CNC Basics Setup and Running CAM

[@jeffbeck6501]

Fantastic video. This is the best video I have seen for teaching you how to get started without getting too detailed and bogged down in minutia. This is just right. It gives a new user, or even a foggy old one, all the logic they should go through to get started. And do it quickly. You lay out all the steps, ...1,2,3,4,5,6,... etc. It also gives people a confirmation to the logic they were thinking already. It gives people confidence that they were doing it correctly, and thinking correctly. Great work.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Jeff Beck thanks. That was my goal

[@stevechandler2630]

I really like this guy... he explains everything he does in plain English.. Top guy

[@MichaelDavidHiltner]

Thanks Jason for not editing out the mistakes! This educational video is much better with the errors left in to show us newbies what to watch out for! Thanks again, STKYE! - Keep 'em coming...

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

I've been pretty fortunate with most of my jobs. The mistakes that usually happen to me are my fault like the clamps, positioning a piece too close to the machines limits, or just forgetting to set something in CAD correctly. It happens. I don't mind sharing my mistakes. Thanks for watching.

[@jasoncross5684]

Up to a week ago I had never heard of a cnc machine and now I'm addicted to watching videos on the subject especially yours so thank you I love it, and please don't take this the wrong way, it's great when you make a mistake or it goes a bit wrong I've learnt so much. I am based in the U.K. And have decided on getting the shapeoko in the summer and setting up a small shed/log cabin in the garden and start creating. I am slowly going back to the beginning of your videos and watching them all from the start in the proper order. You are a year or so in now so any advice on setting up and starting up with this great pastime? Speak soon hopefully from a British fan Jason .

[@ronaldwelch3168]

Thank you Jason for all the time and effort that you put into each Video. About a year ago I had a on the job accident, and had to have a Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement on my left shoulder. Just had a second surgery last Wednesday. My Dr. Is saying that I will have limited motion with my left arm and probably will not be able to do a lot with it. So I won’t be returning to my job . My wife and I are going to set up shop and see if we can make a little money with it. In about three weeks I will be ordering the Shapeoko XXL system and am really excited about it. I’ve been watching your Videos and really learning a lot- you’re a great teacher and take your time to explain things about using your CNC! I live in Mobile, Alabama. Once again thank you for everything you are doing for us, keep up the great work!

[@MichaelDavidHiltner]

Well Jason, 3 months ago I was feeding myself as much CNC jumble as I could digest. Your videos were of the finest instructed. Well now that I have finally received (Monday) my CNC (Shapoko 3 Standard), and it is all assembled, although no power has been put to it yet, tomorrow I shall fire it up, of course ensuring that this video is playing alongside the power up stage. Also I should note that I'm sure it was you where I took a deciding stand on choosing Vectric as the way to go for my 2.5D creations with VCarve Desktop v9.0+ (Guess I will not be building that tabbed box anytime soon, well at least until the SO3 is able to return my money back to my Wife's (Our) bank account!). This has been a wonderful ride, and tomorrow I hope it to be a REWARDING one too!... Fingers crossed.

[@thehamlinwoodshop]

Super video for new people to CNC. Wish you were around when I started. Great job!

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Thanks.

[@andrewmyland2019]

Hi, just like to say thanks I’m in the uk and going to buy a shapeoko XXL in the next couple of months and I find your videos very good I’m glad you show the mistakes and how you get around them keep it up !

[@paulafries8519]

Thank you so much for doing these intro videos for CNC setup on the Shapeoko. As a new Shapeoko owner I've used your videos to step through job setup and tool changes. Excellent job!

[@willowen4114]

Thank you for making the videos. I just finished my first CNC build a few days ago. I have not felt this lost in a long time. You make it look very easy. Been trying to search all over to learn how to use the machine software which is like trying to put together a puzzle that was dropped and the pieces are all over.

[@oldchev2850]

Hi, I’ve just subscribed after seeing some of your videos. I think you do a very good job of explaining the very basics. I like that you don’t edit out the mistakes. This shows everyone what happens when things aren’t quite right. It’s been a long time since I used to operate cnc’s and have forgotten a lot but I’m sure things will start to come back when I start to use a cnc router that I’ve just purchased. Thank you for the excellent videos

[@stanstocker8858]

Sorry to come to the party so late! Just found your channel recently. I'm a metal working guy, and there are a lot of rules for work holding on mills and the like. If you make your spoil board with more hold down locations, you can get the hardware providing the clamping force as close to the work end of the strap clamp as possible. These are actually little compound levers, so having the clamp screw far away from the work results in more of the pressure going to the packing end of the strap rather than the work end. I had a feeling of impending work slippage when I saw the clamping setup, every time I ever tried to get away with that sort of workholding it ended poorly for me, sometimes with great hilarity for the spectators :-) I've been using VCarve for years, feed it with DXF from Gearotic for the clock restoration business or to draw parts and generate the gcode for my mill. Great program. I'm headed to retiring from the clock business and am looking at getting back more into the modelling and craft part of the world, as soon as I get my new shop building sorted out an XXL will be the upgrade from my little C-Beam desktop router. Thanks again for such great videos, I've learned quite a lot quickly thanks to your generosity.

[@humbertomedina4231]

STKYE thank you for all these videos. I have to say I appreciate how you explain things. As a total beginner, I am finding your videos very helpful. I am sure I will have questions for you in this near future. Again, thank you!

[@gaborvisnovits8482]

Great videos. One way to prevent movement of your work piece is to drill half inch holes into the waste board; minimum two on your 'x' axis and on your 'y' axis. This will also help you set your x/y zero axis which should never change if your are working with 90 degree work pieces. Also don't forget to mill a small diameter relief hole along the half inch diameter hole to allow air to escape when pressing in your dowel pins; whether they are metal or wood. This also works great if you are working with multiple work pieces as you won't have to reset x/y zero every time.

[@nerrawdivad]

Great Information video, I think it is very interesting.....

[@alanwright5437]

Good video Jason, you explain it in such a way us beginners can understand. Subscribed

[@eddinatale7815]

Thank you for these, I just purchased the shapeoko XXL and these are going to help me get started. I will probablywatch them 3 or 4 times before I start my first project.

[@albreit69]

If you have a biscuit joiner you could put small slots in the side of your board below the top surface and make your clamps so they would fit into the biscuit slot and have the top face free of clamps.

[@morgaj21]

Excellent introduction to cnc workflow for a newbie like me. Great job

[@phaniavireddy]

Your channel has got a lot of potential my friend. I’d like to see more tutorials on a certain project from start to finish. Great work

[@michaelbreaux9164]

Great Video. I am very new to this. So new that I haven't bought a machine just yet. Very Informative.

[@dowy32]

Evening thanks firstly for your video as someone considering dipping toes into CNC routing this helps greatly. My question - with Vectric VCarve Pro Software can units of measurement by toggled to mm as I'd understand better?

[@CrownofJewells]

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@kajtryk4899]

Q

[@MKS_Design]

very useful, subscribed, more please

[@dan-cherrypicker-man]

Very good series of videos, that's for the education 👍

[@ayoubbenali5780]

thank you so much your videos are amazing!

[@1bulldog998]

great video sir been watching them learning lot from them ...

[@wilfredfontenot2213]

looking for the video for the nurses sign you made

[@randogame4438]

Nice enclosure ya made there!

[@davidperilo6223]

I have only $1300 to buy a cnc machine. I really need it to be fast,strong and good amount of room. I am going to produce stuff to sell. Thanks and your videos are awesome!!!

[@woodknack1]

I have a question for you. I have the same machine and I am setting up my spoiler board. I have a 1" surfacing bit. what speeds and feeds should I use?

[@JannieH]

I am trying to find out...what was the point of the very first "home" cycle in all of this? How do you recover from, say a power failure or power glitch? Thanks..

[@MrManta2012]

having been an apprentice machinist the claps should be pointing down towards the piece, I also put a notch at the end, 1/8 deep by a 1/4. Thanks for the videos.

[@joepicanco8480]

If you use stops on your waste board and clamps it will help you in the future to keep part in place if your clamp comes loose

[@johngarner461]

I appreciate the videos as I'm new to CNC. Any chance you might show us a little more of your cabinet enclosure and explain what details you incorporated?

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

If you check my videos I did one on building the enclosure. It was a pretty simple design. basically a box with acrylic windows and barn style doors. I also explain an another video how I did my dust collection in it as well.

[@yashjaiswal2306]

Super awesome video for beginners, One request though, Please make a video explaining all about milling Bits !!! What types are there ? When to use a certain bit? How to decide which bit to use etc. Thanks again

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Yash Jaiswal I may be able to do that. Got a video in the works right now for v carving. I'll look into a bit video after that

[@janetizzy6741]

After popping out the parts, you have a nice cabinet face for a 12 drawer parts bin project.

[@wallycass2780]

I don't understand why use the clamps to the waste-board when you can just screw the project board to the waste-board. Secondly I have a 3d project and it is large in length 56"...Can I make this item using a smaller machine say do half, move the project and then resume the second half? One last question...Can I scan my 3d prototype with a image and let the software figure the dimensions and how to cut it out on it's own? I am completely new to this and appreciate your videos. Watched them all.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

If you screw everything down you will destroy your wasteboard a lot quicker, Clamping is just a repeatable way to do it without having to ruin anything. That's why I do it. There may be some instances where I might screw something down, but I have not run across a need to as of yet. To each there own, and if it works for you great, the result is what matters. These machines will "tile" which I have not done yet so I couldn't say how. As far as scanning 3d into a program I am sure it can be done. I have never done it. I am not as big into 3d carving as others. There are a lot of videos out there that explain 3d cad and all that stuff better than I ever could. Thanks.

[@jimmercier5308]

what kind of dust collector do you have and how is it hooked up. I like your enclosure.

[@billymorris4273]

Thank you great video

[@johnfrankforther8162]

Great video. I need clamps so this will work for me. Thanks!!

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Thanks for watching, and good luck.

[@iammike111]

Hey man, loving the videos. Thanks for all the work and time you put into them! I am considering buying a Shapeoko 3 XXL and was wondering what your inner width dimension is for your cabinet? I know the XXL will also be deeper than the XL, but getting an idea of the width would help in planning even before I get the machine. I will be putting mine in the basement with sensitive smoke (sawdust) detectors, so the enclosed cabinet would work great I think. Thanks in advance!

[@tom0ocadoo]

this is perfect thanks so much have a good day

[@myusernameislongerth]

what's the reason you placed the parts so far apart on the board?

[@amandabailey967]

Sir: I enjoyed your videos on making hold downs. I also use vectra pro and I am still learning how to use it. It is much easier to use then Bob Cad which I bought with my machine orgionally. Being old, I forget alot so I have to make alot of notes. My question is how does one hold down the waste board when resurfacing?

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

the wasteboard should be screwed down to the bed of the machine. I usually countersink the screws half way into the wasteboard which gives you at least a couple re-surfacing passes.

[@grumpywoodiam]

Person that never made a mistake never made anything!

[@Tj-oq2lw]

Where the video man! I really liked them and you’ve help a lot ! Don’t give up!

[@Tj-oq2lw]

Great video! If you pause in “carbide motion” can you “jog” the z axis? .. I found my piece wasn’t as secure as I thought and needed to add more tape but didn’t or couldn’t find if I could move the axis and just had to abort 😥. One other question. Is there a good alternative to vcarve? At this moment I can’t afford the 700$. I love the program just can’t afford it.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

To be honest I'm not sure if you can jog your machine while it's paused in the middle of a job. I have never tried it. If I had to guess my guess would be no. As far as the software goes I don;t know of any software that in my opinion "compares" to VCarve. Have you tried fusion 360? It's a bit much for me to fiddle with in that when I tried it the whole thing seemed over complicated. Carbide create is free so it is worth a try if you can't get VCarve. VCarve is expensive, but I have never found anything that compares with it's ease of use and features. You can always go to the carbide 3d community forum, and look around. Lots of helpful people there with knowledge to other programs.

[@Tj-oq2lw]

stufftokeep youentertained that’s a great idea ! I will talk to them . Thanks again !

[@DaDoodler]

Hi, I kind of like your CNC enclosure. What are the prospects of you making a DIY-video in the future of a such?

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Purple Orange check my other videos there is one there

[@charleshorton9746]

If you use Easy Liner under the machine will that stop the vibration produced by the shapeoko?

[@charleshorton9746]

I love your enclosure. what dB level is it producing when doors are closed? You can get a db monitor app from google play for free. Thank you. These are important concerns for my working environment.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

right around 50db with the doors closed standing a foot in front.

[@yolodj2697]

Nice vidio this is really what i want tanks

[@donniereece1714]

what was feed speed for the .25 bit and .125 bit for the oak board? Im learning alot from you because I just finish surface the waste board and know I need do the clamps. I don't feel bad now im not the only make mistake lol. I had my machine for couple weeks still learning

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

50ipm feed, and 50ipm plunge. I believe it was a little too fast on the .25 for the feedrate for the depth I was cutting.. The .125 I think was set to 50 and 50 as well. There is always a little give and take. You can go a little faster if you take shallower cuts etc.

[@donniereece1714]

ok thanks

[@woodworkchannel3353]

I wonder how long did it took to cut in real time with tool changes , without programming just routing ?

[@doybdoyb7837]

Hi Jason, Thankyou for doing these videos they really help, ive been re searching for a few months now and have finally ordered the shapeoko xxl. i was hoping you may be able to tell me whats happening with my Vcarve settings. I have vcarve pro so i can get my head around it all, Vcarve as you say in one of your videos you cant change depth settings etc, you just have to go with the default settings. 8 out of ten time i calculate a vcarve toolpath and i works fine but sometimes after i click calculate it comes up with "you will cut though your wood" and my timber thickness is 1inch normally, it shows you how deep it will cut and that varies from 2inchs and more? Do you have any idea why thats happening? Thanks again for great videos!!! Chris

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Without seeing the actual file myself I can't say for sure, but there are a couple thing that may do that. First would be the vectors are just too wide for the bit you are trying to use, and in order for the v-bit to touch both sides of the lines it has to go through the wood. Second would be an open vector in your design. The third may be that you have the wrong settings for the bit you are using, or the wrong bit chosen. Like I said though I would have to see the file myself to be able to tell for sure.

[@dgramsz2146]

How accurate were the clamps in relation to your design? I have had calibration issues with my machine, that's why I ask. Thanks again for the videos.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

D Gramsz spot on. I have never had issues with calibration. I have heard some have but luckily for me it has never been an issue

[@billberney3750]

Great video

[@denizbijenrahimi1997]

Thank your sir, thank you very much!

[@captainchuck9664]

(2)Homing Cycle Failed. (1) Limit Switch (3) GRBL Error Pull Off didn't clear (4) GRBL Serial Port Resource Error. I am going crazy trying to figure out what to do? Any help appreciated.

[@thediscoman2001]

i made a tool from aluminum to make sure the bit was in the corner it was cut using cnc and all it was is a L shaped bit of aluminum that sits on the corner then you just move the bit into the corner perfect also i love the paper trick still use it even though i have a touch plate

[@justinschaub5785]

Hi, my name is Justin and I was thinking about getting a CNC machine but wasn't really sure which one i shout save my money for. There's a huge selection out there and I'm not sure what would be good for me. I was wondering if you had some advice

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

My advice would be to buy a shapeoko. Just make sure you get the size you need or think you will need in the future.

[@justinschaub5785]

@@stufftokeepyouentertained2168 Ok thank you I'll look at them

[@shamong9]

What software programs work with the shapeoko 3 XL?

[@jreid43]

Hello, Great videos. I watched your first video but when I went to call up all the videos that you have on the Shapeoko I got vectored to other videos and I can't locate the next video (youtube is bad for that). Do you have a progressive list of your CNC video URLs that you can provide. Thanks in advance ..Jim

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Here is a link to my videos section. Hope it helps. kzbin.info/door/s_KDw2lnIKQfhJigyRaqsgvideos?view_as=subscriber

[@garryverniest5893]

I realize that this was a teaching video but why not design the project so as that the CNC cuts the holes, nut pockets and slots and then cut the rest with a table saw? I believe that would be a better use of material, time and equipment.

[@vigilante004]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jeffbeck6501]

Your audio sounds really good by the way. It sounds like the room is really quiet. You are getting good bass response even though you are not even talking into the mic. I thought it was because you were talking into the machine's box but that is not the case. It sounds great even when talking from maybe 6 or 7 feet from the camera. That is either one heck of a cellphone or camera, or something. It sounds like a recording studio almost. Today's cellphones are amazing. I bet that is what your are recording with. They video looks good too.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

Jeff Beck it's a rode wireless mic system.

[@cedarandsound]

2-way furniture tape for the win with heavier pieces

[@wallycass2780]

The reason I am here is because a plastic factory quoted me $10.000 to make one wood buck that I need for vacuum forming. The buck is 56"x6"x4". I figured I could buy my own CNC machine for that amount and make it myself. Anyone tell me if that quote sounds correct?

[@karlriley1314]

Some of the 1/4 holes didn't go thru. Liked the demo. I need to get me one. Go TEXAS the land of the FREE. I'm in Central TEXAS.

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks

[@michaelagnew7825]

thank you

[@jeffbeck6501]

For the double sided tape trick, do not use double sided tape. Use painters tape on both the work piece and the table, and then use super glue to glue the 2 pieces of tape together. This trick came from NYC-CNC who seemed to be the first one on youtube to try that, and they say it is the holy grail of work piece hold downs. ANd that looks to be the case. They even milled a piece of aluminum that was say 2" thick and maybe 3" X 4" wide, just as a test, and it is still did not move. Plus, everything is clean. Just pull of the tape off both sides and toss it. The work piece and table are clean.

[@g-codeonedesign9578]

sorry... they were not the first.... Check out "Mark lindsay CNC" he was the first, and he actually gives the credit to a luthier video he watches. NYC is just helping spread the new's , wish they would of rightfully given credit... but yeah.

[@GRIMRPR6942]

The issue your probably having with running your program from the USB drive is the transfer speed of USB is too slow for your application so it create a discrepancy lag and throwing errors.

[@dgramsz2146]

Wondering if you’re srill producing contenr. We haven’t seen anything in a while.

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

D Gramsz I plan to restart in the near future. Been a lot going on in my world lately, work, house, kids etc.

[@dgramsz2146]

stufftokeep youentertained it’s a busy world. Completely understandable. I like the content for the Shapeoko. I’m fumbling through with mine, sliow and steady...

[@cwebs1000]

Having been a Machinist for over 55 years I can tell you that you are not using your hold down clamps correctly. Remember that the hold downs are a leaver and the distance from the work and fulcrum are too far away compared with the far end or blocked end. The hold down screw should be close to the work to multiply the holding force. You are multiplying the force that holds down the spacer block. Done correctly will apply lets say, ten pounds, to the spacer end will be about 50 pound of hold down force to the work using about a 6 inch hole down strap. Remember, it is a leaver.

[@jamesworley5200]

I am trying send you a message Jason ... what is your Facebook user ID ... trying to make the wasteboard .... thanks

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

jason.kelley.948

[@ronin2167]

Reading from thumb drives is extremely slow. That's most likely your problem. USB ports are slow. Even USB 3

[@CerebralDad]

Homing = like a claw machine :)

[@stufftokeepyouentertained2168]

See everyone is a CNC operator. I can't think of too many people that haven't operated a claw machine. Many never win, but they all operated it.

[@cedarandsound]

nut pockets...