Running a Job

Follow this checklist every time you run a job. Complete Preparing a Cut File and have your G-code on the shop PC before starting.

Install and tighten the bit first — before any spindle power; see Hardware and Machine Anatomy for collet and installation details
Select the correct ER20 collet for your bit’s shank diameter
Use two wrenches on the spindle nut; never run with a loose collet
Clear the spoilboard area and confirm your workholding plan
Wear safety glasses; hearing protection as needed
Know the e-stop location

Dust collection not yet installed — use shop vac for cleanup after cuts. Dust collection is coming soon.

TBD: Preferred power-down order (VFD → main power). Shop-specific e-stop / power switch labeling.

1. Secure the workpiece (T-tracks)

Use T-tracks with appropriate clamps, hold-downs, or toe clamps
Screwing into the 3/4" spoilboard is acceptable when clamps won’t work — avoid excessive holes
Keep clamps and track hardware clear of the toolpath — check rapids in simulation
Mind “no-go” zones near table edges where tracks may not reach

2. Set work zero (WCS)

Standard practice for most jobs:

XY zero: front-left corner of your workpiece — match the origin you set in VCarve
Z zero: top surface of the material (most common), or spoilboard surface for through-cuts — match your VCarve setting
In RTS-X: jog the bit to your XY zero point and zero the X and Y axes; lower the bit to just touch the material surface and zero the Z axis
Use a paper slip or touch-off block for Z precision; avoid crashing the bit into the spoilboard

TBD: Document our specific step-by-step touch-off procedure in RTS-X, with screenshots. Spoilboard is 3/4" thick.

3. Import G-code into RTS-X (USB or cloud)

4. Run simulation/preview in RTS-X

Open the file in RTS-X and run the built-in preview/simulation before starting
Confirm the bit does not plunge through material or into clamps/fixtures on the first rapid approach
Verify the toolpath boundaries stay within your workholding setup
Check that the first plunge point and rapid moves look correct relative to your zeroed position
Consider watching the first few seconds of the cut at reduced feed override (e.g. 50%) until you are confident the job is running correctly

5. Position spindle over safe start point; confirm feed/speed in file

Remain at the machine and supervise the entire job. Zero tolerance for leaving unattended or leaving the room.
Keep hands clear; never adjust clamps while the spindle is running
Be ready to hit e-stop or feed-hold