CNC Training

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Use of the CNC is restricted to paying members that have attended a CNC workshop or has been trained and observed by a qualified trainer. Contact [[email protected]] for more info.

Training Checklist

  • Introduction/walk around
    • Dust Collection
    • Machine Bed
    • Router – Collets - Cutters
    • Gantry/Moving Parts
    • PC & Software Locations
    • Material Storage
    • Jogging control
  • Health & Safety Risks
    • Dust
    • Noise
    • Fire
    • Trapping
    • Burns
    • Loss of Limb or Digit
  • Safety Equipment
    • Ear Protection
    • Safety Goggles
  • Machine Startup & Positioning
    • Power on PC and start Mach3
    • Power up main switch
    • Check dust collection is functional and not full
  • Job Setup – Demo piece
    • Cambam quick guide
    • Workholding, Clamping and work positioning
    • Tool Selection & Collet sizes
    • Zero work
    • Load G-Code
    • Air cut
    • Turn on router and adjust speed
    • Dynamically adjust stepper speed rate

Do Not Leave The Machine Unattended While Running A Job!

Goals of CNC training

CNC is all about processing gcode. The process is -

  1. Design
  2. Convert
  3. Cut

Design Options

  • Inkscape
  • TinkerCAD
  • Sketchup
  • AutoCAD
  • Other CAD software

Convert

  • gcodetools
  • CAMBAM
  • ???

Cut

  • Mach3
  • LinuxCNC

Using Mach3

  • Pin/Port, motor, and GCODE configuration
  • Jogging the machine
  • Setting the home point
  • Testing the cuts
  • Changing the bits
  • Dust collection
  • Changing the speed
  • Rewind/Reset
  • The STOP button and limit switches

Preparing the machine

  • NEVER move the motors manually while connected to control box - it can damage the electronics.
  • Zero the spindle high above
  • Test the gcode
  • Zero the spindle for real
  • Monitor the cut, adjusting speed as needed.

Preparing the workpiece

  • double sided tape
  • screws (and sanding smooth)
  • clamps and dog holes?
  • vacuum table would be cool
  • dust control
  • Leveling the table to the gantry

Common problems

  • Run out
  • Bad gcode
  • Bad cuts - too fast, too dull, too deep
  • wrong units (mm vs inches)
  • wrong arc method (absolute vs relative)
  • stuck limit switch
  • cheap control box (prone to break or overheat?)
  • watch out for obstructions (this also means screw and clamps)