Loosing the fear

[Guerra Cues]

Hello guys,
The title says it all, yeah, I know I am a rookie.
Like anything else there is always a time for everything...
After designing a file, what will be the next step?
Setting the Z axis where I want to start the cut?
Follow the tutorial to set the axis to zero.
I know the commands to set the different axis to zero...
What is the correct path to follow in order to start breaking some bit and start testing on cutting my first piece of wood on a 4th axis...:eek::eek::eek:

[bleeth]

Zeroing all three axes is always the first step. Whether you zero to material or bed depends on how you designed your part. One way to start experimenting is to use some soft cheap material like insulation foam (the pink or blue stuff) or MDF and just do a few simple line paths. For example trace out some letters with a v bit set a little deep (1/8" eg) by cutting along vectors. Then change bits and cut out a part. Then try a similar thing using v-carve strategy for the cutting and see how the toolpaths are generated differently. Depending on your software you can then try one of the reliefs that come as an example. It is also advised that for the first little while after you set you z zero you raise it up well above the material, reset z zero up there, and then run the program in the air just to watch it and get comfortable with how it moves.
Make use of the preview screen in the control software.
Breaking bits right off is kind of like choking on too much food! Take smaller bites and you will have a more enjoyable meal.