CNC Training

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)