CNC Router Introduction

This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!

---

This is the content required for an introduction to our CNC router - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

Before you get this introduction, please make sure you already have the Handheld Router Introduction, this will help you understand the machine much better and is required before using it.

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual, if available (check its "InfoBox" in the wiki for instructions how to find it).

Safety

Dangers

• sharp, fast spinning bits (end mills or - rarely - certain router bits)
• strong forces acting on the workpiece that might make it move
• the machine has no live sensors and will execute its code regardless of what gets into its way
• hitting "pause" or "stop" in a control program will still let at least the current line be executed

Precautions

• wear personal protection
• stay clear of the CNC router when in operation
• unplug the router when changing a bit or touching the chuck for any other reason
• monitor the CNC router closely when in operation
• push the emergency shutdown button if anything goes wrong
• secure your workpiece properly - see CNC router workholding
• home the machine (set its absolute maximum positions) before executing any movements
• reference the machine to the workpiece (relative maximum/starting positions) before starting the router
• keep an eye on the cables come from above - are they securely out of the machine's paths?
• insert your mill as far as you can afford for maximum strength

Suggested Reading

Besides these safety notes, you should read about the different end mills (and router bits, if you want to try those) to know what you're doing! Different materials usually require different mills, and the feedrate depends on the mill as well as the type of material.

• our list of milling experiences - please also share what you find out!
• top milling tools for new CNC machinists
• G-Code fundamentals

Recommended Watching

• How to set up a job on the WorkBee CNC

Demonstration

The tutor will show you these steps in detail:

1. at the machine
   • selecting the right bit
   • inserting a bit
   • turning the machine on and off (easy to forget!)
   • homing the machine (setting absolute "0" positions)
   • setting the relative "0" position on your workpiece
     • paper trick: go down until a piece of paper is just held in place by the mill's tip
2. on a computer
   • generating G-code from a design in Fusion 360
   • uploading the code to the CNC router

You should then be able to do a small practice cut together with the tutor.

Temp Notes

Please use gcode sender nightly (some what stable ugs classic interface)

In gcode sender:
In case of any issues ("No supported home method" or "grbl has not finished booting"), please play around with the baud rate. 115200 seems to work.
first click on $h for home
Xy step size 100
Z step size 1
Feed rate 4000
Use x/y +- to navigate close to your "Ursprung"
Lower step size
Use x/y +/- to navigate exactly to your ursprung
Use a paper to properly figure out the correct Z position.
Note down the coordinates (in case something goes wrong)