CNC training begins with changing tools

I started my CNC training changing tools on a new mill. That first step was important. Just the act of changing a tool let me interact with the machine and controller in a way that gave me confidence and let me know that the machine wasn’t out to get me. In a weird way, the machine didn’t seem to know or care that I was a rank beginner.

I knew right away I was going to like the relationship. The movement of the table, spindle and toolchanger, combined with the processing power of the controller, was enticing. I wanted to learn more.

The MDI, ATC FWD and ATC REV buttons help when changing tools. Image courtesy of J. Harvey.

One of the first programs I concocted was for drilling on that machine. Once the program was running and started drilling holes, I thought, “We have a winner here! If nothing else, this machine is a drilling maniac.” I was surprised at how easy it was to change feeds and speeds, as well as how quickly the machine components moved to different
locations.

I was also surprised by how uncomplicated the machine was to set up. There are just a few things a machine needs to know before it can run a program, such as where the starting point, or origin, of the part is—just like on a conventional mill.

Not everything about operating a CNC machine is uncomplicated, though. For example, one time when our shop got some new machines, our lead man got stuck on the step that involves pressing the power-on button, waiting for the controller to boot up and then pressing the power-up/restart button. He didn’t know he had to press the power-up/restart button after pressing power on. Therefore, he couldn’t get the machine to do anything. The sad thing is, because of his initial disappointment or lack of ambition, he never touched the machine again.

When you press the power-up/restart button, the machine will run through a short routine to calibrate itself. Once everything stops moving, you can proceed.