This page will include video and textual links to supplement our CNC orientation, as well as the CAD / CAM instructionals we occasionally host. This is not a replacement to our orientation.

AvidCNC Pro60120 platform, with 3 HP Plug and Play Spindle / VFD System

• Work Area:
  • X: 61-3/8“ (1559 mm)
  • Y: 124-1/4” (3156 mm)
  • Z: 8“ (203 mm) - minus spoil board thickness
• Footprint:
  • Width: 78-3/4” (2000 mm)
  • Length: 141“ (3582 mm)
  • Height: 77-1/2” (1970 mm)
  • Weight: 708 lbs (321 kg)
• Cutting Speed:
  • 500 IPM (NEMA 34 version)
• Rapid Speed:
  • 1000 IPM (NEMA 34 version)
• Drive System:
  • X/Y: PRO Rack and Pinion
  • Z: Precision Ballscrew
• Resolution:
  • X/Y: 0.0005” (0.0127 mm)
  • Z: 0.0002” (0.005 mm)
• Repeatability: +/- 0.002” (0.05 mm)
• Accuracy: +/- 0.005” (0.127 mm) or better

1. Attend scheduled CNC orientation
2. Successfully complete checkoff project
   1. “Check off” involves getting your name on the CNC Operator Board, located above the CNC tool cabinet
   2. This involves designing and machining a personalized nameplate that can be installed on said operator board
      1. 9×2“ max, any wood, any post processing
      2. Any software that creates gcode to be used on the AvidCNC router is fine
         1. Fusion 360, vCarve both have AvidCNC post processors for their output
         2. Easel's generic gcode output works fine. Verify speed control is set to automatic (and put in your spindle speed there)
         3. Mach 3 post processors in other design software should work fine as well. This is where “previewing your gcode” before running it comes into play
         4. Output in inches, not mm / cm
      3. We strongly recommend beginners use vCarve's “Avalon” tutorial to quickly get up to speed on basic design and camming for this project

• vCarve - we have a makerspace license for this, and it can be installed on any machine running Windows. Great for 2d / 2.5d projects. Their training library is extensive
• Fusion 360 - multiplatform, cloud based storage, great for both cnc routing as well as 3d printing. Free license for personal use
• Easel - free, browser based, simple. designed for their machines, but can output generic gcode to be used on other CNC routers. some features require a paid membership to use 6-8-2022 - I can no longer recommend easel for our CNC router. The ways they've changed their gcode output, as well as the continued push for their pro license for basic functions, no longer positions it as a useful piece of software outside their own ecosystem
• Carbide Create - free, simple, multi platform. Very similar to Easel, just not cloud based. Has a pro license for certain features like 3d carving, but its free license is far more capable and less problematic than Easel has become

• We have collets for 1/8”, 1/4“, 1/2”, and 3/8“ shank end mills
  • DO NOT use end mills with metric sized shanks
• Bigger shanks are better! Shanks often are larger than the cutting diameter
  • Keep in mind how deep you plan to cut as well. Even when the shank matches cutting diameter, you shouldn't be rubbing it against what you just cut
• Less is more when it comes to cutting lengths. They deflect less, and you can increase your feed rate

• Feed rate: How fast the machine is pushing the end mill around the cutting area
• Speed rate: How fast the spindle is turning the end mill
• Other factors that affect your cutting ability:
  • Depth per pass - most feed and speed guides assume a depth of 1xtool diameter. Going deeper will need you to reduce speed
  • Stepover - rule of thumb is 1/2 diameter for pocketing operations. Smaller stepovers can can improve surface finish, while increasing machining time
  • Chip load - how much material you're actually removing per flute, per revolution. Feeds and speeds can be increased or decreased while maintaining this ratio. Keeping within spec can prolong the life of your end mill
• WHAT SETTINGS DO I USE??????
  • Consult the manufacturer recommended feeds and speeds for the end mill you've selected. That is not necessarily the hardest you can push that tool - these are starting points, and this turns into an art over a science, quickly
  • I will often use settings from another manufacturer for a similar, cheaper tool from Amazon. If tool diameters / lengths / geometry / number of flutes match, this will often work fine

SpeTools: Amazon

Amana Tools: ToolsToday
I recommend the AMS-119 3 piece starter pack: https://www.toolstoday.com/v-14325-ams-119.html

• Woodcraft in Lexington - sells Whiteside and Freud
• Lowes / Home Depot - some vcarving and straight end mills available
  • DO NOT use end mills with guide bearings