The following guide covers how to install your bit before running a cut on the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router.
A membership or day pass is required to access Digital Fabrication.. The following Shop Safety Class is required to access the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router:
You can make machine reservations in the following ways:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
Safety glasses and earmuffs must be worn while machines are running.
A dust mask or a NIOSH certified respirator is recommended.
For more information on shop safety visit [shop name](shop link) under "Safety."
Before going any further now is a good time to load your workpiece onto the bed.
Check the wasteboard for debris. Make sure wasteboard is level. You can clear off any burs with a chisel.
Move the gantry out of the way using the pendant or the arrow keys on the control pad.
Place your material on the bed. The Laguna assumes that X-0 and Y-0/home is in the bottom right corner of the bed, but this may not be where you set home in your design. To set home somewhere else, see this guide for help.
Secure your material to the wasteboard using the vacuum bed, pneumatic nail gun or screws.
3.1 Vaccum Bed:
3.2 Pneumatic Nailer with Nylon Nails: Approximately one nylon nail every 6 to 10 inches should suffice, depending on material size and weight.
3.3 Screws: make sure that the screws do not intersect with the tool path. Minimum is a screw in every corner and the middle of the long sides.
You have successfully loaded your material!
Click here if you need help selecting a bit.
Jog the gantry to a reachable location and height where you can comfortably install the tool.
Turn the key to disengage the spindle and remove the spanner wrench from the control box.This safety feature will ensure the spindle does not turn on while installing the bit. The spanner wrench is attached to the key so you do not forget this step.
Take the collet and place the collet inside of the chuck. You should hear a click when the collet is secure inside of the chuck.
Insert the bit into the collet, until about 1/2 an inch of the shank above the cutting flutes is visible outside of the collet.
If a bit is already installed, remove the chuck and collet and clean out any dust with the overhead compressed air gun.
Take care not to the drop the bit. Dropping can damage the bit or your workpiece.
Get the crescent wrench from its home, located on top of the power box.
With the crescent wrench in your left hand and the spanner wrench in your right hand align the teeth of the spanner wrench with the grooves of the chuck. Align the crescent wrench with the flats of the spindle above the chuck
Push both wrenches away from yourself to tighten the collet.
Do not overtighten - it only needs to be as tight as a food jar lid.
You have succesfully installed the bit!