Welcome to the final episode of the Tormach Garage Series, where Jeremiah Daws (maker/machinist) kicks off the lesson with a pivotal moment - the actual machining process. If you're new to CNC machining, be sure to view all of the previous episodes of the Tormach Garage Series. This comprehensive guide, created with CNC beginners in mind, will arm you with the basics to get started on your CNC journey.
Previous Tormach Garage Series Videos
- Part 1: Getting Started with Your Tormach CNC Mill: A Beginner’s Guide
- Part 2: Basics Of Starting Up Your Tormach CNC Mill
- Part 3: Navigating the PathPilot® Interface on Your Tormach CNC Mill
- Part 4: Basics of Work Holding and Work Offsets in CNC Machining
- Part 5: Tools and Tool Holding Essentials for CNC Beginners
- Part 6: Coolant Choices for Optimal CNC Machining
- Part 7: Introduction to CAD and CAM for CNC Beginners
With the workpiece securely clamped in the vise and all necessary offsets and tools in place, the focus shifts to programming a tool path using conversational programming. The steps to employ an end mill in crafting a boss around the part are detailed, specifying dimensions, radii, and depth. A step-by-step walkthrough is provided, ensuring viewers match the screen settings accurately. The subsequent actions involve saving the file in the desired location.
Further operations include machining a pocket with specific dimensions and drilling a precise hole in the center of the part. Each step is thoroughly explained, from setting the center point to inputting parameters, culminating in the seamless addition of operations to the existing file.
Important safety measures
Emphasizing safety, the importance of cautious practices during CNC milling are underscored. Feed and max velocity sliders are introduced, illustrating their roles in controlling spindle movement. Viewers are advised to start with both sliders at zero percent, gradually increasing the max velocity slider. Daws provides a critical reminder to monitor the Z-axis DTG (distance to go), a crucial distance indicator. This tutorial incorporates an essential safety measure - the feed hold button, akin to a pause button. Operators are urged to trust their instincts and halt the process if any uncertainty arises. Precision over speed is paramount for a measured approach.
A pivotal addition to the process is the tool path preview window, allowing a thorough review of intended tool paths before execution. This final checkpoint is presented as a critical step to ensure accuracy and avoid unintended tool paths. With a successful demonstration of the machining process, including verification of desired outcomes, the lesson concludes by measuring the machined part to confirm accuracy. Congratulations! You just machined your first part.
Daws then switches gears and briefly introduces Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software as an alternative for crafting tool paths. He guides viewers through modeling and generating G-code in Fusion 360, seamlessly integrating it into the PathPilot® software.
Additional Resources
Be sure to explore additional resources from Tormach, Titans of CNC, and NYC CNC to further enhance your CNC milling expertise. Thank you for joining us for the Tormach Garage Series. We hope this comprehensive guide stands as an invaluable asset for individuals striving to master CNC milling.
