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CNC Routing

From TCM Wiki

CNC Orientation is required prior to operating any of the CNC machines. Check the calendar(https://tcmaker.org/calendar/) for the next orientation (usually the first Friday of the month).

Available machines

Rules

General Rules

  • Use the dust collector and dust shoe when cutting wood, unless it is impractical to do so. This keeps the dust contained.
  • Stay within earshot of the machine when it is running. Do not leave the machine unattended. If you need to step away for a moment, pause the program using the "feed hold" command.
  • Vacuum up chips and dust from the spoilboard when finished.
  • Don't cut hard materials (steel, stone, etc.). Email cnc@tcmaker.org if in doubt.
  • No screws or nails in the spoilboard. If you need to screw or nail stuff, use a separate spoilboard.
  • Avoid getting coolant on the spoilboard. Use a protective barrier between your material and the spoilboard when using lubricant.
  • If you break anything other than a bit, email cnc@tcmaker.org. If the machine is inoperable, put an orange tag on it.
  • Don't use compressed air to blow dust off of the spoilboard. Use the dust collector and/or shop vac.
  • Turn off the machine when you are done.
  • Do not change settings on the controller.

4×8 Rules

  • $5/hr suggested donation.
  • Home the machine before running any program.
  • Do not use a bit larger than 1/4" when cutting metal.
  • Do not leave any marks or gouges in the spoilboard! If you cut into the spoilboard <0.030", resurface it. If you cut into the spoilboard >0.030", fill in the gouges with Durham's Rock Hard water putty.

CAM Software

Note: You are free to use whatever CAM software you prefer or have access to.

Windows Only

Windows and Mac

Windows, Mac, or Linux

CNC FAQ

WHAT IS CNC?

CNC stands for computer numeric control, which means computer control of machine tools. CNC can generally refer to routers, mills, lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers, and many other tools that are computer-controlled. However, at the Hack Factory, the CNC shop specifically refers to CNC routers.

WHEN IS CNC ORIENTATION?

Check tcmaker.org/calendar(https://tcmaker.org/calendar/) for orientations. If there aren’t any posted, reach out on the CNC slack channel or email cnc@tcmaker.org.

WHAT MACHINES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HACK FACTORY?

Shapeoko 2 (11" x 11") Sequoyatec 4×8

WHAT MATERIALS CAN A CNC ROUTER CUT?

Wood of all types, plastics, foams, composites, aluminum, brass, and more. When in doubt, email cnc@tcmaker.org.

HOW ACCURATE ARE THE MACHINES?

Accuracy is a complicated topic, and we cannot make a general statement about how accurate the machine is.

HOW DO I GET CHECKED OFF?

For the Shapeoko, take a class, or watch the video and take the quiz. For the 4×8, attend a “help session”, where you can get in-person help running the machine. If after the help session you feel comfortable using the machine, and the shop manager or volunteer determines that you have demonstrated sufficient care for the machine to use it safely, you will be signed off. You can attend an unlimited number of help sessions, but if you are very new to CNC, we recommend learning on the X-Carve.

WHAT DO I NEED TO USE THE CNC?

Material to cut (i.e. stock) Software for generating toolpaths (e.g. VCarve Pro (included in membership), Fusion 360) Router bits (using your own bits is recommended) CAD computer account (4×8 only; for logging into the CNC computers). Email it@tcmaker.org to request an account. Tool check-off training

IS THERE A FEE TO USE THE CNC?

The X-Carve is free to use. There is a $5/hr suggested donation to use the 4×8.

HOW DO I GET UPDATES ABOUT THE CNC SHOP?

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

ARE END MILLS/BITS/CUTTERS PROVIDED?

There are usually some available at the shop, but community-use bits tend to be in poor condition, so we recommend you purchase your own.

WHERE CAN I GET END MILLS/BITS/CUTTERS?

  • Precision Bits: www.precisionbits.com/cnc-router-bits/ has a large selection of affordable bits online.
  • Bits and Bits: bitsbits.com/
  • Tools Today: toolstoday.com
  • Walter Hammond AKA Mars Supply: marssupply.com
  • Woodcraft
  • Rockler
  • eBay
  • Amazon

Regular router bits usually work okay for wood.

WHAT SOFTWARE DO I USE?

For CAD, Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, CorelDraw, are good for 2D. Fusion 360, SolidWorks, SketchUp and a huge selection of other programs can be used for 3D. For CAM, there is a lot of software out there. We have a license for VCarve Pro that is available to all members. Fusion 360 is another option that is free for hobbyists. You need a GRBL post-processor for the X-Carve, and a Centroid post-processor for the 4×8.

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