CNC Router

Laguna CNC Router

Make: Laguna

Model: SmartShop II

Ace: Needed (Makerhub@georgefox.edu).

Location: Wood Shop

Description

The Laguna SmartShop II is a CNC wood router capable of cutting out complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult to create by hand. Like all CNC machines, the SmartShop II is most useful when a design calls for a high level of precision, or is being mass produced.

Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.

Documentation

Terminology

• ZPO (Zero Point Offset) - The selected X and Y position on the material that coordinates with the program zero point.
• Collet- A piece of machined steel that clamps down and locates the cutter in the tool holder.
• Dust Shroud- A combination of sheet metal and flexible brush material that performs a seal around the area of material during the cutting process.
• Spoil Board- A porous sacrificial board used on top of the router bed but under the work piece.
• Regenerative Blower- This device produces the vacuum needed to pull material down onto the spoil board.
• Tool Holder-
• Straight Router Bits-
• Up Shear Router Bits-
• Down Shear Router Bits-
• Combination (Compression) Router Bits-
• Tool Touch-Off- A process of setting the Z axis height of a tool using the sensor built into the machine.

User Manual

Training

Operation

To get started you will need to get a .DXF file from Solidworks or another program. The .DXF file will need to be imported into VCarve Pro software. VCarve is used to create the G-code used by the router. You will select the type of cuts and tooling inside the software. Most cutting jobs can be done using a 1/4" cutter. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed the diameter of the tool in depth per pass. In foam or soft materials you can cut deeper per pass. The large switch near the middle of cabinet is the main power. There is a key located on the control panel that also needs to be turned to the on position for the PC inside the machine to boot. After power up, make sure the table is clear before pressing the home button. The machine will move to the corner closest the control panel after moving the Z, X, and y axis to home position. Always keep your body outside the safety line while the machine is moving.

Demonstration

For the demonstration you will need to import a DXF file into VCarve Pro and convert it to G-code. You will also need to demonstrate safe startup and use of the router using the G-code file you produced.

Open VCarvePro software.

1. To start a new project, you must first select “Create a new file.”
2. Next, you will be prompted to input the width, height, and thickness of the material you are using.
3. Ensure that the Z Zero Position is set to "Machine Bed." Our Smart Shop II machine is calibrated for this setting. If you use the material surface option, the end-mill will carve into the machine bed causing damage and potential injury.
4. Select the XY Datum Position. Typically, it is easiest to not use an offset and origin your part off the bottom left corner of the material. If you are cutting a part that needs to be rotated and cut in 2 or more orientations an offset may be useful to line up your jig.
5. If you wish, you may adjust the modeling resolution and color. Otherwise select OK.
6. Now select "import vector".
7. Make sure all the imported pieces are close together, but make sure they don't overlap.
8. Starting with the inside features, you will hold the shift key and select all of the holes. Once they are all selected, go to Tool Path and select the appropriate Profile or pocketing Tool Path. Choose your cut depth, tool, parameters, and then select OK. Double-check that Inside Cut is also selected, and check the box for Ramp.
9. To save the inside cutout tool path, select Calculate and OK.
10. Select "preview selected tool path" to ensure the path is correct.
11. Switch back to the 2D view and begin the process for cutting out your design. This starts by holding down the shift key and selecting the items.
12. Select VCarve, and make sure the settings are correct. If you are satisfied, select Calculate and OK again. You can preview this part of the process as well.
13. Go back to the 2D view to begin the outside cutout process.
14. Holding the shift key down, you can now select the outer pieces that need to be cut out. Then select Close on the right side of the screen.
15. Next, choose Tool Path, select Outside Cut, and change your tool and parameters as needed. Check the box for adding a Ramp, and hit Calculate.
16. Preview the entire process before saving the file.
17. Once you are happy with the design, select "Laguna SmartShop BR ATC(inch)(*prg)" post processor and "save toolpath(s)". You can copy the files onto a flash drive to import into the machine.

Detailed Procedure

Software

VCarve Pro is the software used in conjunction with the CNC router and may be found on the eight rolling computers in the The Hub.

Job Setup

1. Select the appropriate job type: single or double sided.
2. Enter the size of your work-piece.
3. Set the Z Zero Position to "Machine Bed." The Smart Shop II machine is calibrated for this setting. If you use the material surface option, the end-mill will carve into the machine bed causing damage and potential injury.
4. Select the XY Datum Position. Typically, it is easiest to not use an offset and origin your part off the bottom left corner of the material. If you are cutting a part that needs to be rotated and cut in 2 or more orientations an offset may be useful to line up your jig.
5. If you wish, you may adjust the modeling resolution and color. Otherwise select OK.

Vectors

1. To Import the design you wish to cut go to File>Import>Import [your file type] and find your design. If you import a non-vector based design you will need to trace bitmap once imported.
2. Select your design and use the arrow keys to position it to the desired location.
3. Sometimes paths will not be joined properly (i.e. selecting one side of a rectangle does not select the entire rectangle). Vectors that aren't joined are treated as separate paths. Seperate paths that should be joined may cause the bit to cut on the wrong side of the path. To join vectors simply press j to open the Join Vectors menu, select the vectors you wish to join and click Join.

Safety

There are multiple hazards you need to be aware of when using the CNC router.

• The tooling is very sharp and spins at over 18,000 RPM. Keep your body parts away from the cutter and spindle.
• Stay behind the safety line when operating the router. The router is very large and will not stop if you get in its way.
• Materials need to be securely fastened to the table by vacuum or mechanical means.
  • This includes material that could be made loose during the cutting process. Use tabs to secure such material.
• Never attempt to cut a hole the same diameter as the cuter with a down cut force cutter. This will compress the chips and can create a fire due to the air draw of the vacuum table.
• Always wear ear protection when operating the CNC router.

Certification

Foxtale Course

Troubleshooting

• If none of the control functions on the control panel appear to work, make sure the machine has been homed and the E-stop is released.
• If the cutting tool height appears to be incorrect make sure the tool touch off has been performed for the tool in use.
• If your tool path appears on the inside of your part, it is likely because the paths are not joined. To join your paths, highlight the paths you wish to join and press the j key.

Maintenance

General maintenance

• The spoil board needs to be resurfaced as grooves are cut into the surface. Grooves will release a percentage of the table vacuum and increase the risk of the material moving during cutting.
• There are many bearing surfaces located on the router that need to be lubricated. The router is equipped with a central lubrication system the technician will operate on a regular basis.

Specific Maintenance Tasks

Maintenance Procedure	Frequency	Done By
Sample	Sample	Sample