Operating the SparkFun Shapeoko CNC Router
Safety
- If your hair is longer than 6 inches, you must have it tied back. No loose hair!
- No loose sweatshirt drawstrings or other loose straps or dangly jewelry.
- You must wear safety goggles and ear protection.
- Make sure the CNC bed is clear of all debris or obstacles.
- The router makes lots of dust. Remove laptops from nearby.
- Make sure the router bit is tightened securely.
- Be sure to turn on the router power just before cutting.
- Turn off the router power as soon as it is done cutting, and before touching anything else.
Directions
- Download the Universal GCode Sender from winder.github.io/ugs_website/ and install it on your Desktop.
- Convert your PNG image to an SVG. www.online-convert.com works well.
- You could also use any other vector editing program to make an SVG.
- Use makercam.com to import your SVG and then create the gcode tool paths.
- This SparkFun tutorial explains all of the steps (but using different software): learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/shapeoko-coaster-project/all
- Plug in the router power cable and the Shapeoko power cable.
- Turn on the Emergency Stop switch.
- Connect the USB cable from the Shapeoko to your computer.
- Start up the Universal GCode Sender, change the baud rate to 115200, then click "Open" to connect the computer. You probably want the highest USB port number.
- Switch to "Machine Control", and click the X+/X-, Y+/Y-, Z+/Z- to move the router into the desired position on your material.
- Make sure the router will have enough clearance on all sides to cut your entire piece, and won't run into a hard stop limit.
- Click "Reset Zero" to make this your new zero location. It helps to use a pencil to put a dot on your material, in case you need to change bits and move the router back to zero manually.
- Switch to "File Mode", browse and select your gcode file.
- Make sure the router is turned on and spinning!
- Click "Send" to start routing.
- Once it's done, turn off the router first. Then remove your piece.