LDC Woodcrafter

I really should have a tutor!

Today I was making a trivet (the third project specified in the manual for my CNC). Everything was going to plan. The bulk of the project was completed and looked great until I changed bits.

I didn’t realize I had to reset the Z axis. I realized this only after changing bits and the project was ruined! I watched in horror as the router bit engaged the workpiece at the datum. I remember thinking “That will mess up what has already been cut!” About that time, the router started racing across the workpiece horizontally leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

I was too dumbfounded to even anticipate what would happen next. The router bit plunged into and through the workpiece Attempting to accomplish its task in one pass it started moving! Finally, I mustered the wherewithal to press the stop button. The carnage stopped!

I am lucky. I had a 3/4″ spoil board installed on my machine. That kept the router from trying to embed the bit in my machine. I guess that is what a spoil board is for. At least now I have a constant reminder to zero the Z axis! As for the ruined trivet? It will also server as a reminder because I will proudly mount it on the wall next to my CNC.