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.

CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router

CAMaster Stinger I SR-23 Specifications

Work Dimensions	Width, X	635 mm (25 in)
	Length, Y	914.4 mm (36 in)
	Height, Z	127 mm (5 in)
Spindle Power	2.6kW (3.5 HP)
Max RPM	18,000
Collet Type	ER25
Max Rapid Speed	15240 mm/min (600 in/min)
Max Cut Speed	8890 mm/min (350 in/min)
Repeatability	±0.0254 mm (±0.001 in)

Reference Material

Manufacturer's Site

Materials & Tooling

VCarve Pro CAD/CAM Software

[https://www.wincnc.net/ 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.

Safety

Standard Disclaimers:

• Don't be inebriated
• No loose items
• Standard safety gear (safety glasses)
• Tie back hair

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

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

Creating The Cut Files

CAM jobs must use mm's.

Using VCarve Pro

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

Preparing the Cut

Pre-Check

Air Compressor stuff

Warm Up Procedure

Note: Spindle RPM DRO in thousands of RPM

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

Remove collet from spindle and set aside.

Warm up spindle bearing using the speed control dial on front right of CNC router.

• 5 min at 5k RPM
• 5 min at 10k RPM
• 5 min at 18k RPM

Calibration

In CAMaster:

Securing the Piece

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

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...

Troubleshooting

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