Avid PRO6096

The Avid Pro Router is a 5' x 8' bed router that has a Plug-and-Play 2.2kW (3HP) Spindle. The CNC router was purchased in 2019 and completed assembly and installation in early 2020.

Specifications

• PRO6096 5’x8’ (Revision 19.2) purchased Jan 2020
• Nema 34 CNC Controller Revision 20.1 - CRP800-00E-8, 2.2 kW Spindle (~3 HP)
• Avid Pro leg kit; standard gantry width/height
• VistaCNC P4-S Control Pendant
• Mach4 Software

Current Modifications: (Updated 2/19/25)

• Frame is assembled according to Revision 24.2 Assembly Instructions allowing for vertical workholding.
• Wiring on left side using “Alternate cable track location”.
• Electronics boxes are mounted inside frame

Spoilboard

• MDF slats with locating pins
• Aluminum T-track installed on the X-axis between MDF slats
• 1/4-20 inserts in 4x4 grid
• 3/4" dog holes in 4x8 grid

CNC Workflow

This diagram describes the 4 high level steps to create a design and execute milling operations for that design on the Avid CNC.

Approved Materials

The following materials are approved for use on the AVID CNC. In many cases, notably with plastics, bit selection is crucial to execute cuts correctly. Be sure you have researched your use case thoroughly.

• Wood (hardwood, softwood, various plywoods, MDF)
• Plastics (PVC, Acrylic, HDPE, Polycarbonate)
• Foam (polystyrene and polyurethane)

Non-Approved Materials

The following materials are not approved for use on the AVID CNC at HackRVA for safety and operational reasons.

• No metals of any kind
• Fiberglass
• Carbon Fiber

*if you have a use case for a material not listed in the sections above, reach out in the CNC Slack channel for guidance before proceeding.

CNC Training Playlist

• This is a short list of videos that all interested members should watch to become familiar with the design tools, startup process, and operation procedures for the Avid CNC.
• Watching these videos is not a substitute for formal training—members must still be certified before using the CNC independently.
• For the design videos, it is not necessary to watch both VCarve and Fusion 360 (but not a bad idea). Select the video for the design software you intend to use. If you are not already familiar with either tool, we recommend VCarve.
• After you have watched these videos to get a grounding in the fundamentals of the design and operation process, reach out in the CNC channel in Slack to meet up with a trainer who can walk you through the next steps.

Design
Vectric VCarve	VCarve Training Video Series	A series of videos that walk through the creation of simple beginner projects in VCarve
	VCarve and Mach 4 Walkthrough	This video will walk though the creation of a simple tray with various recesses, using VCarve to design the part and create the toolpaths that the CNC will execute.
Fusion360	Fusion 360 and Mach 4 Walkthrough	This video will walk though the creation of a simple tray with various recesses, using Fusion360 to design the part and create the toolpaths that the CNC will execute.
Execute
Avid CNC - Start Up Procedure and Cycle Start Checklist		This video covers the steps that are taken to initially startup the Avid CNC, and the steps that are taken each time a program (exported G-Code) is executed.
Mach4 User Guide: Auto Z and Corner Finding Touchplate		A quick video giving a more detailed overview of the touch plate used to establish initial X, Y and Z offsets for your program.
CNC Router Feeds and Speeds Explained		A brief video from IDC Woodcraft that explains the concepts of setting appropriate feed (how fast the spindle moves laterally) and speed (the RPM of the bit in the spindle) values. Basic chipload calculator: https://idcwoodcraft.com/pages/chipload-calculator
Spindle Warmup Overview		A short video describing the spindle warmup procedure and why it is an important part of the initial startup procedure for the Avid CNC.
How to run an air pass on the Avid CNC		This short video demonstrates how to run an air pass above your material on the CNC.

CNC Tool Libraries

Tool Libraries
SpeTool
Whiteside (Vectric) (Fusion360)
IDC Woodcraft
Freud (VCarve only - requires login)

Manuals and Maintenance

AVID CNC Manual (Revision 20.2)

iMach3 P4-S Pendant Manual

Maintenance Schedule