In preparation for a job on the AltMill, you can use this general checklist to keep track of what your next step is. Feel free to either print this out or press the checkboxes on this page – refreshing the page will reset the boxes.
In CAM
X0Y0 is set at the center or corner of material, Z0 is set on top of spoilboard or material
Feeds and speeds are appropriate for the cutting tool and material size
Correct post processor is selected for milling, rotary or laser
At the CNC, with gSender
Spindle: VFD is plugged into power
Correct firmware upon connection (grbl or grblHAL)
Workspace preset correctly selected (e.g. G54)
Sensors: CNC is homed
Material secured onto spoilboard
Collet and collet nut are cleaned
Correct cutting tool is installed
Touch plate: Correct touchplate is selected in Config, and magnet is attached
Zeros are set and match the X0Y0Z0 from CAM
G-code project file is loaded
Project is correctly positioned and does not interfere with workholding
CNC is able to reach material depth within travel limits, with the cutting tool installed
If jogging around, pressing “Go X,Y, Z” moves CNC to the expected X0, Y0, Z0 locations
Dust collection is attached and clear of CNC’s way
Spoilboard is clear of loose items
Safety glasses and hearing protection equipped
Router/spindle is jogged a little above the material
Router: Speed dial adjusted, router turned on
Dust collection is turned on
Start Job!