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

STEPS	VISUAL
1. Turn on the computer Press the power button on the laptop The system should auto login and launch this page
2. Turn on the CNC controller make sure the red e-stop button is pulled out. You turn it to the right while pulling to reset it Press the green button on the silver box mounted to the CNC machine
3. Create Machine Instructions (GCode) Using VCarvePro on the CNC Router control computer convert design into machine instructions The design you have created in VCarve Pro is not a set of instructions (G-Code) for the machine yet Launch VCarve Pro Open your design file A message is displayed that the software needs to verify that the file was created in authorized software, that is normal select yes. The resulting dialog box will indicate if you can proceed with machining the file. If the software indicates that it cannot open the file, you will need to recreate the file in a properly licensed application. The instructions are on the wiki Go to the Toolpath Tab You should check the Tool Database to make sure the settings have not been modified Click the "Save Toolpaths" button Select where the file should be saved, you will need to open it again.
4. Start Router Control application Double click the Router Control application on the desktop Two applications actually startup...
4.1. Application - CNC Configuration The first application (Blue background) allows you to initiate functions using the function keys (F1-F10)
4.2 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.
5. 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
6. Set CNC Home: RESET TRIPPED Using the CNC software on the laptop... Click the Big Red Reset button
7. Set CNC Home: RESET HOME Using the CNC software on the laptop... Press the Reset Home button Machine cycles through X, Y & Z limits An error will occur if the machine is parked against the limit switches. Using the Movement Control Panel, move the gantry and spindle so they are not pressing against or tripping the limit switches. X, Y & Z coordinates should all read 0 (zero) - look bottom left of the screen
7.1 Limit Switches

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