[CNCRiddles]

I recently got hired to run a CNC machine that hasn’t been used in over 5 years. I’m completely new to CNCs, but I do have some experience with 3D printing, so I assumed there might be some overlap in skills. After two days of diagnostics, I managed to get the CNC up and running—though there are still a few things I’m struggling with.

Here’s where I need help:
1. Tooling: I don’t know much about bit sizes and their specific uses. Any advice or resources to help me understand this would be great!
2. Calibration: I’m unsure how to calibrate tools or set them up properly on the machine’s controller. Guidance on this process would be amazing.

I’ve also seen references to macros—which I assume are used to assign operations or functions to the machine? I haven’t dived into this yet, but any beginner-friendly explanation would help.

Lastly, the software side has been a headache. The current software is old and apparently difficult to use (even my managers dislike it). What modern software would you recommend that’s compatible with older CNC machines? I keep hearing about “post-processing,” but I’m not sure what that involves yet.

Once I figure out how to calibrate and assign tools to the spindle changer, my plan is to set up the machine to surface a new MDF board as a test run.

I’ll keep this post updated with my progress. Thanks in advance !

[cnc_doctor163]

I recently got hired to run a CNC machine that hasn’t been used in over 5 years. I’m completely new to CNCs, but I do have some experience with 3D printing, so I assumed there might be some overlap in skills. After two days of diagnostics, I managed to get the CNC up and running—though there are still a few things I’m struggling with.

Here’s where I need help:
1. Tooling: I don’t know much about bit sizes and their specific uses. Any advice or resources to help me understand this would be great!
2. Calibration: I’m unsure how to calibrate tools or set them up properly on the machine’s controller. Guidance on this process would be amazing.

I’ve also seen references to macros—which I assume are used to assign operations or functions to the machine? I haven’t dived into this yet, but any beginner-friendly explanation would help.

Lastly, the software side has been a headache. The current software is old and apparently difficult to use (even my managers dislike it). What modern software would you recommend that’s compatible with older CNC machines? I keep hearing about “post-processing,” but I’m not sure what that involves yet.

Once I figure out how to calibrate and assign tools to the spindle changer, my plan is to set up the machine to surface a new MDF board as a test run.

I’ll keep this post updated with my progress. Thanks in advance !

HLo my friend, im working on Syntec cnc controllers, if you need any help let me know

Regards
Pankaj Rana
Ansh Automation.....Retrofitting expert noida