CNC Router

Information:

The Wood CNC is a Carbide Shapeoko 4 XXL CNC router capable of precision cutting any type of wood. This machine is particularly useful for cutting wood thicker than 1/4", cutting wood to specified depths, and avoiding burn marks caused by laser cutting. This machine is capable of both 2.5D and 3D milling operations, with the exception that 3D milling requires additional training.

Machine Components:

Endmill Selection:

Safety Basics:

The Wood CNC can be dangerous if used incorrectly. All of the following MUST be done while operating the CNC Router:

• Personal Safety:

  • Wear safety glasses at all times

  • Take off any jewelry or other loose clothing items

  • Roll up your sleeves

  • Never wear gloves

• Environmental Safety:

  • Ensure a shop vacuum is connected for ventilation during milling

  • Sweep up excess debris/sawdust post operation

• Operational Safety:

  • Have a trained AMS mentor present with you in the wood room

  • Never leave the CNC unattended while the spindle is on!

  • Do NOT attempt a 3D milling operation with AutoCAD Fusion or any other software unless you meet any of the following requirements. Failure to follow this rule may result in significant damage to the machine.

    • (a) You have previous Metal CNC 3D milling experience AND watched this video

    • (b) You have taken this online course for Fusion 3D milling AND watched this video

    • (c) You have received approval from the AMS Wood CNC Master

How to Use:

1. Create the toolpaths in Carbide Create for 2.5D or Fusion 360 for 3D milling. Both software are free to download for students. You may import any 2D vector art file (any file type that works with the laser cutters), but the machine toolpaths must be made in one of these software.

   NOTE: The design steps in the following video are for 2.5D Milling in Carbide Create. Additional training is required for 3D milling with Fusion 360.

1. Secure the wood stock to prevent translation and rotation.

1. Install the correct endmill based on the endmill selected in the toolpaths created in step 1.

1. Set the (x,y,z) zero location on the wood stock corresponding to the (x,y,z) zero set in the toolpath file created in step 1. There is a manual and automated method. The automated method is only applicable if the zero is set to a square corner of the stock.

1. Load and run the toolpath file with Carbide Motion. Please have the mentor on shift perform machine setup configuration for Carbide Motion by turning on the gantry and spindle, followed by connecting to cutter and initializing machine. Both of these are done within Carbide Motion.

   1. Watch the first video titled "CNC Router - loading and running the project on the machine" to learn about initializing and performing a project on the Shapeoko 4. Watch the video from the beginning until 4:15.

   2. Watch the second video titled "Wood CNC - Spindle and Ventilation Update" after watching the first video until 4:15, for up-to-date information about the new spindle setup and complete technique for wood CNC ventilation including overhead ventilation, main wood room ventilation, and the vacuum connection.

OEM Manual:

Shapeoko 4 XXL Manual

Specifications:

Cutting Area: 33"(X) x 33"(Y) x 4"(Z)**

Multi-endmill Operation: Yes, with BitSetter

**z-cutting distance is entirely dependent on the installed endmill's Length of Cut (LOC)