Any subject that covers working in the shop should begin with safety. Your safety and the safety of others should always be at the top of your mind. CNC is no different then any other shop topic. In fact, the highest levels of safety awareness should be maintained when using a CNC machine.
CNC machines don’t have a mind of their own. A computer gives them a command and they execute it.CNC machines don't care if they are cutting steel or a part of your hand. They don’t differentiate between materials. You need to be aware of this.
When you are Studying CNC you should take it slow. Do tests on a small scale, then watch and learn what happens. For example, why don’t you let your machine “cut air” for a while when you first get it. You don’t need to put it right to work cutting material. Why not create a simple program, and let the machine cut the air instead of material. Better yet, why even run the spindle during the test.
Every CNC Machine has quirks that you need to learn.CNC machines have different working areas. Every CNC machine is just a little bit different then the rest of them.CNC safety requires that you learn about your machine before you use it.
Generally, with a CNC Router, we are machining something. While machining, “chips” are being thrown off. Sometimes at a very rapid speed. Here is where safety glasses, face shields and material barriers come into play. Use them!The CNC machine doesn't know that you are there. In the words of every boxing ref before a match, “protect yourself at all times!”
A few ideas to keep you safe in the shop:
Always read the instruction manual before using your machine
Always follow manufacturers recommendations
Always wear safety glasses
Always wear the correct safety equipment when working
Use shields and barriers while machining when it is appropriate
Check out your machine before production
Perform proper and routine maintenance on your machines
You need to look over your CNC machine for wear and damage
Always think safety!
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