2007-Dec-10 - Machining Fundamentals for CNC

Zeroing the CNC machine out
When beginning your machining, you always need to zero out the machine.  You need to let the control software know that this is going to be the starting point for the whole project.  When “Zeroing” out the machine, a lot of the time you will use an edge finder when milling.  Most times in plasma cutting, you will just pick your starting point on the steel and begin the program there.

The final “Part” of DIY CNC
Parts are the outcome of your work.  That is unless you are making artistic pieces.  Parts need to be made to specification.  Most often machinists will check their parts as they come out of the CNC Machine they are running.  Many times, they will use a go/no-go gauge.  With a go/no-go gauge they can quickly check out the critical dimension of the part and reload the Carvewright machine.

Chips?
Machinist call the GCode material being removed “Chips.”  This is because most things that are machined are metal and they come off the part in chip form.  Hobby CNC Chips can be very sharp and dangerous.  You have to be very aware of where they are flying as they are being removed.  Quite a few machines will have enclosures around them to block these chips from flying around.