Inspection Checklist

Your CNC is a complex system of components.  It's a best practice to do a simple walk-around-pre-check whenever you begin a new project. Here’s a checklist I use.

General

• Is the countertop or table the CNC sets on flat?
• Are electrical cords grounded and in good condition?
• Are all belts clean, free of dust and debris and properly tightened? Are there missing teeth, any cracks or excessive belt stretch?
• Are the stepper/servo motors securely fastened to their mounts?
• Are all screws, bolts, and nuts tight?

Electronics:

• Is the Controller clean and dust free?
• Are all the Stepper motors and Home Switches securely connected?
• Are there any broken or missing zip ties?
• Is the power supply connected to the controller?
• Is the USB cable connected to the controller?
• Is the wiring segregated and properly secured to minimize electrical noise?

Gantry and X Frame.

• Does the Gantry roll easily on the X Frame rails?
• Are the rails and bearings clean?
• Are there any broken or chipped Rail supports?
• Are the bearings adjusted snug to the rails so that they only turn when the Gantry moves?
• Are the idler bearings and belt pullies in proper alignment?
• Inspecting the Z Carriage.
•  Is the Z Carriage trammed to the spoilboard?
•  Are the bearingss snug to the rails?
•  Is the router firmly secured in the spindle mount?
•  Is the router collet clean and free of saw dust and debris?
•  Are the router bits sharp?

Spoilboard

• Are the spoilboard, clamps and clamp hardware in good condition?
• Does the workpiece lay flat on the spoilboard? Is it securely fastened?

A few minutes of inspection can save you from wasting time and material when machining your projects.

Unleash Your Creativity!