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--- equipment:woodshop:woodcnc [2025/03/22 16:37] – fraserh
+++ equipment:woodshop:woodcnc [2025/08/10 10:12] (current) – fraserh
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 <callout title="PPE Required" type="primary" icon="true">This equipment requires the use of eye protection / hearing protection / respiratory protection during use.</callout>
+====== Shapeoko 3 XL – Common CNC Terms ======
+Most definitions here are adapted from Carbide3D’s video series, with small changes for our machine and accessories.\\
+**Tip:** These are the basics you’ll need for your induction quiz. Links to the original videos are at the bottom if you want to go deeper.
+===== Core Concepts =====
+**CNC** – //Computer Numerical Control//\\
+A computer-controlled machine that moves a cutting tool with high precision. Our laser cutter, 3D printers, and vinyl cutter are also CNC machines.
+**CAD** – //Computer-Aided Design//\\
+Software used to design your part. You draw shapes, add features, and prepare them for cutting.
+  * **We use:** Carbide Create (free version is fine)
+  * **Why it matters:** This is where you create the geometry of your project.
+**CAM** – //Computer-Aided Manufacturing//\\
+Software that converts your CAD design into movement instructions for the CNC.
+  * **We use:** Carbide Motion (pre-installed on the workshop Raspberry Pi)
+  * **Why it matters:** This is the “translator” between your design and the machine.
+**G-code**
+The text-based “language” CNC machines read. Generated automatically by CAD/CAM software. You don’t need to write it manually.
+===== Machine Movement =====
+**Axes**
+  * **X:** Left ↔ Right
+  * **Y:** Front ↔ Back
+  * **Z:** Up ↔ Down
+//Tip: Y has the “Y rails” and Z is the vertical axis — that leaves X as side-to-side.//
+**Home Position** – The fixed point the machine returns to after startup.\\
+**Work Zero** – Your chosen starting point for a specific job (usually a corner or centre of the stock).
+===== Design Files =====
+**Vector Graphics**\\
+Drawings made of lines and points (e.g., SVG files). Ideal for CNC because the machine can follow their coordinates exactly.
+**Toolpaths**\\
+The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM.
+===== Materials & Workholding =====
+**Stock** – The material you’re cutting.\\
+**Spoilboard** – A sacrificial board under the stock to protect the machine.\\
+**Workholding** – Clamps or other methods to secure your stock so it doesn’t move.
+===== Cutting Parameters =====
+**Feed Rate** – How fast the cutter moves through the material (X/Y).\\
+**Plunge Rate** – How fast the cutter moves down into the material (Z).\\
+**Spindle Speed** – How fast the bit spins (RPM), adjusted on the router dial.\\
+//Why it matters:// These three settings determine cut quality and safety. Carbide Create has safe starting values for common materials.
+===== Tools & Cutters =====
+**End Mill / Bit** – The cutting tool.
+  * **Flat End Mill** – Flat tip, general-purpose cutting.
+  * **Ball End Mill** – Rounded tip, for 3D contours and smooth finishes.
+  * **V-Cutter** – Angled tip, ideal for engraving and sign work.
+  * **Fly Cutter** – Large flat cutter for surfacing spoilboards or material tops.
+**Flutes** – The cutting edges on a bit. More flutes = smoother cut, fewer flutes = faster removal.
+**Upcut / Downcut** – Direction of flute spiral:
+  * **Upcut:** Pulls chips up and away (better chip removal, but can lift stock).
+  * **Downcut:** Pushes chips down (better surface finish, but can trap chips).
+----
+===== Machining Types =====
+**2D Machining** – Cutting shapes at a constant depth.\\
+**2.5D Machining** – Multiple depths, but cutting one flat layer at a time (e.g., pockets + cutouts).\\
+**3D Machining** – Machine moves in X, Y, and Z simultaneously to create complex curves.\\
+===== Safety =====
+**Emergency Stop (E-stop)** – Red button to immediately stop the machine.\\
+**PPE** – Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask.\\
+**Dust Collection** – Removes chips and dust from the work area.
+===== More Info =====
+  * [[https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/getting-started-cnc/|Carbide3D Getting Started with CNC]] - A text and video series that will give you a simple introduction to the world of CNC.
+  * [[https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/jumpstart/|Carbide3D Jumpstart course]] - A text and video series that takes you through designing and making several projects.
+  * [[https://www.youtube.com/carbide3d|Carbide 3D YouTube Page]] - Contains a large number of helpful videos with guides and tips.
+===== Old Version =====
 ===== Wood CNC overview =====
-==== Common terms explained ====
+==== Common CNC terms explained ====
 Most of the information below is taken from a direct transcript of a series of videos made by Carbide3D, the manufacturer of the Shapeoko CNC, with some minor alterations to match our particular combination of machine, router and accessories. There are links at the bottom of the page to the original videos and we would recommend you take the time to watch these though the induction quiz is just based on the transcribed text on this page.