##<div class="li">“Check off” involves getting your name on the CNC Operator Board, located above the CNC tool cabinet</div>
##<div class="li">This involves designing and machining a personalized nameplate that can be installed on said operator board</div>
###<div class="li">9×2“ max, any wood, any post processing</div>
###<div class="li">Any software that creates gcode to be used on the AvidCNC router is fine</div>
####<div class="li">Fusion 360, vCarve both have AvidCNC post processors for their output</div>
####<div class="li">Easel's generic gcode output works fine. Verify speed control is set to automatic (and put in your spindle speed there)</div>
####<div class="li">Mach 3 post processors in other design software should work fine as well. This is where “previewing your gcode” before running it comes into play</div>
####<div class="li">Output in inches, not mm / cm</div>
###<div class="li">We strongly recommend beginners use vCarve's “Avalon” tutorial to quickly get up to speed on basic design and camming for this project</div>
== Software for design (CAD) and gcode creation (CAM) ==
Materials Needed:
*<div class="li">vCarve - [https://bereamakerspace.org/wiki/files we have a makerspace license for this], and it can be installed on any machine running Windows. Great for 2d / 2.5d projects. [https://www.vectric.com/support/tutorials/vcarve-pro Their training library is extensive]</div>
Photo of end result:
*<div class="li">[https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360]- multiplatform, cloud based storage, great for both cnc routing as well as 3d printing. Free license for personal use<br></div>
*<div class="li">[https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ Carbide Create]- free, simple, multi platform. Very similar to Easel, just not cloud-based. Has a pro license for certain features like 3d carving, but its free license is far more capable and less problematic than Easel has become</div>
== End Mills ==
The average amount of time to complete the project:
*<div class="li">We have collets for 1/8”, 1/4“, 1/2”, and 3/8“ shank end mills</div>
Materials Needed:
**<div class="li">'''DO NOT''' use end mills with metric sized shanks</div>
*<div class="li">Bigger shanks are better! Shanks often are larger than the cutting diameter</div>
Photo of end result:
**<div class="li">Keep in mind how deep you plan to cut as well. Even when the shank matches cutting diameter, you shouldn't be rubbing it against what you just cut</div>
*<div class="li">Less is more when it comes to cutting lengths. They deflect less, and you can increase your feed rate</div>
</div>
=== Feeds and Speeds ===
The average amount of time to complete the project:
<div class="level3">
*<div class="li">Feed rate: How fast the machine is pushing the end mill around the cutting area</div>
Steps to complete project:</div>
*<div class="li">Speed rate: How fast the spindle is turning the end mill</div>
<div class="li"></div></div></div></div>
*<div class="li">Other factors that affect your cutting ability:</div>
**<div class="li">Depth per pass - most feed and speed guides assume a depth of 1xtool diameter. Going deeper will need you to reduce speed</div>
**<div class="li">Stepover - rule of thumb is 1/2 diameter for pocketing operations. Smaller stepovers can can improve surface finish, while increasing machining time</div>
**<div class="li">Chip load - how much material you're actually removing per flute, per revolution. Feeds and speeds can be increased or decreased while maintaining this ratio. Keeping within <abbr title="specification">spec</abbr> can prolong the life of your end mill</div>
*<div class="li">'''What Settings Do I Use?'''</div>
**<div class="li">Consult the manufacturer recommended feeds and speeds for the end mill you've selected. That is not necessarily the hardest you can push that tool - these are starting points, and this turns into an art over a science, quickly</div>
**<div class="li">I will often use settings from another manufacturer for a similar, cheaper tool from Amazon. If tool diameters / lengths / geometry / number of flutes match, this will often work fine</div>
</div></div></div>
Revision as of 12:47, 1 July 2024
General Information
The CNC machine can be found inside the Wood Shop. When using any equipment in the woodshop, make sure to wear all proper safety equipment.
If you have any issues with Wood Shop equipment, the slack channels associated with this space include: #general, #shop-cnc, and #shop-wood
Orientation
The order of this document is to give some basic information of what will happen in the woodshop during the training. This orientation assumes that they have gone through our general space orientation.
This page will include video and textual links to supplement our CNC orientation, as well as the CAD / CAM instructionals we occasionally host. This is not a replacement to our orientation.
Do not operate any power equipment if you are under the influence of anything, in a hurry, are tired, or are not feeling well.
Inspect the equipment before using it.
Equipment
CNC Router
Directions on how to use machine
Projects that use the Equipment Name
List projects
General Information
List general information that can be found on this page, as well as what this page is for.
Beginner Project
General Information about project/its process:
Materials Needed:
Photo of end result:
The average amount of time to complete the project:
Steps to complete project:
Intermediate Projects
General Information about project/its process:
Materials Needed:
Photo of end result:
The average amount of time to complete the project:
Steps to complete project:
Advanced Projects
Materials Needed:
Photo of end result:
The average amount of time to complete the project:
