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| - | ====== Wood CNC - Shapeoko 3 XL -Not yet commissioned====== | + | ======Wood CNC - Shapeoko 3 XL ====== |
| - | ===== Page under construction ===== | + | |
| - | *add picture here | + | |
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| - | <callout title=" | + | <callout title=" |
| - | ====== | + | |
| - | ==== Cutting Items==== | + | ======Introduction===== |
| + | |||
| + | Our CNC Router is a Shapeoko 3 XL. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The router has a usable bed size of 800mm X 350mm. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The router is driven using Carbide Motion, which is loaded on the Raspberry Pi the wooden box beside it. | ||
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| + | The router is protected by an online induction. To get inducted, read this page carefully, then take the quiz on the membership system. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | To learn more about the router, including how to design and prepare files for it, check out these videos by the manufacturer: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ======Parts and Layout===== | ||
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| + | ====== | ||
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| + | You can work with the following materials on the CNC router: | ||
| * Hard wood | * Hard wood | ||
| * Soft wood | * Soft wood | ||
| Line 18: | Line 49: | ||
| * Delryn | * Delryn | ||
| - | ====Banned Items==== | + | You must NOT work with these materials: |
| * Metal | * Metal | ||
| + | * Humans | ||
| - | ====== | + | ====== |
| - | Most definitions here are adapted from Carbide3D’s video series, with small changes for our machine and accessories.\\ | + | To aide members in using the CNC for the first time we have provided a small selection of tools. These tools were selected because they match tools within |
| - | **Tip: | + | |
| - | ==== Core Concepts ==== | + | The tools provided are: |
| - | **CNC** – //Computer Numerical Control//\\ | + | <WRAP 600px left> |
| - | A computer-controlled machine that moves a cutting tool with high precision. Our laser cutter, 3D printers, and vinyl cutter are also CNC machines. | + | ^ Bit Type ^ Mill Size ^ Carbide3D Bit Equivalent ^ |
| + | | Flat Endmill | 1/4 Inch Cut - 1/4 Inch Shank | 201 | | ||
| + | | Flat Endmill | 1/8 Inch Cut - 1/8 Inch Shank | 102 | | ||
| + | | Ball Endmill | 1/4 Inch Cut - 1/4 Inch Shank | 202 | | ||
| + | | Ball Endmill | 1/8 Inch Cut - 1/8 Inch Shank | 101 | | ||
| + | | V-Bit | 90 Degree | 301 | | ||
| + | | V-Bit | 60 Degree | 302 | | ||
| + | | Downcut Flat Endmill | 1/4 Inch Cut - 1/4 Inch Shank | 251 | | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | <WRAP clear/> | ||
| - | **CAD** – // | + | We would recommend that anyone planning |
| - | 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 | + | |
| - | **CAM** – // | + | ====== Usage Insturctions ====== |
| - | 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** | + | ====1. Pre-Useage Checks==== |
| - | The text-based “language” CNC machines read. Generated automatically by CAD/CAM software. You don’t need to write it manually. | + | |
| - | ==== Machine Movement ==== | + | Before you use the CNC Router, it's important to open the cabinet doors and check the following: |
| - | **Axes** | + | |
| - | * **X:** Left ↔ Right | + | * There is not a thick dust build up on top of the big silver gantries. |
| - | * **Y:** Front ↔ Back | + | * That there is nothing inside |
| - | * **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 | + | You also need to check that: |
| - | **Work Zero** – Your chosen starting point for a specific job (usually a corner or centre of the stock). | + | |
| - | ==== Design Files ==== | + | * The fire extinguisher is present in the woodshop. |
| + | * The dust collector bag is not full. | ||
| - | **Vector Graphics**\\ | + | If you see anything wrong with the condition |
| - | Drawings made of lines and points (e.g., SVG files). Ideal for CNC because | + | |
| - | **Toolpaths**\\ | + | ====2. Starting the Machine and Software==== |
| - | The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM. | + | |
| - | ==== Materials & Workholding ==== | + | * Log into the machine with your card/fob (once you've passed the induction). The enclosure lights should turn on when you log in. |
| + | * 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. | ||
| + | * If the emergency stop button has been pressed, rotate it clockwise to reset it. | ||
| - | **Stock** – The material you’re cutting.\\ | + | Once the Raspberry Pi has booted: |
| - | **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 ==== | + | * Start the " |
| + | * In Carbide Motion, press the " | ||
| + | * Press the " | ||
| - | **Feed Rate** – How fast the cutter moves through the material (X/Y).\\ | + | The router will now move to the rear rightmost point, and will then move to the front right. |
| - | **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. | + | {{:equipment: |
| - | ==== Tools & Cutters | + | ====3. Clamping Down your Stock==== |
| - | **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. | + | 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. |
| - | **Upcut / Downcut** – Direction of flute spiral: | + | *****Before you clamp down your stock, move the router out of your way: |
| - | | + | |
| - | * **Downcut:** Pushes chips down (better surface finish, but can trap chips). | + | |
| - | **Shank size** – the size of the diameter | + | |
| - | * **1/8** - 1/8 inch (3.175mm). | + | * From the Jog Screen, use the buttons on the screen or the USB pendant to move the router out of your way. |
| - | * **1/4** - 1/4 inch (6.35mm). | + | |
| - | ---- | + | * Place your stock on the spoilboard. Use the small "stop blocks" |
| + | * 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. | ||
| + | * 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. | ||
| - | ==== Machining Types ==== | + | 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. |
| - | **2D Machining** – Cutting shapes at a constant depth.\\ | + | Tip: Make sure the clamps don't block your toolpath! |
| - | **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 ==== | + | 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. |
| - | **Emergency Stop (E-stop)** – Red button to immediately stop the machine.\\ | + | NOTE: Don't over tighten |
| - | **PPE** – Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask.\\ | + | |
| - | **Dust Collection** – Removes chips and dust from the work area. | + | |
| - | ====== More Info About This Machine ====== | + | {{: |
| - | These videos are a great resource for information about this machine: | + | ====4. Probing your Stock Location==== |
| - | * [[https:// | + | We have a BitZero probe kit, which we use to accurately locate corner |
| - | * [[https:// | + | |
| - | * [[https:// | + | |
| - | ====== Usage Instructions ====== | + | * 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 " | ||
| - | ==== Powering up the machine ==== | + | The router will move slowly to identify |
| - | * Log into the machine with your card/fob. The enclosure lights should turn on.\\ | + | When it has finished doing this, a pop-up window will ask you to remove |
| - | * If the Raspberry Pi is not already running, press the silver button | + | |
| - | * Rotate | + | |
| - | ==== Pre-Useage Checks ==== | + | * Remove the magnetic earth from the router collet. |
| + | * Press the Ok button. | ||
| - | * Open the machine doors and check that the drive belts look in good condition, with no cuts of frays.\\ | + | The router will now move to the front-right |
| - | * 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. | + | |
| - | * Check the fire extinguisher is present in the woodshop. | + | |
| - | ==== Starting the Software and Initialising the Machine ==== | + | {{: |
| + | {{: | ||
| - | * Start the Carbide Motion software by pressing the raspberry button in the top left -> Office -> Carbide Motion\\ | + | ====5. Loading your File==== |
| - | * Press the " | + | |
| - | * Press on " | + | |
| - | ==== Installing probe pin ==== | + | * Insert your USB drive into USB port on the front of the Raspberry Pi case. |
| + | * Cancel the " | ||
| - | First install | + | * Press " |
| - | * Use a 17 mm spanner | + | * Press "Load New File" |
| - | * Press and hold the yellow spindle lock button (on the lower right of the router) to stop the shaft from spinning. | + | * In the Open File pop-up, navigate to your USB drive (computer → / → media → cncuser → your USB drive) |
| - | * Remove | + | |
| - | * Fit the new collet and collet nut, using the same process in reverse. | + | |
| - | Then choose | + | Tip: You can sanity-check your file is correct by switching to the Top View tab. |
| - | 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. | ||
| - | ==== Clamping down stock ==== | + | ====6. Starting your Job==== |
| - | In Carbide Motion press the Jog button to enter the Jog Screen. | + | * Press "Start Job" on the Job Info Screen. |
| + | * On the pop-up, press " | ||
| - | 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 | + | The spindle will now move to the front-right, and a new pop-up will ask you to install |
| - | Use the small stop blocks | + | * 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 | ||
| + | * Open the blast gate for the CNC router, | ||
| + | * Close the cabinet doors. | ||
| + | * Press the " | ||
| - | 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. | + | The spindle will now spin up, and a new pop-up will ask you to check the speed setting |
| - | 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. | + | * Check the speed dial on the router matches |
| + | * If it doesn' | ||
| + | * Press " | ||
| - | ======Walkthrough====== | + | After a brief pause, the job will begin. |
| - | Turn on isolator and boot raspberry PI. | + | {{: |
| + | {{: | ||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | {{: | ||
| - | Turn on red emergency button if needed | + | ====7. While the Machine is Running==== |
| - | Start Carbide Motion by clicking the raspberry button in the top left -> Office -> Carbide Motion | + | The machine MUST be closely supervised at all times when running. This is to ensure: |
| - | {{: | + | * The workpiece remains firmly clamped |
| + | * The machine doesn' | ||
| + | * The extraction is clearing dust effectively | ||
| + | * There is no risk of fire | ||
| - | Click the connect | + | Opening |
| - | {{: | + | Hitting the E-stop button during the job will kill the power to the controller and spindle. |
| - | Give the CNC a visual check to make sure everything looks OK | + | ====8. Changing Bit During |
| - | Click initialise machine | + | Some jobs require more than one bit to complete, |
| - | {{: | + | 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. |
| - | 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. | + | ====9. After your Job==== |
| - | {{:equipment: | + | 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. | ||
| - | In Carbide Create press the Jog button in the top menu and using either the on screen pad or the pendant, move the router | + | ====How |
| - | {{: | + | The cutting edges of bits can be sharp so gloves should be worn when changing bits. |
| - | Clamp stock to bed making sure it doesn’t move | + | 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 | ||
| + | * Once the collet is loose, you can withdraw the bit or pin currently installed. | ||
| - | Move the router into the bottom left corner, attach | + | * 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 | ||
| + | * Screw the other collet | ||
| - | {{: | + | * 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. | ||
| - | 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. | + | {{: |
| - | {{: | + | ====== Glossary of Common CNC Terms ====== |
| - | In Carbide Motion click Probe -> corner -> Begin Probe | + | 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 ==== |
| - | {{: | + | |
| - | Remove magnet | + | **CNC** – //Computer Numerical Control// |
| + | A computer-controlled machine that moves a cutting tool with high precision. Our laser cutter, 3D printers, | ||
| - | {{: | + | **CAD** – // |
| - | {{:equipment: | + | 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. | ||
| - | Make sure you are clear from the CNC as the head will move then you click OK. | + | **CAM** – // |
| + | 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. | ||
| - | Go back to run menu | + | ==== Machine Movement ==== |
| - | Plug in USB stick and click cancel to the popup. | + | **Axes** |
| + | * **X:** Left ↔ Right | ||
| + | * **Y:** Front ↔ Back | ||
| + | * **Z:** Up ↔ Down | ||
| + | //Tip: Y has the “Y rails” | ||
| - | {{: | + | **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). | ||
| - | 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. | + | ==== 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. |
| - | {{: | + | |
| - | press start job. | + | **Toolpaths**\\ |
| + | The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM. | ||
| - | {{: | + | ==== Materials & Workholding ==== |
| - | Then press start on next screen | + | **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. | ||
| - | 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. | + | ==== Cutting Parameters ==== |
| - | Fit the dust shoe, close doors and press resume. | + | **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.\\ | ||
| - | {{:equipment: | + | //Why it matters:// These three settings determine cut quality and safety. Carbide Create has safe starting values for common materials. |
| - | {{: | + | |
| - | 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 | + | ==== 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. | ||
| - | The first job will start and start cutting. | + | **Flutes** – The cutting |
| - | {{:equipment:woodshop:wood22_running_job.png?400|}} | + | **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). | ||
| - | ====== When The Machine is Running ====== | + | **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). | ||
| - | The machine MUST be closely supervised at all times when running. This is to ensure: | + | ==== Machining Types ==== |
| - | * The workpiece stays firmly clamped | + | |
| - | * The machine doesn' | + | |
| - | * 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 and show the message below. 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. | + | |
| - | {{: | + | **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).\\ | |
| - | Hitting the E-stop button will kill the power to the controller and spindle. | + | **3D Machining** – Machine moves in X, Y, and Z simultaneously to create complex curves.\\ |
| - | + | ||
| - | {{: | + | |