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Running a Job

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Running a Job

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

Before Power-On (Safety-Critical)

  • Install and tighten the bit first — before any spindle powerpower; see Hardware and Machine Anatomy for collet and installation details
  • Select the correct ER20 collet for your bit'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

Power-Up Sequence

  1. Verify e-stop is released
  2. Turn on main machine power
  3. Turn on VFD; confirm it is in automatic/remote mode (NOT manual/local)
  4. Boot / wake the dedicated CNC shop PC; launch RTS-X
  5. Connect to the controller; home the machine

Dust collection:collection not yet installed — use shop vac for cleanup after cutscuts. forDust nowcollection is coming soon.

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

Job Setup

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'won’t work — avoid excessive holes
  • Keep clamps and track hardware clear of the toolpath — check rapids in simulation
  • Mind "“no-go"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 preferred zeroing method — corner vs center, Z zero on spoilboard surface vs top of material, andspecific step-by-step touch-off procedure in RTS-X.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

—
    confirm
  • Open nothe plungesfile intoin 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

During the Cut

  • 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

Shutdown

  1. Stop spindle; return to safe park position if applicable
  2. Remove workpiece and clean up
  3. Vacuum chips; check spoilboard for damage
  4. Power down VFD, then main power
  5. Log any issues on Slack

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