CNC Primer
From PROBOTIX :: wiki
Contents
Introduction
Getting Help
Online
Google and YouTube
Probotix Technical Support
Safety First, Safety First, Safety First!
Electrical
Operational
Fingers and Machines...
How To STOP The Machine!
The Basics
What is CNC?
What are the Advantages of CNC?
Speed, Repeatability, Accuracy
Complex Shapes, Simplified Tooling
Various Types of CNC Machines
The Basics of CNC Routers
Coordinate System of Your Router
Table Base Coordinates
Work Coordinates
Absolute vs. Relative Distance
Zero Point/Origin
Stepper Motors
How Stepper Motors Work
Torque, TPI and Some Easy Math
Drivers
Sensors
Home & Limit Switches
Probes
Cutting Tools
Spindles
Feed Rate and Direction
Spindle Speed
Getting To Know Your Router
Chassis, Rails, & Leadscrews
Motors and Drivers
Limit Switches and Other Sensors
What Can I Make?
Examples of What Your CNC Router Can Do
Project: Signs, Signs and More Signs!
Project: Widget for Model Railroad Layout
Project: Robot Parts
Importing Existing Designs
File Formats Supported
Sources
Creating Your Own Designs
Writing G-Code
Sample Commands
====== Movement ======= Rapids ======= Cutting ======= Jogging ====== Drilling Holes ====== Cutting Circles ====== Turning Things On and Off ====== Pausing for Tool Changes ====== Using a Text Editor
== Setting Up and Testing Your Router === Connecting It All Together === Installing the EMC2 Software === Testing and Calibrating Your Router === Make it Move! === Calibration ==== Steps per Unit ==== Acceleration/Deceleration Ramping ==== Limit Switches
Make Some Chips!
Securing Your Sample Stock
Touching Off (Finding Your Start Point)
Go!
Surfacing Your Router Table
Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan (Speeds and Feeds)
Clamping Your Materials
Dust Collection
How Fast Should It Cut?
How Big a Bite Should It Take?
Cutting Bit Selection
Working Smart
Understand The Operator Manual
Planning Your Project
Organizing Your Files
Rehearse The Process
Simulating The Cut Sequence
Cutting Air
CAD
What is CAD?
CAD Software
Designing Your Part
CAM
What is CAM?
CAM Software
Making G-Code
Simulating the Cutting
Running G-Code on Your Router
Maintenance and Service
Regular Maintenance and Lubrication
Replacement Parts
Motor Replacement
Driver Replacement
Misc. Service and Repair
FAQs
Troubleshooting
No Power
No Motion
Inaccurate Results
Blame The Bits!
Glossary of EMC2 Settings and Commands
Glossary of G-Code and M-Code
Helpful Links
Advanced Topics