CNC Crash Course #6 – Write & Run Manual G‑Code in Candle
🎥 Video
📝 Overview
This lesson shows beginners how to write and run a simple manual G‑code program directly inside Candle (GRBL Control). Instead of relying on CAM‑generated toolpaths, you type the commands yourself and watch the CNC execute them line by line. This builds confidence, reinforces earlier lessons (G0, G1, G90, G91), and helps you understand exactly how the machine interprets motion commands.
The video demonstrates a short program, explains each line, and shows how to run it safely on a 3018‑style CNC router.
📌 What You’ll Learn
- How to write a basic G‑code program manually
- How to enter commands into Candle’s editor
- How G0 and G1 behave inside a real program
- How to switch between absolute and incremental modes
- How to run a program safely without cutting material
- Why manual G‑code practice makes troubleshooting easier
📂 Tools & Software Used
- 3018‑style CNC router
- Candle (GRBL Control)
- GRBL firmware
📘 Description
This lesson walks through creating a simple G‑code program by hand and running it inside Candle. The program uses G0 and G1 moves, along with G90/G91, to demonstrate how the CNC interprets each line. You see the tool move exactly according to the commands you type, making this a great exercise for beginners who want to understand CNC motion without relying on CAM software.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Writing G‑code manually helps you understand what CAM software generates.
- Candle makes it easy to test programs without cutting material.
- G90 and G91 dramatically change how the machine interprets coordinates.
- Manual practice builds confidence and reduces mistakes when running real jobs.
- Even simple programs teach you how the CNC responds to each command.