MUST-DO for New CNC Routers → Squaring and Break-In

[@IDCWoodcraft]

FREE Break-In Cycle and Squaring files → link.idcwoodcraft.com/j617o4

[@DougAlcoe]

Thank you for the files Garrett. Much appreciated. I took your long Mill break-in file, changed all the y negatives into positive since my home position is front left corner and now it's running great on my onefinity foreman.

[@tonywinter8069]

Sneaky, its not free unless you buy the file bundle. Lost a lot of repect for this site!

[@DougAlcoe]

@@tonywinter8069 Guess you didn't notice the cost was free and you don't have to add any credit card info during checkout.

[@DarinM1967]

Awesome! Thanks! This is the cnc I'm saving up for and its nice to see that there will be a lot of things already done for me so quickly get it up and running in top shape! Thanks again.

[@robnhannon]

Mine is another month out. Great to see videos with the Oatmeal CNC in them.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

robnhannon, I totally understand the anticipation! The Oatmeal CNC is such a fantastic machine for woodwork. Hope you enjoy your project when it arrives!

[@r2db]

Some of the spindle manufacturers have specific break-in recommendations, and after sitting for a long time it seems that a dwell time of more than just a few seconds is necessary for those of us running larger spindles (3kW and higher). I do not have the manual in front of me, but if memory serves me correctly the recommendation was five minutes at a very low speed to get the bearing grease warming up and moving around where it needs to be, and then ramping up to full speed in multiple steps. The break-in cycle recommended by the manufacturer was about an hour, with a much shorter warm-up cycle when the device is used daily.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

r2db, You bring up some great points about spindle break-in procedures! It's definitely important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure longevity and optimal performance. The longer dwell time and gradual ramp-up you're mentioning can make a big difference, especially for those higher-powered spindles. Properly warming the bearings can help everything run smoothly. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@alpscraftshack599]

Another of your good videos Bro, along with great practical advice. I always do a break-in period / cycle on all my machines - no matter what their size or how cheap / expensive they are / were. I have had my three of my four CNCs almost 7 years, and have never had a problem with them, other than just recently having to change the spindle on the oldest machine. A break-in period, along with a regular maintenance routine, will give you many years of trouble free service.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

alpscraftshack599, Thanks for sharing your experience! It's great to hear that your CNC machines have served you well for 7 years with regular maintenance. It really does make a difference in the longevity and performance of the machines.

[@jamesengland22]

Thanks Garrett good video now if I only had a CNC machine!

[@jefflanphere857]

Ditto!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

jamesengland22, You're welcome! CNC machines are a great investment if you're looking to take your woodworking to the next level. Keep saving up for one, it'll be worth it!

[@laser31415]

For my final check for squareness on my Longmill 30x30 I did the opposite corners as well but instead of using a tape measure I used double sided tape and mounted a long thin piece of scrap wood to the first set of opposite corners and had it drill using a 1/16" endmill through the wood strip and the spoil board. Then drill the second set of opposite corners without the wood strip. I removed the wood strip put 1/16" nails into the wood strip holes and checked to see if they exactly fit into the 2nd set of spoiler board holes. With a test square of 760x760 mm my 30x30 is Square.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

laser31415, It sounds like you've conducted a thorough and inventive method to check the squareness of your Longmill 30x30! By utilizing double-sided tape and a scrap wood strip to create reference holes, you've effectively established a precise way to ensure that your machine's framework is aligned properly. Nice work brother and thanks for sharing your tips and tricks.

[@Sbregher]

What a super helpful video!! Garrett, thank you so much for creating and sharing the break-in files!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Sbregher, I'm so glad you found the video helpful! Your kind words mean a lot to me.

[@souprmage]

Great advice. I held off on my order so that I would get past any initial production issues. But that also means I have to wait until October...grrrr. Can't wait for more tips/tricks on this machine. Keep up the great content.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

souprmage, It's great to hear that you're being patient with your order to avoid any initial production issues! Waiting can be tough, but it sounds like you're making a wise choice. In the meantime, I recommend keeping an eye on user reviews and forums related to the machine you ordered; they can be a goldmine for tips and tricks. Also, consider watching tutorial videos or reading articles that cover its features and functionalities to help you get a head start when it arrives. Im excited for you to get your new machine!

[@chrishayes5755]

what a beautiful machine. I'll be buying one very soon. thanks for all the content about the altmill. I enjoy it.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

chrishayes5755, Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you appreciate the content. The Altmill is definitely a great machine to add to your workshop. Happy woodworking!

[@DrBrian0450]

Great video, can't wait till my machine shows up!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

DrBrian0450, That's awesome! You're going to have so much fun once your machine arrives. Happy woodworking!

[@kennethfrick9879]

Thanks! Will use these when my Alt Mill arrives and my IDC drills shipped today. 😊

[@IDCWoodcraft]

kennethfrick9879, Awesome to hear that you have an Alt Mill on the way and your IDC drills are on their way too! Can't wait to see what you create with them.

[@caluman69]

keep up the great content. i can't wait to get my altmill in December. i wish it was sooner but i guess some bugs will be worked out. i saw they already addressed the packaging issues some had.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

caluman69, Thank you for the kind words! It's exciting to hear you're getting your AltMill in December. The anticipation can be tough, but you're right-delays can often lead to a more polished product. It's great to know that the team is already working on any issues, like packaging. That can make a big difference in the overall experience. Enjoy your new machine when it comes!

[@caluman69]

@IDCWoodcraft thank you. Plus it helps me by learning vcarve pro and watching all your videos to help figure stuff out before it arrives. Thanks again for all the information!

[@JosephWerle-je4ww]

Good Video. Great information.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

JosephWerle-je4ww, Thank you! I'm glad you found the video informative. Happy CNCing brother!

[@51rclewis]

Great video Brother.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

51rclewis, Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ApexWoodworks]

I wasn't able to download the "FREE" Break-in Cycle and Squaring files without having to purchase your design bundle. Am I doing something wrong, Garrett?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ApexWoodworks, Hi there! It sounds like there might be a small hiccup with the download process. Send me an email to [e-mail] and I will make sure you are taken care of brother.

[@Sawdustmaker711]

As always great info…Hope your BoBo is better…lol

[@IDCWoodcraft]

MikeTalbot-ho8ii, Thank you! BoBo is doing much better now brother!

[@tetleyk]

I tend to use a 3-4-5 triangle to check for square. On my 1270mm x 1270mm that means a 600mm x 800mm x 1000mm which is nice and easy to measure. Horses for courses I guess.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

tetleyk, Using a 3-4-5 triangle is a classic and effective method to ensure everything is square! It’s great that you've found a measurement that works well for you, especially with the dimensions you have. Everyone has their own preferred techniques, and that's what makes woodworking so interesting!

[@williamcovell6324]

😋🌵🙋🌵

[@IDCWoodcraft]

williamcovell6324, glad you liked this one brother.