Forest CNC Startup

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REMEMBER To Reserve Time!

Various tools such as the lasers, 3D Printers, and Forest CNC need to be reserved before using the tool. There is a link on each tool's wiki page, and in each tool's Slack channel to reserve time, or you can select the tool from the MakerFX PickTime page

Note: As of March 2025, we are implementing PickTime tool by tool - review the Slack channel for each tool for current status.

How to page for Reservations

Follow these steps to startup the CNC from a powered off position.

Steps	Visual
1. Turn on the computer
2. Turn on the CNC controller Press the green button on the silver box mounted to the CNC machine
3. Start Router Control application Double click the Router Control application on the desktop Two applications actually startup...
Application - CNC Configuration The first application (Blue background) allows you to initiate functions using the function keys (F1-F10)
Application - CNC Movement Control The second application (Green background) allows you to control the machine movement. We refer to this as CNC Controls in the remaining instructions.
4. Verify gantry in Parked position If not, using the CNC controls, move the gantry to the other end of the table DO NOT go all the way to the end, but come within a few inches	Gantry should be at the far end of the table away from the computer
5. Set CNC Home: RESET TRIPPED Using the CNC software on the laptop... Click the Big Red Reset button
6. Set CNC Home: RESET HOME Using the CNC software on the laptop... Press the Reset Home button Machine cycles through X, Y & Z limits X, Y & Z coordinates should all read 0 (zero) - look bottom left of the screen Watch the screen for status messages. At times it will fail if the gantry is parked directly on the limit switches. To fix that issue, lower the Z (spindle) by about an inch, and move X and Y by about an inch. Press Reset Home again.
7. DUST COLLECTION Before starting your jobs, check the Laguna dust collection system and prep it for use. Check the main collection bin by either sliding it out or using the view hole and verifying that it is less than 75% full. If it is full, replace it with a clear bag that is typically on top of the Laguna. Sweep the main filter using the handle on the separator section of the Laguna. Push the handle forward and back 10 times. Also check its collection bin.
SUCCESS You have successfully powered up the CNC and set the machine home position The next step is to set your job home position
Next Step Click here for the next step