CNC Router

Our woodshop is home to a CAMaster Stinger I CNC router that is able to cut wood, plastics, and certain metals.

Certification
The CNC Basic Use & Safey class is a required certification to use this machine.

Reference Material
CAMaster Site

Feeds & Speeds Calculator

VCarve Pro CAD/CAM Software

CAMaster WinCNC Machine Controller Software

FCFL References
FCFL Bit Inventory

Getting Started
The CNC is one of our more dangerous pieces of equipment. It can be a VERY energetic machine and cause flying metal if improperly configured possibly causing harm to the machine and humans nearby.

Do not use the CNC if you "think" you know how to use it. You need to know how to use it. Any other certified member should be willing to help out if any questions arise.

Safety
Standard Disclaimers:
 * Don't be inebriated
 * No loose items
 * Standard safety gear (safety glasses)
 * Tie back hair
 * Don't be stupid

You should sign up for a reservation on CiviCRM before using the tool

Before Operating the CNC


Before doing anything, know exactly where the Emergency Stop button is. It is the large red button on the front left side of the machine.

If you press it, you can confirm it worked by reading the code on the spindle rpm controller on the bottom right of the front of the machine which should be displaying 'ER'

You must fully power cycle the CNC and reset the switch (twist) to use the CNC

Keyboard Controls
Z = page up/ page down, X,Y: arrow keys (labeled on keyboard)

FAQ
 Stopping CNC From Software 

Emergency Stop (?): Press “Esc” key. Must reload file to start again.

Pause job: Click pause (“||”) in top menu bar.

 CNC Won't Start 

Check that the Emergency Stop Button is not depressed. Twist to reset position

Can I do a full cut through?

Yes, though you need a sacrificial piece under your main piece. The spoilboard is technically a wear item but cut through massively decrease useful lifetime.

Coordinates

Red = Machine coordinates Green = Local coordinates Blue = (only for Z) top-down perspective. Zero at limit switch.

Creating The Cut Files
CAM jobs must use inches.

Using VCarve Pro
We have a Vcarve Pro Makerspace license and you can use it to prepare VCarve files (.tap) on your computer.

You can use Fusion360 to make the files, but we generally recommend testing it in the VCarve application since we have sometimes noticed strangeness with Fusion360 files. (Out of place parts etc etc)

Pre-Check


Inspect the machine and bed for any debris, especially the ball screw

Check that the hose in the compressor is attached to the CNC air assist connection

Turn on the air compressor (push red toggle switch backward).

Adjust compressor to provide 60-80lbs pressure to CNC (it has its own pressure regulator).

Turn on the Vacuum

Warm Up Procedure


Note: Spindle RPM DRO in thousands of RPM

1. Remove collet from spindle and set aside.

2. Warm up spindle bearing using the speed control dial on front right of CNC router. This is required for the longevity of the spindle bearings.
 * Step 1: 5k RPM for 5 mins
 * Step 2: 10k RPM for 5 mins
 * Step 3: 18k RPM for 5 mins

Alternate Spinup: To warm up spindle, dial in half-speed (9), click Spindle and run two minutes; then dial in 18 and run two minutes, then click spindle to turn off.

Calibration
In CAMaster:

Zeroing Procedure
IMPORTANT NOTE: Must set Z zero at bottom of work if using multiple tools. You can set Z zero at top of work if just engraving with one tool.

1. Check the bed is clear of debris or obstruction

2. Click “Initialize”. This will home the Z, and X-Y axes

3. Insert tool #1.

4. Remove dust collector boot from spindle.

5. Click “Measure tool” (at corner of screen).

6. Connect touch plate and Click “Touch Top”.

7. Click “Laser On” (it’s not perfect rn, needs alignment).

8. Click “Laser X0 Y0”.

Temp notes Ignore Type G92 to clear any stored settings

Insert first tool of job in collet

Turn on laser using ‘Laser On/Off’.

Position X & Y to desired zero point, click ‘Laser X0Y0’

For ‘Z0 at top’ jobs, plug in touch plate, position under tool and Press “Touch Top” button.

For ‘Z0 at bottom’ jobs, Make sure no local Z is set. T codes in job trigger measure tool. Ensure job rapids clear all clamps.

Securing the Piece
Spoilboard has 1/4”-20 threaded sockets for clamping and otherwise securing your piece.

You can either use clamps, or preferably screw the piece down. Either directly, or using waste parts to secure it on the edges.

The Cut


Spindle speeds typically 7k-18k rpm. Typical feedrate ~200ipm.

Calculate feedrate with this formula: Feedrate = (Chipload) x (Cutter Diameter) x (Number of Flutes) x (Spindle Speed)

Better to begin at lowest end of recommended feedrate and increase feed up to:
 * the finish deteriorates because of vibration of the cutting tool
 * tight radii causes the machine to adjust to a slower speed
 * the part moves

Upcut vs Downcut vs Compression Bits: To be written...

Make sure Turn on dust collector before cutting.

Spindle wont start
Hit reset button on spindle controller console. Check that speed control knob is fully clockwise

WinCNC Wont Start
Restart PC. Pray to whatever deity(ies) you may believe in

Pinned Items from Slack #CNC and Other References
CNC Cookbook - Speeds & Feeds calculator