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MDF Wood
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MDF Wood
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Plywood Wood
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Plywood Wood
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Cutting tests were conducted using MDF, optimizing speed and feed rate for best results.
@@ -147,33 +138,6 @@ Machine calibration is required before each cutting job. For this CNC machine:
- A metal plate and wire clip are used. Once the drill touches the plate, an electrical signal finalizes the zero position.
- Regular checks are needed for worn parts and tool integrity.
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@@ -186,7 +150,6 @@ Machine calibration is required before each cutting job. For this CNC machine:
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@@ -214,44 +177,18 @@ Choosing the right drill bit (end mill) is essential for clean, efficient cuts a
- Smooth on both sides.
- Ideal for plywood or double-sided finish materials.
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MDF Wood
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Plywood Wood
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---
@@ -276,6 +213,10 @@ Monitor chip formation and surface quality during tests to fine-tune settings.
#### Tips to Reduce Material Waste
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- **Group Parts Efficiently:** Nest your parts close together in CAD to use the least amount of space. [20mm space]
- **Use Off-Cuts:** Save and reuse unused areas of the sheet for future small projects or test cuts.
- **Add Labels:** Include engraved labels to organize parts and reduce re-cuts.
@@ -292,13 +233,26 @@ This section outlines the full workflow for using the CNC machine, from preparat
#### 1. Preparation
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+
- Remove debris and previous sheets using a vacuum.
- Unscrew and clear the CNC bed.
- Place the new sheet (MDF or Plywood).
- Adjust the sheet if bent; curve should face up with the middle touching the base.
-- Fasten using screws ~30 mm from the edges and along the center.
+- Fasten using screws placed within 20 mm from the edges.
+ - Use a minimum of 8 screws for secure attachment.
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---
@@ -308,10 +262,10 @@ This section outlines the full workflow for using the CNC machine, from preparat
- Send the file to: `fablabbh.share@gmail.com`
- Open the file in **VCarve PRO**.
- Add a **30 mm offset** around the perimeter to avoid bolts.
-- Use **Dogbone Fillet** tool (match radius to tool size, e.g., 3 mm for 6 mm bit).
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#### Assigning Cut/Pocket
@@ -324,34 +278,71 @@ Select the lines or shapes to define what will be cut or pocketed, then apply th
- Cuts along the outer or inner edge of a part.
- Defines the final shape by following the contour
- Choose **Profile Toolpath**.
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- Set:
- **Start Depth:** 0 mm
- **Cut Depth:** 13 mm (12 mm material + 1 mm into sacrificial sheet)
+
+- Specify Machine Vectors:
+ - Select **Outside/Right** for vector machining to preserve size.
+ - Select **Inside/Left** for cutting internal shapes or holes.
+ - Select **On** for trimming directly along the vector line.
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- Tool Settings (6 mm bit):
- Spindle Speed: 8000 RPM
- Feed Rate: 80 in/min
- Plunge Rate: 15 in/min
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- Specify the Number of Passes:
- Press "Edit Passes"
- Number of Passes: 2
- First Pass Depth: 6.5mm
- Second Pass Depth: 13mm
-- Specify Machine Vectors:
- - Select **Outside/Right** for vector machining to preserve size.
- - Select **Inside/Left** for cutting internal shapes or holes.
- - Select **On** for trimming directly along the vector line.
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- Click **Calculate**, then read the warnings, if it is within your expectations click **OK** to confirm.
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---
#### 4. Toolpaths: Pocket
- Used to hollow out an internal region.
- Useful for engravings or fitting one piece into another.
- Choose **Pocket Toolpath**.
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- Set:
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- **Start Depth:** 0.0 mm
- **Cut Depth:** 2.0 mm
+ - You can specify this value for engraving operations to achieve precise and consistent depth.
- Recheck "Tool" Parameters:
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+
- Press "Edit":
- Geometry:
- Diameter: 6mm
@@ -365,6 +356,16 @@ Select the lines or shapes to define what will be cut or pocketed, then apply th
- Tool Number: 1
- Press "OK"
+#### Dogbone Fillet
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+- Apply Dogbone Fillet to all internal corners used as joints
+- Match radius to tool size (e.g., 3 mm radius for 6 mm bit)
+- Allows square parts to fit snugly despite round tool paths
+- Ensures clean, accurate assembly in CNC-milled joints
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+
#### 5. Tabs
- Small, uncut sections to keep parts attached to the sheet.
- Prevents shifting or flying parts.
@@ -374,40 +375,137 @@ Select the lines or shapes to define what will be cut or pocketed, then apply th
---
-#### 6. Preview Toolpaths
-- Go to the **3D View** tab.
-- Click:
- - **Reset Preview**
- - **Preview Visible Toolpaths**
-- If the toolpath appears erratic, the design may be **too small for the selected drill bit**.
-- Fix it by:
- - Returning to the **project tab**
- - Resizing the design (drag from its edge)
- - Or adjusting in your design software and re-exporting
-- In the **Toolpath List**:
- - Double-click **"Pocket 1"**
- - Click **Calculate**
-- Repeat the adjustment if the toolpath still behaves erratically.
+#### 6. Preview Toolpaths
+- Click on **Preview Toolpaths**.
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+- In the drop-down, select **Preview Visible Toolpaths**.
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+- Go to the **3D View** tab.
+- Click on **Toolpaths** in the top-right corner.
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+- Then do the following:
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+ - Manually lower the **Speed** setting.
+ - Select **Reset Preview**.
+ - In the **Toolpath List**, select the part to inspect.
+ - Select **Preview Visible Toolpaths**.
+ - If the toolpath preview appears erratic, the design may be *too small for the selected drill bit*.
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Example
+- To fix this:
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+ - Return to the **Project** tab.
+ - Resize the design by dragging from its edge.
+ - Or adjust the design in your original software and re-export it.
+- Back in the **Toolpath List**:
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+ 
+
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+ - Double-click the part to re-inspect.
+ - Scroll down and click **Calculate**.
+ - If the toolpath still appears irregular, repeat the adjustment steps above.
#### 7. Changing the Drill Bit
-- Turn off the CNC machine using the key (located at the bottom right) and remove it.
-- Use two wrenches to loosen the collet assembly.
- - Hold both wrenches in one hand to stabilize, and twist the lower wrench to loosen the collet nut.
-- Remove the collet and clean both the collet and nut for a secure fit.
+- For a better understanding, watch the first video on this page starting at 14:40.
+- Turn off the CNC machine using the key (located at the bottom right) and remove it.
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+- Use two wrenches to loosen the collet assembly.
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+ - Hold both wrenches in one hand to stabilize, and twist the lower wrench to loosen the collet nut.
+- Remove the collet and clean both the collet and nut for a secure fit.
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- Reinsert the collet into its housing.
- Insert the new drill bit, leaving ~20 mm (or two fingers) exposed for cutting clearance.
- Tighten the collet assembly firmly using both wrenches.
- Reinsert the key, power on the machine, and re-calibrate the Z-axis.
#### 8. ShopBot 3 Setup
+- After checking that every toolpath is using Tool 1, Click **Save**.
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+- Click **Save Toolpath(s) to File** -> save it as **all**
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- Open **ShopBot 3** software.
-- Load the toolpath file (.sbp).
-- Move the drill head to desired origin (corner of the sheet).
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+- Clip the wire to the collet nut or the spindle body of the CNC machine.
+- Place the **metal calibration plate** on the surface of the sheet.
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+- Run the **Z-zeroing command** (machine lowers bit to touch the plate).
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+- A warning will pop-up, and press **OK**.
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+- System detects contact and sets Z = 0.
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+- After calibration, remove the clip and plate, then return them to their original location with the clip still attached to the plate. This ensures smooth CNC operation.
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+- Then, move the drill head to desired origin (corner of the sheet).
- Set:
- **X = 0**
- **Y = 0**
-- Run Z-axis calibration.
+
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