Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- equipment:woodshop:woodcnc [2026/05/15 11:06] – dave
+++ equipment:woodshop:woodcnc [2026/06/08 18:21] (current) – matt
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== 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>
@@ 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="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>
-====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.
+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://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.
+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=====
+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:r1.jpg?direct&600|}}
+{{:equipment:woodshop:r2-2.jpg?direct&600|}}
+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:r3.jpg?direct&600|}}
+====== Permitted Materials ======
+You can work with the following materials on the CNC router:
   * Hard wood
   * Soft wood
@@ Line 17: / Line 49: @@
   * Delryn
-====Banned Items====
+You must NOT work with these materials:
   * Metal
+  * Humans
-====== Shapeoko 3 XL – Common CNC Terms ======
+====== Usage Insturctions ======
-Most definitions here are adapted from Carbide3D’s video series, with small changes for our machine and accessories.\\
+====1. Pre-Useage Checks====
-**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 =====
+Before you use the CNC Router, it's important to open the cabinet doors and check the following:
-**CNC** – //Computer Numerical Control//\\
+  * That the drive belts look in good condition, with no cuts of frays.
-A computer-controlled machine that moves a cutting tool with high precision. Our laser cutter, 3D printers, and vinyl cutter are also CNC machines.
+  * 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.
-**CAD** – //Computer-Aided Design//\\
+You also need to check that:
-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//\\
+  * The fire extinguisher is present in the woodshop.
-Software that converts your CAD design into movement instructions for the CNC.
+  * The dust collector bag is not full.
-  * **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**
+If you see anything wrong with the condition of the machine, don't use it and let the committee know on the forum.
-The text-based “language” CNC machines read. Generated automatically by CAD/CAM software. You don’t need to write it manually.
-===== Machine Movement =====
+====2. Starting the Machine and Software====
-**Axes**
+  * Log into the machine with your card/fob (once you've passed the induction). The enclosure lights should turn on when you log in.
-  * **X:** Left ↔ Right
+  * 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.
-  * **Y:** Front ↔ Back
+  * If the emergency stop button has been pressed, rotate it clockwise to reset it.
-  * **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.\\
+Once the Raspberry Pi has booted:
-**Work Zero** – Your chosen starting point for a specific job (usually a corner or centre of the stock).
-===== Design Files =====
+  * Start the "Carbide Motion" software by pressing the raspberry button in the top left of the screen → Office → Carbide Motion.
+  * In Carbide Motion, press the "Connect to cutter" button
+  * Press the "Initialise Machine" button.
-**Vector Graphics**\\
+The router will now move to the rear rightmost point, and will then move to the front right.
-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:1_office_carbide_motion.png?direct&400|}}
-The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM.
-===== Materials & Workholding =====
+====3. Clamping Down your Stock====
-**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 =====
+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.
-**Feed Rate** – How fast the cutter moves through the material (X/Y).\\
+*****Before you clamp down your stock, move the router out of your way:
-**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.
+  * 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.
-===== Tools & Cutters =====
+  * 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.
+  * 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.
-**End Mill / Bit** – The cutting tool.
+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.
-  * **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.
+Tip: Make sure the clamps don't block your toolpath!
-**Upcut / Downcut** – Direction of flute spiral:
+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.
-  * **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:
+====4. Probing your Stock Location====
-  * **1/8** - 1/8 inch (3.175mm).
-  * **1/4** - 1/4 inch (6.35mm).
-----
+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:
-===== Machining Types =====
+  * 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".
-**2D Machining** – Cutting shapes at a constant depth.\\
+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.
-**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 =====
+When it has finished doing this, a pop-up window will ask you to remove the magnetic earth.
-**Emergency Stop (E-stop)** – Red button to immediately stop the machine.\\
+  * Remove the magnetic earth from the router collet.
-**PPE** – Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask.\\
+  * Press the Ok button.
-**Dust Collection** – Removes chips and dust from the work area.
-===== More Info =====
+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.
-  * [[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.
+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:6_check_probe.jpg?400|}}
+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:8_corner.png?400|}}
-===== Powering up the machine =====
+====5. Loading your File====
-  * Remove the padlock and turn the isolator to power on the machine, the enclosure lights should turn on.\\
+  * Insert your USB drive into USB port on the front of the Raspberry Pi case.
-  * Is the Raspberry Pi isn't already running press the silver button to boot it up.\\
+  * Cancel the "Removable Medium" pop-up menu.
-  * Rotate the emergency stop button clockwise to reset it if required.\\
-  * Check that the belts look in good condition, 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 "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.
-  * Start Carbide Motion by pressing the raspberry button in the top left -> Office -> Carbide Motion\\
+Tip: You can sanity-check your file is correct by switching to the Top View tab.
-  * Press the "Connect to cutter" button\\
-  * 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.\\
-===== Installing probe pin =====
-The first step is to install the correct collet for the size of the bit you’ll be using. To change the collet, 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, then fit the new collet and collet nut using the same process in reverse.
+====6. Starting your Job====
-Choose the probe pin that matches the size of 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. 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.
+  * Press "Start Job" on the Job Info Screen.
+  * On the pop-up, press "Start"
-===== Clamping down stock =====
+The spindle will now move to the front-right, and a new pop-up will ask you to install your first bit.
-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.
+  * 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.
-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 spindle will now spin up, and a new pop-up will ask you to check the speed setting on the router.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-====Walkthrough====
+  * Check the speed dial on the router matches the requested speed in the pop-up.
-Turn on isolator and boot raspberry PI.
+  * If it doesn't, open the cabinet doors, change the speed, and close them again.
+  * Press "Resume".
-Turn on red emergency button if needed
+After a brief pause, the job will begin.
-Start Carbide Motion by clicking the raspberry button in the top left -> Office -> Carbide Motion
+{{: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|}}
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:1_office_carbide_motion.png?400|}}
+====7. While the Machine is Running====
-Click the connect to cutter button
+The machine MUST be closely supervised at all times when running. This is to ensure:
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:2_connect_to_cutter.png?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
-Give the CNC a visual check to make sure everything looks OK
+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.
-Click initialise machine and the spindle moves forward
+Hitting the E-stop button during the job will kill the power to the controller and spindle.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:3_initialise_machine.png?400|}}
+====8. Changing Bit During a 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.
+Some jobs require more than one bit to complete, and you will be asked to change bits partway through.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:4_fit_probe_pin.jpg?400|}}
+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.
-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.
+====9. After your Job====
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:5_jog.png?400|}}
+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.
-Clamp stock to bed making sure it doesn’t move
+====How to Change Router Bits or Probe Pins====
-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 cutting edges of bits can be sharp so gloves should be worn when changing bits.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:6_check_probe.jpg?400|}}
+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.
-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.
+  * 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.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:7_probe.png?400|}}
+  * 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.
-In Carbide Motion click Probe -> corner -> Begin Probe
+{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:six_inches.jpg?direct&600|}}
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:8_corner.png?400|}}
+====== Glossary of Common CNC Terms ======
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:9_begin_probe.png?400|}}
-Remove magnet and probe plate when it asks you to remove ground clip.
+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.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:10_remove_magnet.jpg?400|}}
+==== Core Concepts ====
-{{: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.
+**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.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:12_bit_zero_ok.png?400|}}
+**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.
-Go back to run menu
+**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.
-Plug in USB stick and click cancel to the popup.
+**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:13_usb_cancel.png?400|}}
+==== Machine Movement ====
-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.
+**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:woodcnc:14_load_file.png?400|}}
+**Home Position** – The fixed point the machine returns to after startup.\\
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:15_open_file.png?400|}}
+**Work Zero** – Your chosen starting point for a specific job (usually a corner or centre of the stock).
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:16_done.png?400|}}
-press start job.
+==== Design Files ====
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:17_start_job.png?400|}}
+**Vector Graphics**\\
+Drawings made of lines and points (e.g., SVG files). Ideal for CNC because the machine can follow their coordinates exactly.
-Then press start on next screen
+**Toolpaths**\\
+The routes your cutter will follow. Defined in CAD, turned into G-code in CAM.
-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 which is the grey box with a silver button at the bottom right os the CNC.
+==== Materials & Workholding ====
-Fit the dust shoe, close doors and press resume.
+**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:19_fit_dust_shoe.jpg?400|}}
+==== Cutting Parameters ====
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:18_tool_change.png?400|}}
-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
+**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:woodshop:woodcnc:20_spindle.jpg?400|}}
+//Why it matters:// These three settings determine cut quality and safety. Carbide Create has safe starting values for common materials.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:21_resume.png?400|}}
-The first job will start and start cutting.
+==== Tools & Cutters ====
-{{:equipment:woodshop:wood22_running_job.png?400|}}
+**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.
-Opening the doors whilst cutting pauses the job, you can close the doors and press start to resume where you left off.
+**Flutes** – The cutting edges on a bit. More flutes = smoother cut, fewer flutes = faster removal.
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:23_release_freehold.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).
-Hitting the Estop kills power to the controller and spindle.
+**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).
-{{:equipment:woodshop:woodcnc:5_jog.png?400|}}
+==== 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.\\