • Set soft limits for safety

Explore Advanced Features​

Common Adjustments​

  • Steps per mm too high/low: Measure actual movement vs. commanded
  • Motors running backward: Swap direction pin logic or wiring
  • Homing in wrong direction: Adjust homing direction settings

Need Help?​

Your machine should now be ready for basic operation! 🚀