CNC Dummies For Routers 

This should be required watching for those getting into the hobby. As the owner of a 95% functional 3D printer, I can say that some of these "basic" lessons are hard-learned without the big picture.

You said CNC machines do exactly what you tell them. Mine does if I sit there watching it, If I go make a cup of tea while its running, it usually messes up the work or tries to burn my garage down.

"Because I have an illness." 😂 Tony, these videos are outstanding. Hilarious, informative, just incredible well done.

I thought G-code was the rules that rappers lived by. Great vid.

Cons of a manual Lathe / mill : You need someone skilled machinist. Else pieces get ruined and someone gets hurt. Cons of a CNC lathe/ mill : You need a skilled operator. Else everything gets ruined and someone's wallet gets hurt.

Another great video thanks Tony, made me chuckle. I made my 1st CNC machine about 10 years ago and have been building and improving them ever since, bootstrapping my way up. It's a very addictive hobby. My wife commented the other day that I'd not made anything for ages - just new machines, metal parts and upgrades and what we really needed were some wooden things for the Christmas fair (not pig shaped chopping boards luckily). She was right and I knew it . . .

Tony says, *" because I have an illness"* that's why we're all here........lol.

These are the types of videos that no one makes, and what makes the whole hobby so overwhelming to get into! Thanks Tony!

Really enjoyed the basic approach in this video, extremely useful for me as i am heading into cnc:ing things spring 2017 and do not have my machine yet! THANKS!

ive just got a raspberry pi and fancy trying a home built router, engraver miller thingy. watching this has answered a lot of questions i haven't even asked yet about what happens after I put my spanners away. Thanks Tony, im slowly working my way through all your older films.

I've watched this a dozen times. For simply cuts like this, its better than the Fusion 360 courses; and you go through the CAM steps just as fast as they do.

Your videos helped me alot while i was scratching my head thinking where to start!! I finally managed to cut some metal with my cnc plasma table built from scratch! Thank you for your videos. Your comments are more than welcome. 🙏

Sometimes you will modify code for: 1. Time reduction. A. Retract heights (z) and other unnecessary moves can be minimized making only seconds of difference on each part but when you run thousands of those parts that can add up to hours each week depending on how many you make. B. Surface finish adjustments. Those who work on molds like the scallops (steps) to be very specific sizes so that the surface finish will match what the print is calling for. 2. Machine Specifications. A. Say you have 100 machines in your CNC cell and they are 10 different makes and models, you will still program on the same software, When you “post” the program there will be a configuration for each model of machine. Sometimes the “post” has to be configured with the headers and footers for your specific machine, in other words the codes your machine needs to initiate and cancel commands. B. Now companies try to buy similar makes and models as it takes money for a programmer to adjust your “post” (compiler you might say) for each different machine. If your company can’t pay for the “post” configurations then yeah the CNC programmer makes the changes to the code. 3. Collision prevention. A. Older programmers remember the days when you did not have simulation software all we had was black screens with green text, sometimes orange. Before intelligent machining became common you would have to reduce velocity approaching a corner to prevent gouging. We didn’t have all the visuals back then all you had was numbers to look at, in fact on the EDMs we ran programs were loaded by punch tape. B. When you tested the program at maybe 25% feed you just had to be diligent to watch for clamps, a vice edge, or on the lathe the back of the boring bar hitting the housing. There is so much more. I like this new technology so easy! However it’s difficult to forget how it was and to trust these new Software driven simulators. We didn’t even have swarf (chip) conveyors.

There may be thousands of CNC videos on RU-vid supposedly for beginners... But this has to be the best. Easy to understand and easily explained (and comical!). For any beginners in to this great hobby, it's a steep learning curve and often difficult to get to grips with all the technical terms. This video does a fantastic job. Thanks to This Old Tony and I've hit that subscribe button immediately.

Tony, Here's an example of when a ME has to create G-Code the old way. I had to create a process grinding a Curvic coupling on a horizontal 5 axis grinder. This grinder traditionally manufactures parts in a entirely different way than they way in which a Curvic coupling is generated. Our CAM software's post processor is custom tuned to the explicit way in which we create programs for a non-Curvic process. The code itself only contained three actual machine moves, G0... G1... and G0... The other 400 some odd lines were heavily parameterized calculations for the machine moves, dressing, position calculations, etc. It's rare I have to create my own G-Code, but it does pop up from time to time.

Tony I am in awe of your skills, knowledge, ability to teach with humour and film making skills. Keep it up big dog! I'm an accountant, I have no idea what you're saying 70% of the time, but it's so cathartic for me... One day I will have a man-shop

I just started my collage accreditation in CNC lathe manufacturing technician because I've been very interested in it and you pushed me to do it thanks Tony!

I'm a member of a maker space where we have a CNC router, mini mill, lathe, 3D printers and laser. I strongly feel this video should be the first thing you see when you start and of the class. And it will be when we teach a class. I'll will certainly share this video with everyone. Thank you.

umm.. picking the right tool is sort of well, fundamentally crucially important. The CNC won't care but your part will. Choose carefully. Don't use the eye liner, makes a mess and if over done just looks slutty.

I just logged onto youtube and I said to myself "I hope This Old Tony made a video", what a pleasant surprise!

‘If you can’t explain it simply, then you don’t know it well enough’ ~ Albert Jefferson 1784BC. You Tony, explained it perfectly simply ;) Good man.

I don't have a machine, but hope to some day get one, mainly, to cut out shapes. Mostly chip board, about 1/4 in thick. At age 65, this gal is doubtful I can figure things out, but this gave me a little incentive. Thanks for the lesson and the humor.

I can't express how much I appreciate this f'n channel. If I come into some money soon I'll certainly try tho.

As an Applications Engineer for DMG Mori and a fan of your channel, it's nice to see you showing some love :)

I'd like to go into CNC router stuff, creating things. I do not yet a cnc router yet. I'm glad to have found this video. It's straight forward, perfect for dummies or newbies. Thanks for sharing. I'd like to build a CNC router thing myself. A small one. For a start 12 by 12 inches X,Y would be totally sufficient for me, and a Z of max 3 inches (2 inches might or even less might by sufficient as well). I'm looking for a channel which shows the building step by step in literally mini-steps (every screw, wiring, etc. because I do not have a technical background. Total costs for all materials (except the spindle/router itself) should not exceed 200-250 USD. Ideally when every part necessary for the build has an (affiliate) link (preferable in Europe because of shipping and import duties). The construction should be suitable for routers and Dremel (like) rotary-tools. Do you know (or anyone else who is reading this) if such a channel/video already exists? And if it does not can somebody take the challenge to make a video like this? I think many people will be interested in something like this and the maker of it can earn money through the affiliate links.

This is awesome! What CNC board did you choose for your machine? I've got a Smoothieboard in my laser.

Your awesome old tony !!!my learning skills tend wonder at a confusing matter or it could be just over explanation ...but the way you explained everything was super easy to fallow and understood right away in one shot ...no going back it all made since one and done ...you the best old tony!!!!!

I lie to my Vcarve all the time!!

Cant find the eyeliner brush in the fusion360 tool library :-(

Don't even know who this guy is, but... I think I love him! He is probably the best explainer alive.

Very funny and high quality videos. Honestly, you never give too much info or too little and the entire video is engaging. "What you just witnessed is technically called a trainwreck-"

Wow, I've watched a boatload of CNC videos trying to figure out how everything ties together . Wish I'd found this one (and #2) in the very beginning. It would have saved me a lot of head scratching. Well done!

I really really wish I had found this video 6 months ago. Thank you for producing such an enjoyable and informative video!

Well, it's a rainy day here in NH and I just finished a This Old Tony binge-watch extravaganza. Thanks This Old Tony! Maybe someday I'll return the favor and you can waste time not finishing your projects while watching me screw around with my stone toys. You're an inspiration! All my best and thanks. BTW, anyone ever mention you sound very much like Alan Alda? There's $$$ in narration too you know...

A friend of mine bought a 3 axis Haas CNC machine about 15 years ago. My friend had no computer experience, I had no machining experience. Together we didn't figure out to use the machine, but we did have some really terrifying moments breaking some tools.

T.O.T. - Just found your channel not all that long ago and I have to say... Very nicely done! Thanks for all the tips, tricks, and everything elses.

Dammit Tony, i can't get past 45 seconds without waking up the entire house.

I just love your sens of humour, you would be a great teacher Mr. Tony!

What an excellent and witty primer to hobby CNC.

1:32 _"CAD, CAM, CNC, only backwards."_ I had to sub, just for your style.

Lol great video. I've been a CNC machinist for 18 years and I found this video entertaining and informative.

Thanks for the great video, perfect explanation of the process from CAD to CNC. I've always been curious about how the CAM process fitted into the whole thing and this video really helped clear it up.

A gem in video excellence once again, Tony. Really enjoy your work, Sir. Continued success!

You really bring this all together and allowed me to make sense of a topic I know next to fighting about. Love this video and thank you!

Get out of my head! I just started thinking about building a CNC router again, and now this video pops up. I'll take that as a sign... Great video as usual.

Lots of CNC machines will take X2 as go to X.0002in It is best to always tell it what units you are using (mm or inches) and always use decimal points. (some parameters never use decimal points, but the error would probably be safe)

Great intro to CNC. Thanks for taking the time to make it. You're a good teacher.

Thanks for the videoTony. I just bought a small Arduino powered CNC to play with (Genmitsu CNC Router 3018), and needed a refresher course from my CNC training on 'real' machines about 20 years ago. Times have sure changed ... but the basics haven't.

Phenomenal! Very comprehensive overview. Great presentation, I especially appreciated the humor.

This video tells more in 15 minutes than teachers taught me in my first two weeks of my second year in a machinist class. Nice!

Still relevant 3 years later. Good intro, thank you Tony!

Just got my CNC and this video was a great intro vid for me. Appreciate your time on this. Helped me a bunch

I LOVE the new upload schedule. Love the videos, Tony.

I have been watching design and CNC videos all day... and this video was the funniest. Hilarious! Also great video. But also hilarious.

A very good interdiction video for those friends that have no idea what CNC involves

Thanks Tony you are the only one to explain the Mach 3 function

no ida why i just spent 14 mins watching that when i make my living on Gcode haha

Tony Baby... Where were you and your helpful vids ten years ago when I needed you? I hired on as a manual machinist in a medium sized machine shop, and was told shortly afterward that I would have to learn to run programs on a CNC machining center. Even when I told them that I couldn't even spell CNC, they wouldn't listen, and now I am one... go figure. peace-out.. Tc

Ok so 3D pint a shroud that goes around your spindle and size the end for your shop vac, allow it to swivel! Easy to make, some come with that attachment and vacuum as standard. Much cleaner than air blowing crap around the shop. I ran Gerber Sabre 3D carving machines. Most places use them for wood carving but the spindle runs at 10,000 rpm with a 7hp high frequency spindle and if you put endmills in the collet you can cut what you want. I would do stainless like butter and the tolerance is as close as you know how to secure the part. Less than a thou for sure.

I enjoyed that. Didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but as far as entertainment goes it was a winner. Might give Fusion a look one day, but for now SketchUp is hard to go past for quick simple drawings.

Hey Tony, DMG is the big daddy in the digital tent all platform although this reductive process is being challenged by 3D printing and laser technology. Nothing stands still!!! Another great video, full of subtle gems, god know how long they take to make, but one thing is for sure, greatly appreciated out here in RU-vid land. Kindest regards. Joe.

Best tutorial ever on basic CNC operations.

You sir, have earned my subscription. These are the type of tutorials I need!

Great overview video for us ‘newbies.’ Thanks Tony...you rock brother!!!

Good job with the video"! Much needed basic information for all who are interested tied neatly together with the trade mark "This Old Tony"humor and style- You have a strong talent for making these videos- look forward to seeing more from you in the future, keep up the good work :)

Thanks Tony for this great basic CNC video. I have been doing CNC but seen also that there is a lack of good basic CNC videos that puts all the basic parts to gather. It would be awesome if you could continue doing these videos where you tell about CNC milling from a beginner aspect.

Tony you make the best instructional videos i learned how to make springs with my lathe now this. Keep up the GREAT WORK.

Another great video....sure is a tease for this old dog to learn new tricks/tools

Hi Tony! First let me say that your Content is both entertaining and factual. But can I just point out something small! Please don't hate me for this! With the chapter 3 CNC. You have to define where 0,0 is! Your sample code of L1 x2 L2 y2 L3 x-2 L4 y-2 Will result in unconnected line. With a line two inches at the bottom , 2 inches going up on the right hand side. 4 inches going from the right hand of the shape to the left hand side on the top and then a line that ends up 4 inches below the start line! What's needed is this code to make a square. Let's set 0,0 to the bottom left hand corner. So L1 x2 L2 y-2 L3 x0 L4 y0 That would make a square!

Good job :P I really love your humour, it's second to none when it comes to videos on engineering. Keep going, we love you :3

That was clearly illustrated and you shared plenty of valuable advices here. Thank you sir

this was a fantastic video, thankyou. You have the right type of comedy lol

This was the best short explanation of how cnc work.! thank you

Thanks OT, I’ll use your info to get my CAD to get my stl to CAM so it become GC so I can CNC. You a true CNCG

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Make a part 2: getting more in depth!

Sometimes it's nice to Y forward and X center the table at the end of a program so you can get at your setup better

Sincerely, Thank you very much. Retired and closer to my goal, bless you.

Found this ch via Adam Savage Tested. This is a great intro, would have helped 16 years ago.

Great Video, i must have watched 5 times and laughed at all the jokes every time.

FINALLY A GOOD VIDEO TO LEARN CNC.... NO BULLSHIT... THANKS. SOLID WORK.

Thanks! I spent my whole professional life as a professional programmer, until I got to the top of the ladder. Then I became a manager :( :( but I still program for fun, as when I want to build a dividing head. This is very similar to the evolution of programming. It began with 0110... binary code, moved on to assembler, (g-code) went to FORTRAN and LISP, graphical interfaces and on to more advanced languages. So CAD/CAM/gcode has gone down the same road; the analogy is very clear. But one thing remains elusive: the DWIM instruction: Do What I Mean (Not What I Told You to Do). It takes a *lot* of concentration to do programming (or CAD/CAM) and one porcine fault and you ruin the workpiece.

Very well done!!

Love the commentary, nice to see a bit of good humor added in. 😂😂

Color Computer 3 !! Brings back childhood memories

i love watching your channel ! i run a a few machines at work .. couple matsuuras and a robodrill .. its so much fun it barely feels like work at all !

I love you so much ! Seriously you made me so happy thank you for all the knowledge with just the perfect blend of humour to keep us alert you are brilliant!

I ran Mori Seiki MH-50 and various Fadals and Haas machines. A good use of the trigonometry I was force fed in high school.

Thank you! This should help me streamline my process 10 fold. my current process: 1) Draw in freecad. 2) export as obj 3) use online converter to convert to stl 4) use py-cam to convert to g code. 5) open g code in hex editor to replace the 3 bit carriage return to a 2 bit one, or my cam software gets mad. 6) manually tweak G-code because some of py-cam's internal defaults are excessive for my machine. 6) load g-code in Grbl control 7) mill out part.

Great intro for the basics. Wish I had a machine to inflict my newly gained confidence.

Thanks for making the content you make. I've learned a ton watching your channel

I enjoyed that you used an radioshack TRS-80 color home computer for the Mach3 set up in the artwork lol.. I had one back in 1981 lol..

Wow, great presentation, and CNC demystified! Great talent.

...I've mostly worked in 'metal' shops....but these rules still apply...even more so....always use some sort of blocks, spacers, or such to place your work at a stand-off distance to the machine table, and of course your "Z" depth stop.......so you don't drill a couple of 1" holes all the way through the table on your Bridgeport Mill.....

Thank you very much! I found this very helpful and I understand the CNC cutting process so much better now!

Thank you for taking the time to make this! This video has been very helpful.

As usual very goon info in most entertaining way Tony. Thank you so much!

Excellent video. I've learned so much from all of your videos. I'm hoping to get my small shop equipped with some CAM software soon. We currently write all of our g-code on the controller. It's not terribly hard and the 3 of us programmers got pretty good at telling the machine what we want it to do. I guess the point of this comment is that there might be more people that write their own g-code on the fly that you might think. Depending on the complexity of the parts you're making, CAM software isn't always necessary. I hope this didn't come off in the typical youtube commenter tone. I really appreciate your videos and hope you make more.

Another little GEM!!! Well Done!!!

This Old Tony ..... BRAVO !

The bit about Moris and Datrons had me dying.