Week 7 — Computer-controlled machining

Group assignment

Guangzhou (Chaihuo) — group documentation: wood CNC operating procedure and safety (TC1325B).

Wood CNC engraving machine — operating procedure and safety

Equipment: TIANCHENG XINLI Wood CNC engraving machine TC1325B
Manufacturer: Shenzhen Tiancheng Xinli CNC Equipment Co., Ltd.

Overview: This is a three-axis CNC machine for woodworking. It supports automated carving, cutting, and milling, and is suited to furniture production, woodcraft design, and panel processing. Refer to the machine nameplate, factory manual, and on-site training for X/Y/Z travel, spindle power, maximum speed, and control system type. The “1325” designation often indicates a larger-format panel-style router; specifications may vary by batch or custom configuration.

I. Operating procedure (recommended order)

The following order is typical for a lab or workshop: prepare the workpiece and tool, establish coordinates and height, then run the program.

1. Load G-code into the machine

1. Transfer the program to the CNC controller via USB drive, network, or host software.
2. Open the file on the controller. Check the program name and any displayed estimates (time, line count). Confirm that the active work coordinate system (e.g. G54) matches the zero point you set on the machine.

2. Place the workpiece (wood panel)

1. Clean the table and the bottom of the workpiece so chips do not cause rocking or gaps.
2. Place the panel within the machine’s usable travel (check the nameplate or manual for work envelope). Leave clearance for the tool and fixturing.
3. Ensure the cut area is supported (vacuum table, blocks, or clamps) to avoid chatter, tool breakage, or unsupported cuts. Large panels: check table load capacity and flatness.

3. Secure the workpiece (fixer / clamps)

1. Use toe clamps, a vise, dedicated fixtures, or the lab-approved fixer. Clamping must be firm and must not interfere with the toolpath.
2. Keep bolts/clamps low relative to the machined surface, or verify the path clears them; use low-profile clamps or side clamping if needed.
3. After clamping, push the workpiece lightly to confirm it cannot shift.

4. Change the tool (cutter)

1. Only install or remove tools when the spindle is fully stopped and the machine is in a safe state (e.g. program stopped or emergency stop as required by your site rules).
2. Install per the collet/chuck type; tighten to the specified torque. Check stick-out: enough for the cut, not so long that rigidity suffers.
3. If dust collection or a guard is used, check clearance between tool length and the shroud.

5. Close the spindle guard / dust hood

1. Install and latch the spindle guard, viewing cover, or dust port to limit chip throw and entanglement.
2. Confirm the guard cannot collide with clamps or the workpiece anywhere in the travel.

6. Set the work coordinate zero on the machine

1. Common methods: touch plate, edge finder, or trial cut to set XY at a agreed corner of the panel (must match the CAM part origin).
2. Z zero is often on the top of the stock or the table top, per CAM; a mismatch causes wrong depth or a crash.

7. Adjust height (Z axis and tool setting)

1. After setting XY and Z in the work coordinate system, move the tool to a safe clearance height.
2. If you use a touch plate or gauge block, follow the manual for tool length offset or Z confirmation.
3. Before the first run of a new program, raise Z and dry-run the path, or run in single-block mode, to verify motion.

8. Start cutting

1. Operator in position; wear required PPE (see below).
2. Close or verify all doors/covers per procedure; start the spindle to the program speed if not commanded by the program.
3. Run the program. Stay at the machine; listen for abnormal noise and watch chips and dust. On any fault, hit emergency stop immediately.

II. Safety during use

(A) General

1. Read and follow the manufacturer’s safety chapter and your lab or shop rules.
2. Wear safety glasses; use a dust mask when fine dust is produced, and confirm dust collection or exhaust is connected and working.
3. Tie back long hair; no loose clothing, scarves, or gloves near a rotating spindle (gloves can be pulled in).
4. If you are unsure of a program, use single-block, dry run, or reduced feed override first.

(B) Mechanical / motion

1. Before cycle start, ensure no hands, tools, or rags are inside the envelope; keep the table clear.
2. Never reach into the machining zone while the machine is running. To clean or adjust, stop the spindle, then stop the program or E-stop, and wait until everything is still.
3. Know where the emergency stop is and that you can reach it at all times.

(C) Tool and workpiece

1. An improperly secured tool can eject at high energy—recheck after installation.
2. Loose fixturing can shift the part, break tools, or eject the workpiece; recheck clamps at the start of a session or before long runs.
3. Excessive depth or feed risks broken tools and flying fragments; start conservative for material and tool, then tune.

(D) Electrical and dust (woodworking)

1. Do not touch electrical parts with wet hands; route cables away from moving parts and heat.
2. On the TC1325B, sawdust and fines increase slip and fire risk: clean the table and floor; keep dust hoses clear; no open flame nearby; follow local fire rules.

(E) Program and coordinates

1. Mismatched zero, tool length, and stock thickness versus CAM is a common crash cause; after any tool change, reload, or workpiece move, re-touch off or re-verify Z.
2. After editing G-code, re-check units (inch/mm) and that safe clearance heights are present.