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equipment:woodshop:woodcnc [2026/04/27 16:51] – mattequipment:woodshop:woodcnc [2026/06/08 18:21] (current) – matt
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-====== Wood CNC - Shapeoko 3 XL -Not yet commissioned====== +======Wood CNC - Shapeoko 3 XL ======
-===== Page under construction ===== +
-*add picture here+
  
 <callout title="Induction Required" type="danger" icon="true">This equipment requires an induction prior to use. For your own safety and to avoid damage to the equipment do not attempt to use it until you have been inducted.</callout> <callout title="Induction Required" type="danger" icon="true">This equipment requires an induction prior to use. For your own safety and to avoid damage to the equipment do not attempt to use it until you have been inducted.</callout>
Line 7: Line 5:
 <callout title="Crush and flying debris Hazard" type="warning" icon="true">Keep fingers away from moving parts. Risk of flying debris (e.g. tool crash).</callout> <callout title="Crush and flying debris Hazard" type="warning" icon="true">Keep fingers away from moving parts. Risk of flying debris (e.g. tool crash).</callout>
  
-<callout title="PPE Required" type="primary" icon="true">This equipment requires the use of eye protection / hearing protection / respiratory protection during use.</callout>+<callout title="PPE Required" type="primary" icon="true">This equipment requires the use of hearing protection during use, and finger protection when changing bits</callout>
  
-====== Materials ====== 
-==== Cutting Items==== 
-  * Hard wood 
-  * Soft wood 
-  * MDF 
-  * Plywood 
-  * Acrylic 
-  * Delryn 
  
-====Banned Items==== +======Introduction=====
-  * Metal+
  
-====== Shapeoko 3 XL – Glossary of Terms ======+Our CNC Router is a Shapeoko 3 XL.
  
-Most definitions here are adapted from Carbide3D’s video series, with small changes for our machine and accessories.\\ +The router has a usable bed size of 800mm X 350mm.
-**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 ====+We have 1/4" and 1/8" collets for the router, and a small collection of bits for basic operations. For anything more complex (or to guarantee a sharp bit) you should use your own router bits.
  
-**CNC** – //Computer Numerical Control//\\ +The router is driven using Carbide Motion, which is loaded on the Raspberry Pi the wooden box beside it.
-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//\\ +The router is protected by an online induction. To get inducted, read this page carefully, then take the quiz on the membership system.
-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//\\ +This wiki page will explain the basics of how to safely set up and run a simple job on the router. It will not teach you how to design things for the router, prepare files for cutting.
-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**   +To learn more about the router, including how to design and prepare files for it, check out these videos by the manufacturer: 
-The text-based “language” CNC machines read. Generated automatically by CAD/CAM software. You don’t need to write it manually.+
  
-==== Machine Movement ====+  * [[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.
  
-**Axes**   +For first time CNC users, we recommend using the free version of Carbide Create to design and prepare your files, as this software comes pre-programmed with the parameters of our machine and our communial bits.
-  * **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.\\ +======Parts and Layout=====
-**Work Zero** – Your chosen starting point for a specific job (usually a corner or centre of the stock).+
  
-==== Design Files ====+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:r1.jpg?direct&600|}}
  
-**Vector Graphics**\\ +{{:equipment:woodshop:r2-2.jpg?direct&600|}}
-Drawings made of lines and points (e.g., SVG files). Ideal for CNC because the machine can follow their coordinates exactly.+
  
-**Toolpaths**\\ +{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:r3.jpg?direct&600|}}
-The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM.+
  
-==== Materials & Workholding ==== 
  
-**Stock** – The material you’re cutting.\\ +====== Permitted Materials ======
-**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 ====+You can work with the following materials on the CNC router: 
 +  * Hard wood 
 +  * Soft wood 
 +  * MDF 
 +  * Plywood 
 +  * Acrylic 
 +  * Delryn
  
-**Feed Rate** – How fast the cutter moves through the material (X/Y).\\ +You must NOT work with these materials: 
-**Plunge Rate** – How fast the cutter moves down into the material (Z).\\ +  * Metal 
-**Spindle Speed** – How fast the bit spins (RPM), adjusted on the router dial.\\+  * Humans
  
-//Why it matters:// These three settings determine cut quality and safety. Carbide Create has safe starting values for common materials.+====== Usage Insturctions ======
  
-==== Tools & Cutters ====+====1. Pre-Useage Checks====
  
-**End Mill / Bit** – The cutting tool.   +Before you use the CNC Router, it's important to open the cabinet doors and check the following:
-  * **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.+  * That the drive belts look in good condition, with no cuts of frays. 
 +  * There is not a thick dust build up on top of the big silver gantries. 
 +  * That there is nothing inside the enclosure that could interfere or jam the movement of the router.
  
-**Upcut / Downcut** – Direction of flute spiral:   +You also need to check that:
-  * **Upcut:** Pulls chips up and away (better chip removal, but can lift stock).   +
-  * **Downcut:** Pushes chips down (better surface finish, but can trap chips).+
  
-**Shank size** – the size of the diameter of the solid part of the bit, two sizes are currently supported by our router:     +  * The fire extinguisher is present in the woodshop. 
-  * **1/8** - 1/8 inch (3.175mm). +  * The dust collector bag is not full.
-  * **1/4** - 1/4 inch (6.35mm).+
  
-----+If you see anything wrong with the condition of the machine, don't use it and let the committee know on the forum.
  
-==== Machining Types ====+====2. Starting the Machine and Software====
  
-**2D Machining** – Cutting shapes at a constant depth.\\ +  * Log into the machine with your card/fob (once you've passed the induction). The enclosure lights should turn on when you log in. 
-**2.5D Machining** – Multiple depths, but cutting one flat layer at a time (e.g., pockets + cutouts).\\ +  * If the Raspberry Pi is not already running, press the silver power button to boot it up. Note that the screen may not immediately respond when you press the button. 
-**3D Machining** – Machine moves in X, Y, and Z simultaneously to create complex curves.\\+  * If the emergency stop button has been pressed, rotate it clockwise to reset it.
  
-==== Safety ====+Once the Raspberry Pi has booted:
  
-**Emergency Stop (E-stop)** – Red button to immediately stop the machine.\\ +  * Start the "Carbide Motion" software by pressing the raspberry button in the top left of the screen → Office → Carbide Motion.  
-**PPE** – Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask.\\ +  * In Carbide Motion, press the "Connect to cutter" button 
-**Dust Collection** – Removes chips and dust from the work area.+  * Press the "Initialise Machine" button. 
  
-====== More Info About This Machine ======+The router will now move to the rear rightmost point, and will then move to the front right.
  
-These videos are a great resource for information about this machine:+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:1_office_carbide_motion.png?direct&400|}}
  
-  * [[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. +====3. Clamping Down your Stock====
-  * [[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.+
  
-====== Usage Instructions ====== 
  
-==== Powering up the machine ====+NOTE: All items for the CNC including probe pins, router bits, collets spanners and allen key can be found in the small draw under the Raspberry Pi and returned here after use.
  
-  * Log into the machine with your card/fob. The enclosure lights should turn on.\\ +*****Before you clamp down your stock, move the router out of your way:
-  * If the Raspberry Pi is not already running, press the silver button to boot it up.\\ +
-  * Rotate the emergency stop button clockwise to reset it, if required.\\ +
-  * Open the machine doors and check that the drive belts look in good condition, with no cuts of frays.\\ +
-  * Check that there is no thick dust build up on top of the big silver gantry's. +
-  * Check that there is nothing left loose inside the enclosure that could jam the movement of the router.+
  
-==== Starting the Software and Initialising the Machine ====+  * Press the "Jog" button at the top of the Carbide Create window to open the Jog Screen. 
 +  * From the Jog Screen, use the buttons on the screen or the USB pendant to move the router out of your way.
  
-  * Start the Carbide Motion software by pressing the raspberry button in the top left -> Office -> Carbide Motion\\ +  * Place your stock on the spoilboard. Use the small "stop blocks" on one side to position your stock and align it with the grid of holes. 
-  * Press the "Connect to cutter" button\\ +  * Use the Crush-It clamps on the opposite side of your stock to hold it securely. To do this. first loosen (but don't remove) the small screws on the front of the clamps, position the clamps tightly against your stock, bolt the clamps to the spill board, then tighten the front screw to push the clamp face firmly against the stock. 
-  * Press on "Initialise Machine". The router will move to the rear rightmost point first and will then move to the front allowing you to install the probe pin or cutting bit.\\+  * Double-check that your stock is firmly attached to the spillboard by trying to move it. If there is any movement, you should re-clamp it.
  
-==== Installing probe pin ====+Tip: The stop blocks have smooth and serated sides, and the Crush-It clamps have replacable smooth and serrated jaws. The serrated surfaces give better grip but can leave marks on some stock.
  
-First install the correct collet for the size you’ll be using: +Tip: Make sure the clamps don't block your toolpath!
-  * Use a 17 mm spanner to loosen the collet nut on the bottom of the router.  +
-  * Press and hold the yellow spindle lock button (on the lower right of the router) to stop the shaft from spinning.  +
-  * Remove the collet nut and old collet together. +
-  * Fit the new collet and collet nut, using the same process in reverse.+
  
-Then choose the probe pin that matches the size of the the collet you’ve just fitted. The probe pins are straight metal rods. Insert the pin into the collet and tighten the nut by hand. +Tip: Use bolts of the correct length to fix the clamps to the spillboard. If the bolts are too long they will bottom out in the threaded holes.
  
-Use the measuring guide to check the pin isn’t sticking out too far. Once correct, hold the spindle lock and tighten the nut with the 17 mm spanner.+====4. Probing your Stock Location====
  
-==== Clamping down stock ====+We have a BitZero probe kit, which we use to accurately locate corner of your stock is and how tall it is. This is known as setting the "Work Zero". The kit consists of a probe pin, a probe plate, and a magnetic earth connection. To use the BitZero:
  
-In Carbide Motion press the Jog button to enter the Jog Screen. You can use the buttons on the screen or the pendant to move the router around.+  * Remove the dust shoe (it's magnetically attached and just pulls downwards) 
 +  * Install a probe pin into the router collet (using the instructions for installing router bits and probe pins at the bottom of this page). 
 +  * Place the probe plate on your stock so so that is tight to the front left corner.  
 +  * From the Jog Screen, use the buttons on the screen or the USB pendant to position the router so that the tip of the probe is within the circular hole in the probe plate. 
 +  * Attach the magnetic earth to the router collet. 
 +  * From the Jog Screen, press Probe. A pop-up window will open. 
 +  * Press "Corner" then on the next screen, press "Begin Probe".
  
-Place your stock on the spoilboard so it’s aligned with the grid. The spoilboard has threaded holes spaced 100 mm apart, and the grid lines are aligned with the machine’s X and Y motion. This makes it easy to square your stock with the router’s movement.+The router will move slowly to identify the sides of the circular hole with the probe pin, then it will lift out of the hole and tap the top of the probe plate. 
  
-Use the small stop blocks on one side to position the stock — each block has two smooth sides and two with small serrations. The serrated sides give better grip but can leave small marks on the stock.+When it has finished doing this, a pop-up window will ask you to remove the magnetic earth.
  
-Use the Crush-It clamps on the opposite side to hold the stock securely. Each clamp has replaceable front jaws (smooth or serrated) for different materials. Loosen, but don’t remove, the front screw on the clamp. Position the clamp tight against the stock and bolt it down. Then tighten the front screw to push the clamp face firmly against the stock.+  * Remove the magnetic earth from the router collet. 
 +  * Press the Ok button.
  
-Make sure the clamps don’t block the toolpath and use bolts of the correct length — too long and they can bottom out in the threaded holes. Tighten evenly so the stock sits flat and secure.+The router will now move to the front-right and touch the probe pin to the height probe on the machine's frame. This completes the probe operation.
  
-======Walkthrough======+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:6_check_probe.jpg?400|}} 
 +{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:8_corner.png?400|}}
  
-Turn on isolator and boot raspberry PI.+====5. Loading your File====
  
-Turn on red emergency button if needed+  * Insert your USB drive into USB port on the front of the Raspberry Pi case. 
 +  * Cancel the "Removable Medium" pop-up menu.
  
-Start Carbide Motion by clicking the raspberry button in the top left -> Office -> Carbide Motion+  * Press "Run" at the top of the Carbide Create window to open the Job Info Screen 
 +  * Press "Load New File" on the Job Info Screen. 
 +  * In the Open File pop-up, navigate to your USB drive (computer → / → media → cncuser → your USB drive) and open your .C2D file.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:1_office_carbide_motion.png?400|}}+Tip: You can sanity-check your file is correct by switching to the Top View tab.
  
-Click the connect to cutter button 
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:2_connect_to_cutter.png?400|}}+====6. Starting your Job====
  
-Give the CNC a visual check to make sure everything looks OK+  * Press "Start Job" on the Job Info Screen. 
 +  * On the pop-up, press "Start"
  
-Click initialise machine and the spindle moves forward+The spindle will now move to the front-right, and a new pop-up will ask you to install your first bit.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:3_initialise_machine.png?400|}}+  * Install your first router bit into the router (using the instructions for installing router bits and probe pins at the bottom of this page). 
 +  * Re-fit the magnetic dust shoe. 
 +  * Switch on the dust collector. 
 +  * Open the blast gate for the CNC router, and close the blast gates for any machines that are not in use. 
 +  * Close the cabinet doors. 
 +  * Press the "Resume" button on the pop-up.
  
-Remove dust shoe using clip on right and using the 17mm spanner and the yellow locking button on the side of the router fit the probe pin which is the same size as your bit bearing in mind you might have to change between the 1/8 and ¼ collet.+The spindle will now spin up, and a new pop-up will ask you to check the speed setting on the router.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:4_fit_probe_pin.jpg?400|}}+  * Check the speed dial on the router matches the requested speed in the pop-up. 
 +  * If it doesn't, open the cabinet doors, change the speed, and close them again. 
 +  * Press "Resume".
  
-In Carbide Create press the Jog button in the top menu and using either the on screen pad or the pendant, move the router to the back of the enclosure.+After a brief pause, the job will begin.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:5_jog.png?400|}}+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:19_fit_dust_shoe.jpg?400|}} 
 +{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:18_tool_change.png?400|}}\\ 
 +{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:20_spindle.jpg?400|}} 
 +{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:21_resume.png?400|}}
  
-Clamp stock to bed making sure it doesn’t move+====7. While the Machine is Running====
  
-Move the router into the bottom left corner, attach the probe magnet and touch the probe to the probe plate and you should see a red light.+The machine MUST be closely supervised at all times when running. This is to ensure:
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:6_check_probe.jpg?400|}}+  * The workpiece remains firmly clamped 
 +  * The machine doesn't jam or get stuck 
 +  * The extraction is clearing dust effectively 
 +  * There is no risk of fire
  
-Put the probe plate tight to the bottom left of your stock and using the jog screen or the pendant move the probe into the circle in the probe plate.+Opening the door during the job will pause the machine and show a pop-up. To resume the job, close the doors and press "Resume" on the pop-up. This is useful if you need to check your clamps or remove detritus.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:7_probe.png?400|}}+Hitting the E-stop button during the job will kill the power to the controller and spindle.
  
-In Carbide Motion click Probe -> corner -> Begin Probe+====8. Changing Bit During a Job====
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:8_corner.png?400|}} +Some jobs require more than one bit to complete, and you will be asked to change bits partway through.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:9_begin_probe.png?400|}}+
  
-Remove magnet and probe plate when it asks you to remove ground clip.+When this happens, the router will move to the front-right of the cabinet and spin down. A pop-up will ask you to install the new bit and then set the new speed in exactly the same way as you did for your first bit at the start of the job.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:10_remove_magnet.jpg?400|}} +====9. After your Job====
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:11_bit_setter.jpg?400|}}+
  
-Make sure you are clear from the CNC as the head will move then you click OK.+When you're finished, you should always: 
 +  * Clear any waste or debris from the cabinet. 
 +  * Log out of the machine by pressing the button on the RFID box. 
 +  * Shut down the Raspberry Pi if the machine isn't going to be used again soon.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:12_bit_zero_ok.png?400|}}+====How to Change Router Bits or Probe Pins====
  
-Go back to run menu+The cutting edges of bits can be sharp so gloves should be worn when changing bits.
  
-Plug in USB stick and click cancel to the popup.+To install a router bit or probe pin: 
 +  * Remove the dust shoe. 
 +  * Hold the yellow button on the side of the router and use a 17mm spanner to loosen the collet nut. 
 +  * Once the collet is loose, you can withdraw the bit or pin currently installed.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:13_usb_cancel.png?400|}}+  * We have a 1/4" and 1/8" collet, to suit different bits. If you need to swap to the other collet: 
 +     * Continue to unscrew the collet nut until the collet and nut can be removed from the router. 
 +     * Screw the other collet and nut into the router in it's place.
  
-Click the load new file button and navigate to computer -> / -> media -> cncuser -> your USB drive and confirm from description that you have loaded the correct file, there are some preview tabs to see what is going to be cut, when you're happy press Done.+  * Insert the new bit or pin into the collet. 
 +  * Make sure that the bottom of your bit or pin does not protrude more than 150mm below the bottom of the aluminum bracket that holds the router. There is a helpful L-shaped guide in the drawer to assist when measuring this. 
 +  * Hold the yellow button on the side of the router, and use a 17mm spanner to firmly tighten the collet nut.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:14_load_file.png?400|}} +{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:six_inches.jpg?direct&600|}}
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:15_open_file.png?400|}} +
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:16_done.png?400|}}+
  
-press start job.+====== Glossary of Common CNC Terms ======
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:17_start_job.png?400|}}+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.
  
-Then press start on next screen+==== Core Concepts ====
  
-Spindle will move to front right and the screen will ask you to fit your first bit, fit bit, make sure bit doesn’t stick out lower than the bitsetter measurer. you might need to adjust height of dust shoe.+**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.
  
-Fit the dust shoe, close doors and press resume.+**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.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:19_fit_dust_shoe.jpg?400|}} +**CAM** – //Computer-Aided Manufacturing//\\ 
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:18_tool_change.png?400|}}+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.
  
-Spindle will spin up and there will be a message to set the speed dial. If the dial is correct just hit resume, if you need to change it open the door, the spindle will stop, set the speed, close the door and hit resume+**G-code**   
 +The text-based “language” CNC machines read. Generated automatically by CAD/CAM software. You don’t need to write it manually.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:20_spindle.jpg?400|}} +==== Machine Movement ====
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:21_resume.png?400|}}+
  
-The first job will start and start cutting.+**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.//
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:wood22_running_job.png?400|}}+**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).
  
-====== When The Machine is Running ======+==== Design Files ====
  
-The machine MUST be closely supervised at all times when running. This is to ensure: +**Vector Graphics**\\ 
-* The workpiece stays firmly clamped +Drawings made of lines and points (e.g., SVG files). Ideal for CNC because the machine can follow their coordinates exactly.
-* The machine doesn't jam or get stuck +
-* The extraction clears dust effectively +
-* There is no risk of fire+
  
-If you open while the machine is in use, it will pause the job. You can close the doors and press start to resume where you left off. This is useful if you need to remove detritus or check that your clamps are secure.+**Toolpaths**\\ 
 +The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:23_release_freehold.png?400|}}+==== Materials & Workholding ====
  
-Hitting the E-stop button will kill the power to the controller and spindle.+**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.
  
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:5_jog.png?400|}}+==== 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). 
 + 
 +**Shank size** – the size of the diameter of the solid part of the bit, two sizes are currently supported by our router:     
 +  * **1/8** - 1/8 inch (3.175mm). 
 +  * **1/4** - 1/4 inch (6.35mm). 
 + 
 +==== 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.\\
  • equipment/woodshop/woodcnc.1777308705
  • Last modified: 2 months ago
  • by matt