Step-By-Step Procedure

[handyandyinmtairync]

Hello Everyone,

I am very new to CNC. I now have my machine all setup and tested it for movement using the hand controller.

I'm looking for an exact step-by-step list of procedures that start with the exact steps in VCarve Pro to loading the file into the controller, to setting the settings in the controller to start the cnc machine. I've read the book that came with the machine, but there are some vague areas. I know how to create using VCarve, and select the toolpaths for the specific vectors. But what is next? What are all the steps from that point to the time of removing the material from the machine bed?

Thank you in advance

Andrew

[toddd]

Sept 21, 2020 7:43:27 GMT -5 handyandyinmtairync said:

Hello Everyone,

I am very new to CNC. I now have my machine all setup and tested it for movement using the hand controller.

I'm looking for an exact step-by-step list of procedures that start with the exact steps in VCarve Pro to loading the file into the controller, to setting the settings in the controller to start the cnc machine. I've read the book that came with the machine, but there are some vague areas. I know how to create using VCarve, and select the toolpaths for the specific vectors. But what is next? What are all the steps from that point to the time of removing the material from the machine bed?

Thank you in advance

Andrew

Hi Andrew, the step by step procedures you are looking for are done very well in video tutorials on the Vectric site, join up with your credentials and do some of the sample projects, many of us started this way and it works well, welcome to your new tool adventure,

[stevem]

Another idea would be to go to the Axiom class that is offered. They have one for beginners and advanced users!
Also, you could reach out to another cnc'er near you and ask for some help.
toddd also has a good suggestion. There are hundreds of videos on this subject. The best ones are from Vectric. They walk you through a sample project from start to finish.

[handyandyinmtairync]

Thanks,

I've been working on some sample projects. I have worked them out and learned a lot from Mark Lindsay. He is a very good instructor. He has well over 75 tutorials. And he starts out with a very beginning step. I have gone thru the Vetrics site and also a couple other sites. I am looking more for not what is in VCarve Pro, but what needs to be selected at what time on the controller.

I learned today that the toolpath file name has a 6 character limit. I was naming all of mine with very long descriptive names. Good to know before I copied files to my memory stick and then try to find them on the controller.

Thank you both for the replies. We are planning a visit to Columbus, but not until the spring. All the classes are full until about then.

Thanks again

Andrew

[gerry]

Try the Vectric tutorials. Excellent and straight from the source.   Vectric Vcarve Tutorials

You should definitely join that forum, also. Many experts to answer questions.

[stevem]

It would helpful if you tell us which machine and hand held controller you have. Some of them require different steps to achieve the same result.
As an example, I have the A11 controller and to set the Z zero, I have to press the on/off and menu buttons at the same time to set my Z height.
Pressing the Y+ or Y- will increase or decrease the the feed rates.

[mnwoodbee]

You’ll find your own process through trial and error.

Mine is
-Always drawn with z0 on machine bed. And my X/Y in lower left as my machine is. Use one and stay with it until comfortable.
(Reduces error of rerunning and forgetting resulting in a crash)
- save toolpaths to usb
-Turn on machine
-home it
- insert tool and set z height, x,y zeros if different than home position.
- place material and turn on vacuum table, Dust collection
Here’s were your control can differ.
- load program by selecting File, scroll and hit ok
-press run/pause, the ok to start
- watch my machine to make sure it’s doing what I anticipated.
-