# CNC Mill 2

Source: https://wisconsin.twango.dev/des-inv/cnc/cnc-2

# CNC Mill 2

Instructions for completing the machine portion of the CNC Mill 2 upgrade for the 2nd OP mill.

## Overview

These lab instructions are for the CNC Mill 2 2nd OP upgrade, designed to be accompanied by the relevant machine guide. If at any point during the training you have any questions, please contact staff.

## Machine Guides

- [2nd OP Mill Guide](https://kb.wisc.edu/engr/teamlab/96793)

## Material Requirements

Parts A & B will be made on the same piece of stock (one on top face, one on bottom face). Tools and GCD file are located in the designated tool box at the machine.

## Tool List

> [!warning]
> When touching off tools, ensure no tool offset is greater than -5.000 in the Z offset (e.g., -4.850 is acceptable). Violating this will result in a broken tool or machine damage. See staff if unsure.

### Part A

> See [[cnc-mill-2a]] for the full engineering drawing.

**Tools:**

- Pair of 1-1/4" parallels
- Edge finder
- 6" caliper
- CNC mill 2 Part A tooling box (box labeled Pr#0031)
  - Tool 1: 1/4" spot drill (same for both parts)
  - Tool 2: #7 drill
  - Tool 3: 1/8" drill
  - Tool 4: 5/16" 2-flute center cutting end mill
  - Tool 5: 3/32" 2-flute center cutting end mill

### Part B

> See [[cnc-mill-2b]] for the full engineering drawing.

**Tools:**

- Pair of 1-1/4" parallels
- Edge finder
- 6" caliper
- CNC mill 2 Part B tooling box (box labeled Pr#0032)
  - Tool 1: 1/4" spot drill (same for both parts)
  - Tool 2: 5/32" drill
  - Tool 3: 3/8" 2-flute center cutting end mill
  - Tool 4: 1/4" 2-flute center cutting end mill

## Operations

### Part A

1. Refer to the [2nd OP Mill Guide](https://kb.wisc.edu/engr/teamlab/96793) for all operations below.
2. Upload program `0031.GCD` to the controller from the thumb drive in the green toolbox. **Never use the air blast to blow off the machine/vises/parts without a tool in the spindle.**
3. Secure the tool holding fixture in the vise; mount tools in appropriate tool holders. Tools are in the top left drawer of the green tool box, box labeled Pr#0031.
   - **Collet chuck procedure:** remove nut from holder, push collet in until it clicks, screw nut back on, insert tool, tighten with 1" wrench or spanner wrench.
   - *Note:* 2OP 1 uses a spanner wrench; 2OP 2 uses the 1" wrench.
4. Set up Tool #1 in the tool table. See [Setting tools in the tool table](https://kb.wisc.edu/engr/teamlab/96793#settingtools).
   - Use .0002 resolution when lowering onto the tool setter and moving away.
5. Load Tool #1 into the ATC. See [Loading tools in the ATC](https://kb.wisc.edu/kbAdmin/document.php?id=96793&group_id=362&sta=2#atc).
6. Repeat steps 4–5 for all tools.
7. Place a parallel against each jaw inside the vise.
8. Place stock on top of the parallels; tighten.
9. Use edge finder to set X0, Y0 at the center of the stock.
10. Call up Tool 1 from the ATC. Use paper to set Z0 at top of stock with Tool 1 (use .0002 resolution).
11. Use TRAKing at the start of each operation to verify Z-axis offset for each tool.

### Part B

1. Refer to the [2nd OP Mill Guide](https://kb.wisc.edu/engr/teamlab/96793).
2. Upload program `0032.GCD` from thumb drive. **No air blast without a tool in spindle.**
3. Mount tools in tool holders; tools in top left drawer, box labeled Pr#0032.
   - Same collet chuck procedure as Part A; same 2OP 1 vs. 2OP 2 wrench note.
4. Set tools in tool table and ATC in order (same as Part A).
   - Use .0002 resolution throughout.
5. Place parallels against each vise jaw.
6. Place stock on parallels; tighten.
7. Use edge finder to set X0, Y0 at center of stock.
8. Call Tool 1 from ATC. Use paper to set Z0 with Tool 1 (use .0002 resolution).
9. Use TRAKing at start of each operation to verify Z-axis offset.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is TRAKing?

TRAKing lets you control X, Y, and Z feed using the hand wheels on the machine. The right-side hand wheel is the coarse feed; the front hand wheel is the fine feed. Use TRAKing at the start of every tool change to verify Z offset.

## Troubleshooting

### Why is my Z offset wrong?

The most common cause: you set the Z offset with the wrong tool number. For example, if you set Z offset with Tool 1, the DRO tool number must be set to Tool 1. Users often set Tool 2 in the tool table and forget to change the DRO back to Tool 1 before setting Z.

---

> [!info] After this upgrade
> You do not need a CAM file or GCD file to use the 2OP machines — they can be used manually and conversationally. Consider using this equipment after completing the upgrades.

## Next Steps

After completing [[cnc-2|CNC 2]], you can proceed to [[cnc-3|CNC 3]].