CNC Manual Jog Controller for Snapmaker

Snapmaker 2.0
1

CNC Manual Jog Controller for Snapmaker

Many CNC users, including myself, have often wished for an easier way to manually control their machine. Whether it’s moving the toolhead around or performing simple milling tasks—such as drilling holes, cutting slots, or flattening a surface—having to write G-code for every small job can be inefficient.

On the Snapmaker, I always found it frustrating that even basic tasks required generating CNC code. That’s why I decided to develop a manual jog controller that allows direct control of all three axes, as well as the CNC spindle.

Features of the Jog Controller

  • Three Jog Wheels – Control the X, Y, and Z axes independently for precise manual positioning.
  • Spindle Control Knob – Easily turn the CNC milling head on and adjust the spindle speed.
  • Speed Adjustment Knob – Set the maximum movement speed of the axes to match the tool and material requirements.
  • OLED Display - Show the current state and settings.

See It in Action

Here are pictures of the controller in use:

CNC Controll
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3 axis controller
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Display
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And here’s a short video demonstrating its functionality:

Video
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https://youtu.be/K3wYh1LAqSk

In the video, I showcase:
:check_mark: Flattening a wooden surface
:check_mark: Milling a slot into the wood
:check_mark: Drilling holes

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this controller! Would you find it useful for your CNC workflow? Let me know in the comments.

4 Likes
2

any info on hardware ?

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This is a based on an ESP32s3 board with 5 rotary encoders and an SSD1306 OLED display.

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do you share code ? connetion to Sm in uart ? usb?

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5

I wonder if SM can do a similar thing as an Add on? :thinking:

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6

I remember in one SM promotional video prototype of mpg bad they never released are provide source code so we can built her self

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7

Would be nice if you could share fo diy i will be really interested to build one

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8

Hi Jelgris, I’m thinking to offer this as a complete system. Would you be interested?

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9

I would buy a kit to build myself with instructions, components and program for the mictrocontroler at a good price. but I don’t know what a good price for something like this should be.

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to be honest i looking to do something like the one in the promotional video from snapmaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YV8Ht0JXd4 with only one hand wheel and 2 rotary switch (first rotary select axis x y z b and second select the step resolution) probably add oled screen for axis selected feedback info and step resolution and could be great to add emergency stop button and some under feature probably that why have some code starting point coud be great

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11

Have a look at this:

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12

CNC is the only module that I have never tested since I have the printer (3 or 4 years?)
Because something always goes wrong with this printer, and with CNC I fear that it can break things or damage the printer.
This module looks pretty cool, but the thing is that I live in a remote place and I would not buy it assembled because:
Shipping cost
Shipping mistreats can break it
Customs often place overpriced taxes or just steal your package if they find that they like your stuff.
I would pay for the stl files, documents and code for the esp32 only.

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Currently the files are not in a shape, that I can offer them directly. It would need some refactoring of the code and descriptions of the wiring etc. When I can do that, I will come back to you.

2 Likes