Avid CNC

Avid CNC
Name	Avid CNC
Zone	Wood Shop
Reservation Address	Link
Reservation Calendar URL	Link
	HOWTO Reserve Time on Equipment
Owner	i3Detroit
Make Model	PRO60120 5' x 10' CNC Router Machine
Part Number
Date Acquired	09/18/2024
Storage Location
Authorization Required	Yes
Status	Running
Value	14,977.59
Documentation	PRO Machine Plans and Assembly Instructions: Installation Manual Toolpath, Use case and bit selection guide: Toolpath Guide CNC12 Routing Operations Guide Operations Guide
Other References

Intro

Features & Specs

Avid CNC Pro 60120 5’ by 10’ system with the following options:

• 6 x 12 Z-Axis Travel / Gantry Height
• NEMA 23 Stepper EX Control System
• 4 HP Spindle
• Universal Dust boot
• ER20 Collet and Nut Set

Software

• Vectric VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition. Makerspace edition includes free client software to design at home and bring to i3 for carving.
• Centroid CNC12 Control software
• Software is installed on Laptop next to CNC.

Rules

1. Authorization is required to use the machine. See Training section below for details.
2. Allowable materials are wood and wood products like MDF, plastics including foam. No metals of any kind.
3. If you don't know what a material is, DO NOT cut it. Ask the zone coordinator to help you identify it.
4. A small number of commonly used router bits are available, however, it is recommended to use your own bits.
5. Acceptable hold down techniques include double-sided tape, T-track clamps, cam clamps, pin nails. Screws into the waste board are not allowed.
6. The consumables fee for this machine is $3 per quarter hour of job run-time. Check the display in Control21 right after each job completes to get the time it ran. Deposit cash in Woodshop box next to mitersaw or Paypal button in Woodshop zone page.
7. DO NOT change machine settings.
8. DO NOT leave the machine unattended while it's cutting.
9. DO Not store any personal property (wood, tools, etc.) under CNC machine. Any personal items will be moved to Graveyard.
10. At end of processing, the machine and laptop are turned off, all sawdust is vacuumed on and around CNC, and any covers put back on.

Training

Training pre-requisites

1. Download and install Vectric VCarve Pro software to your personal laptop/PC. This is a free version and will be connected to our Makerspace edition allowing you to run your designs on the CNC. There are many quality Youtube introductory videos to familiarize you with design process
2. Review the CNC12 Operators Guide chapters 1-5 (link on this page). This is the software you will use to load an run your programs

Training will consist of 3 major steps:

1. CNC machine operation. Using a predefined project to demonstrate start up, configure, and operate the CNC. This will focus on using the CNC12 Controller software.
2. Creating toolpaths and gcode. Using a standard design, you will be asked to create the toolpaths using 3 different toolpath types (e.g., profile, pocket, etc.) to understand what order to create toolpaths and what bits to use.
3. Design and cut. You will create your own design, toolpaths, and run your design on the CNC again using 3 different toolpath types and bits.

Upon completion of training, you will be given login credentials to the machine. The instructions below outline the steps for the vast majority of processing you will do on the CNC.

Instructions

This Checklist does not replace training on either VCarve or Centroid CNC12 software. Training and authorization will familiarize you with executing these steps.

Get the CNC Machine ready

1. Turn on both CNC Control Box and Spindle VFD box.
2. Open and boot laptop, login to your account.
3. Start Centroid CNC12 Control software.
4. Reset Control software
5. Jog the machine with arrow keys to confirm connectivity.
6. Home the machine.
   1. Home X, Y, & Z Axes to establish a fixed relationship between the coordinates in software and the physical machine.
7. Select and install proper collet for your router bit.

Check your design

1. Start VCarve.
   1. Load your design.
      1. Confirm material dimensions .
      2. Check the dimensions in your program vs. those of the actual material.
2. Preview Toolpath Programs in VCarve.
   1. Run the preview and check the tool settings.
   2. Ensure that you have placed strong and strategic tabs if appropriate.
   3. Regenerate the toolpaths after making changes to the material setup.
   4. Ensure that you have selected the correct router bit and note tool number.

Establish your WCS coordinates

1. Place and secure your material.
   1. Make sure your material is properly secured and will not shift during operation. Different techniques can be used to secure material depending on your need. Screws into spoilboard are not allowed to be used for securing material.
2. Establish initial tool height reference.
   1. Use the "MTC" icon to install and reference router bit using the Tool Height Setter. Follow prompts.
      1. Tool number and bit diameter entered in CNC12 match Vectric numbers.
      2. Set the router bit to the correct height with sufficient clearance considering your material thickness and maximum cut depth.
3. Establish Work Coordinate Offsets.
   1. There are a number of different ways to do this depending on your project requirements and material.
   2. Typical method.
      1. Install Touch Plate on work material and connect magnet to bit.
      2. Test connection by manually touching Touch Plate to bit and ensure “Probe Signal” icon turns blue.
      3. Set your work coordinates using the Auto Z and Corner Finding Touch Plate.
      4. Check the XY datum and Z-zero selection in your program to ensure these match your work coordinates.
      5. Disconnect the touch plate from your cutting tool and remove it from the machine or workpiece and store it in its holder.

Load your job and run program

1. Review CNC12 & G-code.
   1. Load your G-code file.
   2. Review G-code header information to ensure you have the correct program loaded in CNC12.
   3. Use Graph Option (F8) in CNC12 to visually verify how part will be cut.
2. Turn on dust collector.
   1. Reinstall dust shoe and open blast gate.
   2. Turn on the dust collection system.
3. Click on Cycle Start. Be prepared to push Emergency Stop if machine does not behave as expected.

At end of work session

1. Turn off DC and close blast gate.
2. Remove dust shoe and store properly.
3. Remove bit and collet.
4. "Park" the CNC.
5. Thoroughly vacuum machine and work area.
6. Turn off Controller and Spindle VFD.
7. Shut down laptop and store properly.
8. Return all tools and materials to proper location.

Maintenance Info

Coming Soon.....

FAQ

Coming Soon.....

ToDo

Essential stuff

• Order pendant
• Define authorization process and log-in procedures
• Determine usage costs
• Complete wiki page
• Complete "Operation Checklist"

Non-essential stuff

• i3 Sign board on gantry

Authorized Users and Trainers

Trainer Name	Certified Date
Frank Aloia	02/04/2025
Drew Jackson	02/04/2025

User Name	Authorized By	Date of Most Recent Training
Tim Clayson	Frank Aloia	02/04/2025
Frank Aloia	Frank Aloia	02/04/2025
Drew Jackson	Drew Jackson	02/04/2025
Gregory Good	Frank Aloia	02/04/2025