AVID CNC (CNC ROUTER)
The AVID CNC Router is capable of routing a 4' by 8' sheet. This machine can be used when you become a subscription member at Cedar Valley Makers. We offer a required machine orientation that is required before first use, and that orientation is available anytime as a refresher for free. If you have not used the machine in a while, we ask that you get a refresher, as it is complicated, not intuitive, and expensive. Help us keep the equipment in good working order and available for all by making sure you know how to use it properly.
This tool/equipment does require the use of safety glasses. Please review this page for the Pre-Operation Checklist and the Post-Operation Checklist.
Maker skills:
Develop some software proficiency in CAD/CAM, understand G-code, and know how to properly set up the machine, select materials, and choose tools. Beyond technical skills, you'll utilize strong problem-solving skills, an eye for design, and an understanding of material properties.
Pre-Operation Checklist:
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Power-up control box
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insert tool and zero x,y, and z
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load gcode and verify tool path is correct( starting point, workpiece orientation, and misses hold down clamps
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Does your tool have the necessary travel to avoid endtops X, Y, Z?
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Check dust gates and add dust shroud
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Arm the Router
When you are sure the machine is set, click cycle start. The code will run and stop at a tool change code. This is your last chance to review it.
Click cycle start again.
The router will spin up and move to the home position. If it does not spin-up before moving to the home position, hit the emergency stop button. Check that you armed the router, reload the code, and start again.
Post Operation Checklist:
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Disarm the Router
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Remove your bit and store the collet
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Move the spindle to just short of the Y endstop
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Raise the spindle until it hits the Z endstop
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Turn off the control box and close the software
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Please note: If the router is still armed, it will spin up!
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Use the dust collection remote to manually start the dust collection.
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Manually open the gate using the wall switch
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Clean-up the space and leave it better than you found it
Resources:
The following documents and links are great references and can be used to learn more about the machine and how to use it.
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Vectic Software has made the CNC Router much more accessible, so if you have questions about it, please reach out
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Advanced - Great Video Series from NY CNC -Fusion 360 CAM for Beginners
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Fusion 360 is a popular CAD program available to students and hobby users for free. It is better suited for designing 3D parts(CAD) for milling on the Tormach. However, it can also be used to process(CAM) toolpaths for use on the CNC router as well
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CVM has a VCARVE Pro Makerspace Edition that is available to our members. You will need to be added to our organization, after which you will be asked to create a Vectric account. You will then have access to all of the learning resources, be able to import tool libraries, and save design files and toolpaths.
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You will need to save your work and process your toolpaths into G-code at the makerspace on one of five licensed workstations. Save your work to a thumb drive and it will only take minutes to process the file for use on the router.
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Link to software: VCARVE Pro - Makerspace edition VER 11 .5
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Please do not log-in to your personal VCARVE account on a makerspace workstation. It is different software than the makerspace licensed G-code creating version, and you will lose your work and make it inoperable for others until the login issue is corrected.
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You WILL need to log in to the software (11.5 vcarve) that you downloaded to your personal PC. By doing so, it gives you more functionality and makes sure the trial version won't expire
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You will find the login in the upper right of the software
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To Sum Up:
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Do NOT log in to your personal account on a makerspace workstation.
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Do log in to your software on your home computer. Save your file, which can then be re-opened on a CVM workstation, and then you will be able to postprocess your toolpaths - creating G-code
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