| Just about any topic that is covered about | | | | you put it to work. |
| working in a shop should start with safety. Your | | | | Generally, we are machining something. While |
| safety and the safety of others should always be | | | | machining, "chips" are being thrown off. |
| at the top of your mind. CNC is no different then | | | | Sometimes at a very rapid speed. Here is where |
| any other shop topic. In fact, the highest levels of | | | | safety glasses, face shields and material barriers |
| safety awareness should be maintained when | | | | come into play. Use them! The machine doesn't |
| using a CNC machine. CNC machines don't have a | | | | know you are standing there. In the words of |
| mind of their own. A computer gives them a | | | | every boxing ref before a match, "protect |
| command and they execute it. They don't care if | | | | yourself at all times!" |
| they are cutting steel, aluminum, wood or your | | | | A few ideas to keep you safe in the shop: |
| hand. They don't differentiate between materials. | | | | Always read the instruction manual before using |
| You need to be aware of this. | | | | your machine |
| When you are learning CNC you should take it | | | | Always follow manufacturers recommendations |
| slow. Do tests on a small scale, then watch and | | | | Always wear safety glasses |
| learn what happens. For example, why don't you | | | | Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment |
| let your machine "cut air" for a while when you | | | | for your job |
| first get it. You don't need to put it right to work | | | | Use shields and barriers while machining when it is |
| cutting material. Why not create a simple | | | | appropriate |
| program, and let the machine cut the air instead | | | | Test your machine before full production |
| of material. Better yet, why even run the spindle | | | | Perform proper and routine maintenance on your |
| during the test. Every one has quirks that you | | | | machines |
| need to learn. Every CNC machine has a different | | | | Perform checks on your machine for wear and |
| working envelope. Every CNC machine is just a | | | | damage |
| little bit different then the rest of them. It is in | | | | Always think safety! |
| your best interest to learn your machine before | | | | |