As of April 9, 2023. Applicable to the Forest Scientific CNC Router AMT375
- Ensure you are meeting all dress code and shop safety requirements
- Remove the t-slot table cover and signage and store them under the machine
- Clear and prepare your work area
- Turn on the CNC router laptop
- Power on the main switch on the CNC Router – hold down the green button for 5 seconds
- Start up the CNC Control software and verify the connection
- Run the home sequence (hit cycle start)
- Secure your workpiece (see fixturing)
- Add your collet and bit
- Set up Dust Collection (steps for this vary based on material)
- Verify the speed on the router head for your job
- Set and verify the origin on all axes for your file (g-code). Check all three axes.
- Import the G-CODE from your design and check the graph*
- Turn on the Cyclone
- Check for safe use (see policy), take a breath, think through your job, and Run the job
Historical Start up list
The content below applicable to the old CNC Router that we sold in 2022. It is not applicable to the new CNC Router and has been re-written above for the new router.
CNC startup list
Start up and shut down check list as of May 2021:
Check clothing, jewelry and eyes (no long sleeves, no dangly stuff and wear eye protection) Ear protection is recommended.
Check Trash can connected to the Cyclone. Is the can > 1/2 full? (empty or post on Slack and don’t use)
Check router area – Is table clean and gantry area clear.
Turn on the computer and monitor (make sure there is no USB drive inserted until after the computer has started up)
When offered the choice of user, choose the one on the right. (AMT CNC USER)
Any Microsoft warnings that come up can be dismissed by choosing the “later” option.
Turn on the light switch in the box on the orange cord. This turns on the stepper motors. These must be on before launching Mach4.
Launch Mach4 from the desktop icon.
Choose the setting AAROUTER, it should be the top one.
Activate the gantry movement by clicking the Enable button on the screen (or the blue button on the X Box controller)
Test the gantry is active and working properly by moving it up an inch or two. (right joystick forward)
Click “Reference All Axes (Home)” and allow to finish.
Attach your work piece to the spoil board with one of the approved methods. (brass screws, plastic nails)
Install the mill you want to use.
Set the X, Y, and Z zeroes to match those in your G Code. Take care to not use a setting that will cut into the spoil board. You should never cut into the spoil board intentionally.
Check the router speed is set correctly.
Check that the flue is open for the dust collection. Turn on the Cyclone. See What to do if the collection can was not emptied if a previous user has left sawdust behind.
Start the router and run the G Code.
—————————————————————
Once finished reverse the above plus:
Remove all wood scraps, remnants, and fasteners (screws, etc…)
Return bits, collets, wrenches and screws to cabinet
Sweep or shop vac router table, gears, and area around table. Look for dust.