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--- checklist:cnc_startup [2025/09/08 21:28] – add shapeokoinitnotes page 8c244b37-0747-c193-0a4e-0967254778dd
+++ checklist:cnc_startup [2025/10/12 21:26] (current) – 8c244b37-0747-c193-0a4e-0967254778dd
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 * There are 2 collects available a 1/8th and ¼ inch version.
+### General Comments about stepper motors driving the gantry
+''**NOTE:**
+The Shapeoko Pro gantry is powered by NEMA 23 stepper motors. When the power is off, moving the motors by hand will cause them to generate electricity,known as back electromotive force (EMF).''
+''WARNING: Avoid it if possible, but if moving the gantry by hand is required, go slowly and in short increments. The power generated by the stepper motors will feel like bumps and could be confused with debris in the rails.''
+''If the lights on the controller are lighting up, it’s very important to stop and slow down, because you are pushing electricity back through the board. Too much back flow __could__ damage the controller.''
 ### Prestart Operations
-It is suggested one performs the following before starting the machine.
 #### Thoroughly clean the machine of dust and debris
+''It is required that one performs the following cleaning procedures before starting the machine.''
 Dust/dirt/saw dust can be a major impediment to successfully carving your project. Debris in the guide rails/belts can prevent the smooth operation of the gantry.
 * Members have provided a set of tools that can help the cleaning effort, a small spray bottle of alcohol, a plastic scraper and stiff nylon brushes, lint free cloths.
+### Cleaning Prior to power on:
+''- The machine should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove as much saw dust and debris as possible. Any excess dust can get tracked into the bearing which then necessitate a more extensive cleaning and possible dismantling.''
+''- Then one can use compressed air to more thoroughly remove the dust. Be mindful of any moisture that may be expelled from the compressed air.
+NOTE: Try to avoid blowing compressed air toward any of the gantry bearings.''
+''- If needed the rails can be brushed off with the nylon brushes then wiped down with a lint free cloth containing a bit of dust collecting alcohol, trying to remove as much debris from the V rails as reasonably possible.''
-The rails can be brushed off with the nylon brushes then wiped down with a lint free cloth containing a bit of dust collecting alcohol, trying to remove as much debris from the V rails as reasonably possible.
+''- Inspect the drive belts, again cleaning off any saw dust/debris. ''
-- Inspect the drive belts, again cleaning off any saw dust/debris.
+''- Gantry smooth movement will be further tested below once Carbide Motion is started and the machine is powered on. Point 12 in the startup order below.''
-- **//As long as the machine is turned off//**, one can manually verify smooth operation of the gantry in both the X and Y coordinates.
-Any hesitation in movement indicates a problem area on the rails/belts. If not cleaned/resolved it may affect the quality of the cuts.
 #### Example Cleaning Video
@@ Line 44: / Line 62: @@
 * [[https://youtu.be/wbgpXzvJ-8M?si=IaT4dRUIPFIgAxsO|A general Cleaning overview]]
+Continuing with the startup:
 #### Shop Vac
@@ Line 98: / Line 118: @@
 Continuing with the startup:
-=== Here is a suggested startup order ===
+==== Here is a suggested startup order ====
 * 1. Turn on computer with pin 2021
@@ Line 111: / Line 131: @@
   * There is a small in-line power button on a cord on the left side of the machine that also must be on for the machine to be powered on. This one is "normally" on.
-* 5. Push the round start button on the lower front of the VDF controller, if the lower light is off, push the button. When the lower light is lite the spindle is ready to power on when your program starts. The top led is flashing 0.0.
+* 5. Push the round start button on the lower front of the VDF controller, if the lower light is off, push the button. When the lower light is lite the spindle is ready to power on when your program starts. The top led should flash 0.0.
+ *** NOTE: If the round button is lit but you still do not see the LEDs lit, make sure the VDF main power switch is turned on. It's
+located right next to/behind where the power cord enters the unit.**
 * 6. plug in thumb drive containing your project.
@@ Line 132: / Line 155: @@
 * 11 Initialize the machine per the videos above.
-* 12. When prompted, insert the desired cutter bit. For safety, ensure the machine is powered down before inserting. this requires the use of the precision collets and tighten using two wrenches when the cutter is inserted.
+''* 12 At this point it is advised to run the gantry through the X/Y movements to ensure smooth operation. Move the gantry via the Jog panel within Carbide Motion. You can use the Fast speed setting to test the movement, just be sure to avoid crashing the gantry into the X/Y stops.''
+* 13. When prompted, insert the desired cutter bit. For safety, ensure the machine is powered down before inserting. this requires the use of the precision collets and tighten using two wrenches when the cutter is inserted.
 {{cnc:cnccollets.jpg}}
-* 13. hit resume to measure bit
+* 14. hit resume to measure bit
-* 14. TBD if more is required...
+* 15. TBD if more is required...
 This concludes the physical startup and initialization of the machine. One should be able to run your job at this point. Please contact the area coordinator or post a note to discord request help with running the software, especially if this is your first time.
@@ Line 144: / Line 170: @@
 ==== Load G-Code/Execute File ====
-* 15. Load gcode file
+* 16. Load gcode file
-* 16. Execute job,
+* 17. Execute job,
   * your program will control the rpms.
   * You won't be prompted to turn on the router. If the lower circular light is not on (see step 4 above), the router will not spin and you will crash the bit. (Trust me I know from experience.)
-* 17. When your spindle fires up, the VDF controller will look like the following picture: This job happened to
+* 18. When your spindle fires up, the VDF controller will look like the following picture: This job happened to
 want 22,000 rpms per the program but showed 22,260 on the VDF.
@@ Line 154: / Line 180: @@
 {{cnc:vdfstarted.jpg}}
-* 18. The shop vac should start once the spindle reaches a certain speed.
+* 19. The shop vac should start once the spindle reaches a certain speed.
 ==== Power Down ====
-* 19. When the VDF powers down it takes a minute or two to discharge the capacitor, so it will appear to be on for a bit.
+* 20. When the VDF powers down it takes a minute or two to discharge the capacitor, so it will appear to be on for a bit.