Total Machinist by immerse2learn.com Train and Certify
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Building Block 3 of 5

Machine Setup

Setting up a CNC mill or lathe correctly is the difference between perfect and scrapped parts. Also essential is understanding the work envelope of the machine to avoid a “career limiting” collision, proper work holding and location, and tool loading and control interface. Even a flawless program will fail without the right setup.

  • A machinist lowering a milling vise onto the T-slotted table of a machining centre, both hands under it, the fixed jaw facing across the slots.

    Installing a vise

    Onto the table, before it is clamped and squared — 10 seconds, silent

  • A dial test indicator held in the spindle of a milling machine, its contact point resting against the fixed jaw of a vise, with the dial reading close to zero.

    Indicating a vise

    Sweeping the fixed jaw, tapping it true — 8 seconds, silent

  • A student loading a tool holder into the spindle of a CNC machining centre, one hand supporting the holder underneath while the other presses the tool release button on the head.

    Loading a tool

    Supporting the holder, hand on the release

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What this building block covers

  • Next Generation Control (NGC) overview
  • Machine control panel interface
  • 3-axis CNC milling machine setup
  • 2-axis CNC lathe setup
  • Tooling, tool holders and work holding
  • Introduction to probes and tool setting

Next in the pathway

Machine Setup leads into G-Code Programming, where students program the machines they now understand — using the NextGen CNC Simulator in a browser, on a laptop or Chromebook.

Building Block 4: G-Code Programming