CNC RoUter

So... You want to use the CNC Router. 

**This article is in the process of being worked on and will be finished when the router is up and running with it's new dust collection system. If you need help with Shapeoko Router right now: dcasey25@bsmschool.org kgerads23@bsmschool.org or mlitchy24@bsmschool.org 

What is "CNC":

• CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control

• CNCs automate processes that are usually done by humans so that the fabrication is more accurate. 

• There are many types of CNC machines - In the shop currently we have a CNC Router and a CNC Mill.

• *CNC machines run off of gcode. Think of gcode like a .STL file for 3D printing. It's a universal file type understood by all CNC machines, regardless of manufacturer or brand. 

• *So... How do I code in gcode. Well good news, you don't actually have to learn gcode. Insted we use CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software to write it for us. These softwares all have different workflows but you either make your design in the software (Carbide Create), or import it from CAD (Solidworks CAM). 

  • *CAM Examples: 

    • • Carbide 3D's "Carbide Create" Software | Beginner friendly. All-in-one, Sketch to gcode.

      • Solidworks CAM | Advanced use of BSM's Router and Mill. Import  file from Solidworks 3D.

      • Fusion 360 & MeshCAM | Other examples, not relevant to us at BSM. We use Solidworks.

*Getting Started with CAM and gcode

• • Carbide Motion(CM): Full accessibility for Shapeoko Machines. (Recommended)

    • • Download "Carbide Motion" from https://carbide3d.com/carbidemotion/download/

        • Drag directly to desktop to bypass needing the help desk. 

  • Carbide Create(CC): Simple, limiting in what can be done. (Not Recommended)

    • • Download "Carbide Create" from https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/download/

        • You have to go to the help desk and have them authenticate it with the admin password.

      • Carbide Motion Tutorial 

      • Carbide Create Tutorial

MeshCAM:

• • You can download MeshCAM onto your laptop and use the information below or use the PC connected to the router with MeshCAM already set up

  • Name: BSM Engineering

  • Email: engineering@bsmschool.org 

  • Registration Code: C22BA7-195100-A3E6-78F8 

Carbide Motion:

• Download Carbide Motion off of Chrome

BSM's Shapeoko 3 XXL CNC Router

Operating Procedure:

On your laptop:

• Export the file you want to cut as an STL. (MM)

• Open MeshCAM on your laptop.

• Import the STL file into MeshCAM. (MM)

• Select units to what unit of measurement your File is in (MM)

• Make sure MeshCam is set to the same as the file MM or IN (See Tip 2 on how to change this)

• Set orient geometry side to Machine to Top 

• Set the size of your stock (LxWxH) and the material (Plywood, Al, MDF, etc.) (1/4 in = 6.25 mm) 

• Set your zero point to SW, top.

• Check Depth Settings at bottom of this page for Material Depth

• Click Toolpaths at the top of the screen and select Cutout. Check the Cutout Settings towards the bottom of the page for the correct settings. (You will use this toolpath for most simple cuts that you will need to do on the router-COMING SOON the video at the bottom of the page will detail other toolpaths that you might need to use)

• Select the bit you're using at the top and check the CAM Settings at the bottom of this page for the settings to use, most of the time you will use the 102-Z bit from Carbide 3d.

• Click Calculate Toolpaths, then click save Gcode

• Select the Gcode Post Processor as Carbide3D-MM(*.nc) or Carbide 3D-IN(*.nc) depending on the units you used

• Save the file to your desktop under a name that is easy to find

On the machine:

• Plug your laptop into the USB-C connecter next to the router

• Open Carbide Motion on your laptop

• Press Load New File and select your file.

• Initialize the machine. 

• Secure your stock to the bed using screws (if cutting aluminum, pre-drill the holes in your stock).

• Use the Jog feature in Carbide Motion to bring the router over where you want the SW corner of your part to be.

• Lower the bit down until it touches the top of the material GO SLOW when you are approaching the material.

• With the bit on top of the material click Set Zero in Carbide Motion and zero all three values. 

• (OUTDATED DON'T USE PROBE: Place your probe on the SW corner of the material and about 3/4 of an inch in from the sides and Jog the router as close to the circle in the corner of the probe as you, connect the alligator clip to the bit, select probe in the Jog page, select the Z axis cycle. When probe cycle finishes select Set Zero and set the X and Y coordinates to 0 leaving the Z coordinate as it is.)

• Turn on dust collection (attach vacuum to the router).

• Turn on the router (Make sure the RPM setting is correct using the tachometer).

• Select Run.

• !!! Watch the router closely while it is cutting and be ready to turn it off if a problem occurs: pausing is also a good way to check the progress, be especially careful when cutting aluminum. A high pitched constant whine is good, any large change in the frequency signals a problem.

CAM Settings for #102-Z 1/8" Endmill

Depth Settings: 

0.125" Material: 0.13"

0.25" Material: 0.35"

0.5" Material: 0.6"

0.75" Material: 0.8"

USE OIL IN RED CAN FOR ALUMINUM!! Pause the cut and put a few drops in the channel created after the first few passes in the material.

Cut out settings for 102-Z bit MAKITA(should be the one already on there):