Difference between revisions of "Soldering Overhaul"

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(Added the Tormach PCNC 1100 equipment page for reference. Drafted a Use Case for the Solder station.)
(→‎Setup: Drafted a setup section for the soldering iron.)
 
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The Tormach PCNC 1100 is in an enclosure on the edge of the metal shop, adjoining the wood shop.
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The Electronics lab has an assortment of soldering and de-soldering equipment.
  
{{ToolPhoto|TormachPCNC1100.jpg}}
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{{ToolPhoto|TMT9000s.jpg}}
 
 
[https://tormach.com/support/mill/pcnc-1100-series-3-documents Tormach PCNC 1100 Series 3]
 
  
 
*1.5hp R8 Spindle
 
*1.5hp R8 Spindle
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{{UniversalSafety}}
 
{{UniversalSafety}}
  
====Equipment-Specific Safety====
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==== Equipment-Specific Safety ====
[[Tormach Class]] is required to use this tool.  
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Safety glasses must be worn when working with the soldering station, as solder can "spit." Never touch the tip of the soldering iron to avoid burns, and always work with the soldering iron above the workbench. When not in use, the soldering iron must be returned to its stand and never laid on its side. The fume extractor should be powered on while soldering to mitigate health risks from inhaling fumes, and skin contact with melted solder should be avoided.
  
No special PPE is required to use this tool, but hearing protection is advised in addition to the general shop requirements of safety glasses and closed-toed shoes. Safety glasses may be found on a shelf on the back side of the Tormach enclosure, near the [[Central_Machinery_Horizontal_Bandsaw|horizontal bandsaw]].  
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The soldering iron should only be used for fusing solder, not for other purposes such as burning through materials. Avoid using the soldering iron on the plastic insulation of wires; instead, use a wire stripper to remove the insulation. Additionally, avoid prolonged contact between the soldering iron and PCB boards, as the iron should primarily make contact with the solder.
  
This machine rotates the spindle very rapidly. Don't wear loose clothing when operating this machine. It may be hard to see exactly where rapidly spinning tools are, particularly fly cutters.  
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Prongs or tweezers are recommended for holding wires while soldering, minimizing the risk of accidental contact with the soldering iron and reducing the chance of burns from conductive heat in the wire. Finally, when finished using the soldering iron, always clean the tip before returning it to its station.
  
Do not reach into the enclosure while the machine is moving. The space bar triggers FEEDHOLD, which stops feeding, but '''does not stop the spindle'''. Stop the spindle as well as stopping feeding (bed movement) by sliding the RPM slider to 0% on the console. The STOP button will reset your program to the beginning.
 
 
Keep the enclosure doors closed as much as possible. Objects may be sent flying in any direction, including detached pieces, or the entire part being machined if work holding fails.
 
 
==Use Case==
 
==Use Case==
  
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==Materials==
 
==Materials==
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The soldering station can accommodate two common types of solder wire.
  
====Acceptable Materials====
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===== Tin-Lead Rosin Core Solder Wire =====
 
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Typically has a low melting point, with excellent flow, wetting, and electrical conductivity. Contains lead, which poses health risks through the release of toxic fumes.
With the proper tooling, many materials can be machined. Common choices include Aluminum, Steel, and Acetal plastic ("Delrin"). Wood may also be machined on the Tormach.
 
 
 
====Maximum Sizes and Weights====
 
 
 
*Size: 18" x 9.5" x 16.25" (X,Y,Z)
 
*Weight: 500 lbs
 
 
 
====Consumables====
 
Distilled water can be found underneath the tool. Coolant concentrate can be found in the machine shop tool cabinet under the loft. See [[Tormach PCNC 1100#Turning on the Machine|Turning on the machine]] below.
 
  
====Feeds and Speeds====
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===== Lead-Free Rosin Core Solder Wire =====
 
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Typically has a higher melting point, with good flow, wetting, and electrical conductivity. Produces less harmful fumes, making it safer to work with.
The Tormach is configured in the High Belt position, which gives a range of 250-5140 RPM at the spindle. [https://provencut.com/ ProvenCut] is a good source for tested feeds and speeds.
 
 
==Setup==
 
==Setup==
  
====Controls====
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=====Preparing the Soldering Iron=====
 
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*Turn the the power supply unit for the soldering iron.
There is a rotary power switch inside the enclosure on the right side of the machine. There is a power button and an emergency stop button (E-stop) above the enclosure doors. The console is on a swinging arm on the right side of the enclosure. The jog dial works, but is not great for controlling the machine. The arrow keys and Page Up/Dn move the bed while the machine is idle.{{Note|type=warning|text=<b>To stop feeding, hit the spacebar or click FEEDHOLD.<br/>To stop feeding and also stop the spindle rotation, hit the E-Stop button, the ESC key or click STOP.</b>}}The lights inside the enclosure are controlled by turning on/off the power strip on top. <gallery>
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**Adjust the temperature of the soldering iron as needed. 400°C typically works for most applications.
File:Tormach Light Switch.jpg|Enclosure lights power switch
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*Wait for about 2 minutes for the soldering iron to heat up.
</gallery>
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*Pick up the soldering iron, burn some solder on the tip of the iron, and clean the tip with copper wool.
 
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**Doing this before soldering helps improve heat transfer, prevent oxidation, and enhance soldering quality.
====Basic Operation====
 
Using this tool requires you to book time in [https://asmbly.skedda.com/booking Skedda] under "Metal Shop - Tormach".
 
=====Turning on the Machine=====
 
*Check the oiler, which is on the lower left side of the machine. Contact a steward if the oil level is low<gallery>
 
File:Tormach Oiler.jpg|Oil reservoir level
 
</gallery>
 
*Turn on the rotary power switch, found on the right side of the machine, inside the enclosure
 
*When the console comes on, click on Mill to enter the control interface
 
*Check the coolant pressure. Open the valve fully and click the COOLANT button on the console. The stream should have enough pressure to remain straight over several inches. If you need to add coolant, mix 5-10% concentrate and the rest distilled water. The concentrate is a brown liquid that should be in the tall cabinet in the machining area. Give it a good shake to mix it before adding it to the reservoir. You can pour the coolant into the drain in the enclosure. Pay attention to the coolant pressure as you operate the tool. If it gets low, pause your job and add more coolant.<gallery>
 
File:Tormach Coolant Flow Good.jpg|Good coolant flow
 
File:Tormach Low Coolant Pressure.jpg|Insufficient flow
 
File:Coolant concentrate.jpg|Coolant concentrate
 
File:Mixing the coolant.jpg|Mixing the coolant
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
=====Transferring Files=====
 
*There is a USB Hub that can read FAT-formatted USB drives. Use the FILES tab in the console to transfer files to the console
 
*You can transfer files over the network
 
**Browse the Asmbly wifi network for <code>tormachpcnc</code> and mount the <code>gcode</code> share as a guest, or connect to <code>smb://tormachpcnc</code> (Mac) or <code>\\tormachpcnc</code> (Windows)
 
 
 
=====Preparing Tools=====
 
 
 
*Tool holders and a limited selection of tools can be found in the black cabinet to the right of the machine.
 
**For common tool sizes, 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ER20 collets are available, as are two sizes of drill chuck. See [https://tormach.com/media/asset/t/d/td10408_tts_cnc_operators_set_0820a.pdf the descriptions here] for details.
 
**To place a tool in an ER20 collet, choose the correct size of collet, place into the collet nut so that the face of the collet is flush with the nut, lightly tighten the nut onto the tool holder, insert the tool, tighten the nut.
 
**There is a [https://tormach.com/compact-tts-tool-tightening-fixture-33034.html tool tightening fixture] mounted on the cabinet top. To tighten, insert the collet in the left side of the bushing and tighten with the wrench. To loosen, insert the collet in the right side of the bushing and loosen with the wrench<gallery>
 
File:Tool Tightening.jpg|A tool in an ER20 collet on the left side of the fixture with a wrench
 
</gallery>
 
*After securing tools in the tool holder, measure their lengths using the [https://tormach.com/small-granite-surface-plate-w-integrated-tool-hole-31713.html surface plate] and height gauge
 
**Place the tool holder in the hole in the surface plate
 
**Turn on the micrometer, adjust the measuring tip to rest on the surface plate and zero it
 
**Raise the measuring tip to the top of the tool
 
**Record the length in the OFFSETS screen of the console with the appropriate tool number
 
**Place the tool into the laser cut holder
 
 
 
=====Inserting & Removing Tools=====
 
*To insert:
 
**Open the spindle cover door
 
**Immobilize the spindle using the locking arm
 
**Place the tool holder into the collet and hold with your left hand
 
**Tighten the drawbar using the wrench (kept above and to the left of the enclosure doors)
 
**Move the locking arm out of the way
 
**Close and secure the spindle cover door. If it won't close, you may have left the locking arm in place
 
*To remove:
 
**Open the spindle cover door
 
**Immobilize the spindle using the locking arm
 
**Hold the tool holder with your left hand
 
**Loosen the drawbar using the wrench
 
**If the tool holder doesn't come loose, make sure you're holding the tool holder and lightly tap the top of the drawbar with the back of the wrench
 
**Move the locking arm out of the way
 
**Close and secure the spindle cover door
 
 
 
=====Work Holding=====
 
{{Note|type=warning|text=Treat the fixture plate as a precision instrument. It is precision ground out of 6061 Aluminum, and won't function correctly for long term use if it excessively nicked or scratched.}}
 
*[https://saundersmachineworks.com/products/tormach_1100_aluminum_fixture_plate Saunders Machine Works fixture plate]
 
**The fixture plate allows for precision, repeatable placement of vises and fixtures, greatly improving the speed of making multiple parts.
 
**'''The fixture plate is 34" x 12". The Tormach travel is only 18" x 9.5". This means that much of the fixture plate can't be reached by the spindle, so before fixturing a part to the table, make sure it will be accessible.'''
 
**The fixture plate is trammed to the mill table movement. Do not loosen or remove the low-profile screws in the fixture plate that secure it to the mill table, it is quite difficult to re-tram and in almost all cases, unnecessary to remove.
 
**The holes are spaced 1.25" on-center
 
**Each hole in the fixture plate will accept a 1/2" dowel pin for alignment or work stop use, and is also threaded for standard 1/2-13 bolts.
 
**To preserve the integrity of the threads in all of these holes, each hole is plugged with a black rubber plug when not in use. You should not operate the mill with any exposed holes, they should always have either a plug, a dowel, or a bolt in them. This keeps chips and coolant out and makes cleanup much simpler.
 
**To remove and replace the plugs, there is hook / pick tool in the tool chest. Pierce the center dot on the plugs with the pick, twist, and pull up. This motion will eventually deteriorate the plugs. If they appear to be in need of replacement, more are available in the tool chest, but simply piercing the center dot doesn't render them inoperable.
 
**The fixture plate works best with fixtures or mod vises. If you want to use a standard machine vise, it will bolt to the fixture plate using 1/2-13 bolts. The machine vise will need to be trammed with a dial indicator if you install it.
 
**Because the fixture plate is uncoated aluminum, it is subject to galvanic corrosion if steel or cast iron is left attached to it long term. There are small tubes of dielectric grease available in the tool chest. Ideally a thin coat should be maintained on the vises if they are being left on the plate for an extended period of time. The bottom of the plate has also been coated to prevent corrosion between the plate and the table. One tube of grease is enough to coat the entire surface area of the fixture plate, so use it sparingly.
 
 
 
*2 [https://saundersmachineworks.com/collections/1-2-mod-vise/products/modular-vise Saunders Machine Works Mod Vises]
 
**[https://saundersmachineworks.com/cdn/shop/products/1-2MVDrawing_1500x.png?v=1654092344 Diagram with dimensions]
 
**These are the preferred vises to use with the fixture plate. For most use cases, they will provide a superior user experience to a traditional machine vise.
 
**These are also precision ground instruments. Every surface is machined and the fixed-side jaw can be used as a reliable work coordinate system origin.
 
**Mod vises require no tramming, they can be moved around the plate at will.
 
**One vise is set up with smooth jaws, the other with talon jaws
 
**There is a short video tutorial that illustrates proper usage [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_kYYKfqaDg here]
 
 
 
=====Referencing=====
 
  
After turning the machine on, or after an E-stop, the machine must be referenced.
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=====Soldering=====
*Click the Reset button (note, this will also reset your G-code to the start)
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*Use clamps to hold your board in place.
*Click Ref Z first, to raise the spindle
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*Place the solder wire on the surface you wish to fuse with your wire, then position the soldering iron on top of the solder wire without letting the iron touching the surface. Hold it in place until the solder melts.
*Click Ref X and Ref Y
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**A good solder joint should have a smooth, shiny appearance, indicating proper melting and wetting of the solder. It should also be evenly distributed around the connection and have no cracks or excessive lumps.
 +
*Move the solder wire away, and hold your conductive wire on the melted solder.
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**If the wire is insulated, use wire strippers to remove the insulation.
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*Move the soldering iron away from the solder, allowing it to harden so that the wire remains adhered to the surface.
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*Use the copper wool to clean the soldering iron after every solder.
  
=====Probing=====
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===== Cleaning Up Solder =====
 +
To clean up solder on a wire or surface, heat the solder with the soldering iron, then place a solder wick near the iron and solder to absorb the solder. You can also use a solder sucker to vacuum the melted solder.
  
*The probe is in a labeled hard case in the tool chest. The case contains the probe, cable, and a very easy to miss hex wrench that is used for adjusting concentricity.
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===== Turning Off the Soldering Iron =====
*The probe has already been indicated and measured in PathPilot, and should be ready to use.
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When finished using the soldering iron, always ensure to clean the iron tip before storing it back to its holder. '''Turn off the heat when it is not used.'''
*The probe's cable has been hot glued to the probe itself. If the cable is not connected to the probe for any reason, please red tag the machine so we can address that issue to prevent crashing and ruining the probe. To start, ALWAYS plug the into the DIN5 cable into the accessory port on the machine electronics cabinet FIRST. The probe will light up green when the connection is good. DO NOT proceed if the light is not on. The machine will happily crash and ruin the probe if you run a probing routine without power to the probe.
 
*Next, put the probe in the collet and tighten the collet. Light / hand-tight is sufficient. It's a good practice to leave the spindle cover door open while the probe is in the collet, this guarantees you'll never spin up the machine with the probe in the collet.
 
*Once the cable is connected and the probe is installed, select tool 99 in the tool DRO. The probe is hard coded in PathPilot to be tool 99.
 
*Tormach has a good video overview of how to use the various probing routines [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9DjQqlitX0 here]
 
*Put the probe back in the tool chest when you're done
 
  
 
==Cleanup==
 
==Cleanup==
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==Resources==
 
==Resources==
 
====Software====
 
 
While any CAD software may be used to design your parts,
 
[https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360 Autodesk Fusion] (fka Fusion 360) is recommended to generate your tool paths.
 
 
Fusion is installed on the computers in the Textiles room. Autodesk offers [https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/fusion# free subscriptions for educational users]. Autodesk also offers a [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal# personal subscription for non-commercial use], however '''be aware that the personal version doesn't support post processing NC paths with tool changes'''. Transferring projects from a personal account to another account is [https://yo.asmbly.org/t/autodesk-fusion-personal-educational/11099 surprisingly difficult].
 
  
 
====Tooling====
 
====Tooling====
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====Manual====
 
====Manual====
  
*[https://tormach.com/docs/download/assetlink/asset_id/39 Owners Manual]
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*[https://hakkousa.com/amfile/file/download/file/19/product/9915/ FX-888 Soldering Station Manual]
*[https://tormach.com/support/mill/pcnc-1100-series-3-documents Additional Manufacturers' Documents]
 
*[https://tormach.com/support/mill/pcnc-1100-videos Manufacturers' Video Library]
 
  
 
====Discourse Links====
 
====Discourse Links====
  
[https://yo.asmbly.org/c/spaces/machine/35 Machining Shop Space Team]
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[https://yo.asmbly.org/c/spaces/electronics/14 Electronics Shop Space Team]
  
 
====SIG Information====
 
====SIG Information====
  
 
====Speeds and Feeds Resources====
 
====Speeds and Feeds Resources====
 
*[https://provencut.com/ ProvenCut]
 
*[https://fswizard.com/ FSWizard Machinist Calculator]
 
*[https://nyccnc.com/speeds-feeds-excel-worksheet/ NYCNC Speeds and Feeds Excel Worksheet]
 
  
 
==Troubleshooting==
 
==Troubleshooting==

Latest revision as of 01:15, 2 October 2024

The Electronics lab has an assortment of soldering and de-soldering equipment.


TMT9000s.jpg


  • 1.5hp R8 Spindle
  • Table Size: 34" x 9.5"
  • Table Slots: 3 Slots 5/8"
  • Travel: 18" x 9.5" x 16.25" (X,Y,Z)
  • Spindle Nose to Table: 17" maximum
  • Spindle Center to Column: 11"
  • Spindle Nose Diameter: 3 3/8"
  • Max Workpiece : 500 lbs Maximum

Safety

Universal Safety

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when handling large materials.
  • Do not approach anyone operating equipment. Stand patiently in their field of view.
  • Use PPE, including filtration and eye protection, when handling dust or emptying dust/shaving containers.

Equipment-Specific Safety

Safety glasses must be worn when working with the soldering station, as solder can "spit." Never touch the tip of the soldering iron to avoid burns, and always work with the soldering iron above the workbench. When not in use, the soldering iron must be returned to its stand and never laid on its side. The fume extractor should be powered on while soldering to mitigate health risks from inhaling fumes, and skin contact with melted solder should be avoided.

The soldering iron should only be used for fusing solder, not for other purposes such as burning through materials. Avoid using the soldering iron on the plastic insulation of wires; instead, use a wire stripper to remove the insulation. Additionally, avoid prolonged contact between the soldering iron and PCB boards, as the iron should primarily make contact with the solder.

Prongs or tweezers are recommended for holding wires while soldering, minimizing the risk of accidental contact with the soldering iron and reducing the chance of burns from conductive heat in the wire. Finally, when finished using the soldering iron, always clean the tip before returning it to its station.

Use Case

Soldering uses a fusible metal alloy (solder) to join two metal surfaces by heating them and applying melted solder. It creates electrical connections on PCBs, allowing current to flow between the soldered components.

Materials

The soldering station can accommodate two common types of solder wire.

Tin-Lead Rosin Core Solder Wire

Typically has a low melting point, with excellent flow, wetting, and electrical conductivity. Contains lead, which poses health risks through the release of toxic fumes.

Lead-Free Rosin Core Solder Wire

Typically has a higher melting point, with good flow, wetting, and electrical conductivity. Produces less harmful fumes, making it safer to work with.

Setup

Preparing the Soldering Iron
  • Turn the the power supply unit for the soldering iron.
    • Adjust the temperature of the soldering iron as needed. 400°C typically works for most applications.
  • Wait for about 2 minutes for the soldering iron to heat up.
  • Pick up the soldering iron, burn some solder on the tip of the iron, and clean the tip with copper wool.
    • Doing this before soldering helps improve heat transfer, prevent oxidation, and enhance soldering quality.
Soldering
  • Use clamps to hold your board in place.
  • Place the solder wire on the surface you wish to fuse with your wire, then position the soldering iron on top of the solder wire without letting the iron touching the surface. Hold it in place until the solder melts.
    • A good solder joint should have a smooth, shiny appearance, indicating proper melting and wetting of the solder. It should also be evenly distributed around the connection and have no cracks or excessive lumps.
  • Move the solder wire away, and hold your conductive wire on the melted solder.
    • If the wire is insulated, use wire strippers to remove the insulation.
  • Move the soldering iron away from the solder, allowing it to harden so that the wire remains adhered to the surface.
  • Use the copper wool to clean the soldering iron after every solder.
Cleaning Up Solder

To clean up solder on a wire or surface, heat the solder with the soldering iron, then place a solder wick near the iron and solder to absorb the solder. You can also use a solder sucker to vacuum the melted solder.

Turning Off the Soldering Iron

When finished using the soldering iron, always ensure to clean the iron tip before storing it back to its holder. Turn off the heat when it is not used.

Cleanup

Universal Cleaning Guide

  • Return the equipment to neutral.
  • Sweep up any dust and debris around the tool, your table top, and the floor - both in the equipment area and your work area.
  • Clear the floor of any tripping hazards, like power cords.
  • Empty trash cans and dust collectors that are halfway full or more into the Asmbly dumpster behind the workshop.
  • Leave the shop 110% better than you found it.

Tool Specific Cleaning Guide

  • Hit the E-stop button on the outside of the enclosure
  • Clean the whole interior of the enclosure
    • Use the appropriate shopvac for the material you machined
    • There is a squeegee on the left side of the machine. Use it to remove coolant and chips from the walls of the enclosure. Squeegee the table/fixture plate as well
    • Don't forget to move the table of the machine to clean the accordion ways covers on both sides.
  • Turn the rotary power switch off
  • Return the console to beside the enclosure, out of the aisle
  • Make sure the floor in front of the machine is clean and dry
  • Return all tools to their proper places
  • Return all tool holders to the drawer

Resources

Tooling

  • Asmbly has a Tormach SuperFly cutter with inserts for aluminum. These inserts should not be used to cut steel
  • There may be a limited selection of end mills and chamfering tools in the drawer with the tool holders
  • Tooling used with the manual mills (in the cabinet across from the Rong Fu RF-45 Mill) can be used with the Tormach, but is not high quality and is considered a consumable (will not be replaced if worn or broken)
  • It is recommended that you bring in the tooling that you need for your own jobs

Manual

Discourse Links

Electronics Shop Space Team

SIG Information

Speeds and Feeds Resources

Troubleshooting

To stop the feeding, hit the spacebar or click FEEDHOLD.
To stop the feeding and also stop the spindle rotation, hit the E-Stop button, the ESC key or click STOP.

  • Look at the tool paths on the display. Do they look correct? Does the position of the tool onscreen match the physical position of the tool? Make sure the right tool number is selected before comparing. Use the arrow keys to reposition the tool. Are the coordinates what you expect?
  • A drill next to some stock to be machined

  • The console showing the drill in the same position relative to the planned path

  • Consider stepping through your G-code without a tool in the spindle. Does it move as you expect?
    • Click the Single Block button and observe the green indicator
    • Click the Cycle Start button to execute one line of G-code
  • Are you using the right units? G20 selects inches, G21 selects mm

When in doubt, contact a steward or fill out a problem report

Common Projects