CNC Router: Difference between revisions
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Our woodshop is home to a CAMaster Stinger I CNC router that is able to cut wood, plastics, and certain metals. |
Our woodshop is home to a CAMaster Stinger I CNC router that is able to cut wood, plastics, and certain metals. |
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= Certification = |
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The CNC Basic Use & Safey class is a required certification to use this machine. |
The CNC Basic Use & Safey class is a required certification to use this machine. |
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= CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router= |
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[[File:CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router.jpg|thumb|alt=CAMaster Stinger I CNC router, computer, and compressor|CAMaster Stinger I CNC router, computer, and compressor]] |
[[File:CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router.jpg|thumb|alt=CAMaster Stinger I CNC router, computer, and compressor|CAMaster Stinger I CNC router, computer, and compressor]] |
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== Reference Material == |
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[https://www.camaster.com/cnc-routers/stinger-series/stinger-i/ CAMaster Site] |
[https://www.camaster.com/cnc-routers/stinger-series/stinger-i/ CAMaster Site] |
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[https://www.wincnc.net/ CAMaster WinCNC Machine Controller Software] |
[https://www.wincnc.net/ CAMaster WinCNC Machine Controller Software] |
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== FCFL References == |
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[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OWSaMgkcoUyyKQk58nxxpIXn-BqWR1F2R01m_Mm7xRU/edit#gid=0 FCFL Bit Inventory] |
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OWSaMgkcoUyyKQk58nxxpIXn-BqWR1F2R01m_Mm7xRU/edit#gid=0 FCFL Bit Inventory] |
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= Getting Started = |
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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. |
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. |
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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. |
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. |
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== Safety == |
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Standard Disclaimers: |
Standard Disclaimers: |
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You should sign up for a reservation on CiviCRM before using the tool |
You should sign up for a reservation on CiviCRM before using the tool |
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= Before Operating the CNC = |
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[[File:Stinger I - Power switch, E-stop, probe.jpg|thumb|alt=CAMaster Stinger I's power switch, E-Stop, and touch probe jack (lower right)|CAMaster Stinger I's power switch, E-Stop, and touch probe jack (lower right)]] |
[[File:Stinger I - Power switch, E-stop, probe.jpg|thumb|alt=CAMaster Stinger I's power switch, E-Stop, and touch probe jack (lower right)|CAMaster Stinger I's power switch, E-Stop, and touch probe jack (lower right)]] |
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You must fully power cycle the CNC and reset the switch (twist) to use the CNC |
You must fully power cycle the CNC and reset the switch (twist) to use the CNC |
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= Win CNC Control Software = |
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== Keyboard Controls == |
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Z = page up/ page down, |
Z = page up/ page down, |
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X,Y: arrow keys (labeled on keyboard) |
X,Y: arrow keys (labeled on keyboard) |
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= FAQ = |
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''' Stopping CNC From Software ''' |
''' Stopping CNC From Software ''' |
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Blue = (only for Z) top-down perspective. Zero at limit switch. |
Blue = (only for Z) top-down perspective. Zero at limit switch. |
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= Creating The Cut Files = |
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CAM jobs must use inches. |
CAM jobs must use inches. |
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== Using VCarve Pro == |
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We have a Vcarve Pro Makerspace license and you can use it to prepare VCarve files (.tap) on your computer. |
We have a Vcarve Pro Makerspace license and you can use it to prepare VCarve files (.tap) on your computer. |
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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) |
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) |
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== Post-processing == |
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= Preparing the Cut = |
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== Pre-Check == |
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[[File:Air Compressor Switch.jpg|thumb|alt=Air compressor toggle switch (red)|Air compressor toggle switch (red)]] |
[[File:Air Compressor Switch.jpg|thumb|alt=Air compressor toggle switch (red)|Air compressor toggle switch (red)]] |
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Turn on the Vacuum |
Turn on the Vacuum |
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== Warm Up Procedure == |
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[[File:Stinger I - Spindle Speed Control.jpg|thumb|alt=Spindle speed control (on front right of Stinger I)|Spindle speed control (on front right of Stinger I)]] |
[[File:Stinger I - Spindle Speed Control.jpg|thumb|alt=Spindle speed control (on front right of Stinger I)|Spindle speed control (on front right of Stinger I)]] |
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== Calibration == |
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In CAMaster: |
In CAMaster: |
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== Zeroing Procedure == |
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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. |
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. |
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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. |
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. |
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== Securing the Piece == |
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Spoilboard has 1/4”-20 threaded sockets for clamping and otherwise securing your piece. |
Spoilboard has 1/4”-20 threaded sockets for clamping and otherwise securing your piece. |
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You can either use clamps, or preferably screw the piece down. Either directly, or using waste parts to secure it on the edges. |
You can either use clamps, or preferably screw the piece down. Either directly, or using waste parts to secure it on the edges. |
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= The Cut = |
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[[File:Dust collector.jpg|thumb|alt=Dust collector and power switch (on right side)|Dust collector and power switch (on right side)]] |
[[File:Dust collector.jpg|thumb|alt=Dust collector and power switch (on right side)|Dust collector and power switch (on right side)]] |
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Make sure Turn on dust collector before cutting. |
Make sure Turn on dust collector before cutting. |
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= Maintenance = |
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== Greasing Parts == |
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== Replacing the Spoilboard == |
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= Troubleshooting = |
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== Spindle wont start == |
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Hit reset button on spindle controller console. Check that speed control knob is fully clockwise |
Hit reset button on spindle controller console. Check that speed control knob is fully clockwise |
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== WinCNC Wont Start == |
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Restart PC. Pray to whatever deity(ies) you may believe in |
Restart PC. Pray to whatever deity(ies) you may believe in |
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= Pinned Items from Slack #CNC and Other References = |
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[https://www.cnccookbook.com/ CNC Cookbook] - Speeds & Feeds calculator |
[https://www.cnccookbook.com/ CNC Cookbook] - Speeds & Feeds calculator |
Revision as of 09:26, 2 March 2022
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
Work Dimensions | Width, X | 635 mm (25 in) |
---|---|---|
Length, Y | 914.4 mm (36 in) | |
Height, Z | 127 mm (5 in) | |
Spindle Power | 1.7kW (2.28 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
CAMaster WinCNC Machine Controller Software
FCFL References
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
Win CNC Control Software
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)
Post-processing
Preparing the Cut
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.
Maintenance
Greasing Parts
Replacing the Spoilboard
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
Pinned Items from Slack #CNC and Other References
CNC Cookbook - Speeds & Feeds calculator