Changes

# 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.

# 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.

# Select your design and use the arrow keys to position it to the desired location.

# Select your design and use the arrow keys to position it to the desired location.

# 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.

# 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. Separate 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.

==== Toolpaths ====

==== Toolpaths ====

Creating tool-paths is a complex process that involves critical thinking and foresight into the cutting process. Please recognize that these instructions are by no means comprehensive and only address the simplest of the 2D tool paths features. If you wish to engrave, inlay, or do 3D carving do some research to determine the appropriate procedure. Finally, recognize that YOU ARE THE SAFETY MECHANISM on the CNC router. It will do what it is told even if that means crashing into the table or a tool holder because you accidentally told it to. All this to say that when you make a tool-path, be aware that the computer is dumb and will do what you tell it, not what you meant to tell it.

Creating tool-paths is a complex process that involves critical thinking and foresight into the cutting process. Please recognize that these instructions are by no means comprehensive and only address the simplest of the 2D tool paths features. If you wish to engrave, inlay, or do 3D carving do some research to determine the appropriate procedure. Finally, recognize that YOU ARE THE SAFETY MECHANISM on the CNC router. It will do what it is told even if that means crashing into the table or a tool holder because you accidentally told it to. All this to say that when you make a tool-path, be aware that the computer is dumb and will do what you tell it, not what you meant to tell it.

# To open the ToolPaths menu click the Toolpaths tab on the top right of your screen. Once the menu appears, turn off auto hide by clicking on the push pin icon.

# To open the Toolpaths menu click the Toolpaths tab on the top right of your screen. Once the menu appears, turn off auto hide by clicking on the push pin icon.

# Before defining any ToolPaths it is a good idea to open the material setup menu and double check that everything is set up correctly.  

# Before defining any Toolpaths it is a good idea to open the material setup menu and double check that everything is set up correctly.  

## Thickness: it is obviously important that the thickness of your material is accurate to avoid cutting deep into the spoil-board or not all the way through your part.

## Thickness: it is obviously important that the thickness of your material is accurate to avoid cutting deep into the spoil-board or not all the way through your part.

## XY Datum: Ensure that you understand where the datum is so you can accurately position your part inside your wood stock.

## XY Datum: Ensure that you understand where the datum is so you can accurately position your part inside your wood stock.

# Always perform inside cuts and pockets prior to cutting the outline of your part. Failure to do so may result in incorrect geometry due to the part shifting during the cutting process.

# Always perform inside cuts and pockets prior to cutting the outline of your part. Failure to do so may result in incorrect geometry due to the part shifting during the cutting process.

General 2D ToolPath instructions:

General 2D Toolpath instructions:

# Cutting Depths: Start Depth tells the computer at what depth you wish to begin a cut. Unless you have already removed material over the entire path of the cut, the start depth should be zero. Cut depth is how deep you wish to cut. For a through cut set the cut depth equal to the thickness of the material.

# Cutting Depths: Start Depth tells the computer at what depth you wish to begin a cut. Unless you have already removed material over the entire path of the cut, the start depth should be zero. Cut depth is how deep you wish to cut. For a through cut set the cut depth equal to the thickness of the material.

# Tool: Selecting your tool is important. For most operations a 1/4" end-mill will be sufficient. The biggest things to be aware of are the tool number and spindle speed. The tool number tells the computer which tool it is to pick up. The CNC is dumb and will not know what tool it is holding at any given time. All it knows is the tool number. it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that you enter the correct tool number for all of your tools. Breaking off an end-mill spinning at 18000 rpm that shoots across the room impaling you and your beloved engineering classmates will not score brownie points with anyone. Also check that the RPMs are appropriate, typically the default is fine.

# Tool: Selecting your tool is important. For most operations a 1/4" end-mill will be sufficient. The biggest things to be aware of are the tool number and spindle speed. The tool number tells the computer which tool it is to pick up. The CNC is dumb and will not know what tool it is holding at any given time. All it knows is the tool number. it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that you enter the correct tool number for all of your tools. Breaking off an end-mill spinning at 18000 rpm that shoots across the room impaling you and your beloved engineering classmates will not score brownie points with anyone. Also check that the rpm are appropriate, typically the default is fine.

# Passes: Adjust the number of passes such that the pass depth is less than the diameter of the end mill you are using.

# Passes: Adjust the number of passes such that the pass depth is less than the diameter of the end mill you are using.

# Ramp Plunge: This option plunges the end-mill on a ramp instead of going straight into the material. Generally it is wise to use this feature because it reduces the forces on the end-mill.

# Ramp Plunge: This option plunges the end-mill on a ramp instead of going straight into the material. Generally it is wise to use this feature because it reduces the forces on the end-mill.

==== Final Steps ====

==== Final Steps ====