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How to use the CNC Knife

How to use the CNC Knife

Apr 03, 2025

We are in the process of cleaning up this page. The information and process will stay the same.

Command Quick Reference

Command

Function

Example of use

Command

Function

Example of use

F10

Set user X/Y origin

Jog the tool to your desired X/Y start location on the bed and enter command F10, OK to set the new 0,0 reference.

F24

Set manual tool length

Enter command F24, OK, OK to manually calibrate the blade/tool length offset. Follow instructions to move tool up and down as required.

F31.1

Activates the oscillating knife tool

Enter command F31.1 to turn on the Oscillating Knife.

F42

Rotates the shank for blade/tool swaps

Enter command F42, OK, 180, OK to rotate shank for blade install (where 180=degrees to turn)).

Part 1: Machine Calibration

  1. Turn on the compressed air.

    1. The compressed air valve is located on the east wall of this room, between the CNC Knife and the wall.

  2. Turn on the vacuum table.

    1. Switch is located on the west wall of this room, right behind Laser Cutter 1.

  3. Power on the CNC knife.

    1. The power ON/OFF buttons are located beneath the CNC Knife.

  4. Pickup the Control Console.

    1. The Control Console is located on the side of the gantry below the EMERGENCY STOP.



  5. Wait for the CNC Knife to come online.

    1. The CNC Knife will go through a few automated checks. This takes about 2 minutes.

  6. The Control Console should now read "Seek G54 Origin?" >> Press OK.

    1. The CNC Knife will now calibrate its X/Y origin positions.

  7. Enter command F31.1 >> press OK >> press OK again.

    1. This command tells the CNC Knife to activate the oscillating knife tool (F31) and that we're using tool #1 (.1)

  8. Request assistance from a Technology Lab staff member to install your blade for you.

  9. Wipe the blade with a paper towel to remove any excess oils, reducing the risk of transferring oil to your material.

  10. This step will engage the oscillating blade. Keep clear and then Enter Command F24 >> press OK >> press OK again.

    1. Tool will now turn on and start oscillating the blade.

    2. There are multiple speeds to choose from when jogging the from point to point

      1. Fast - For when the blade is higher than 2 inches above the bed.

      2. Medium - For when 'Fast' is just too fast.

      3. Slow - For when the blade is within 2 inches above the bed.

      4. Step - For when the blade is within 0.5 inches above the bed.

    3. Press the +/-

      button on the Control Console to change between speeds.

    4. Use the Z+

      and Z-
      buttons on the Control Console to move the blade/tool tip in the appropriate z-axis direction until it just barely cuts through a single sheet of scrap paper.

    5. Press OK to set the z-zero position.

      1. Oscillation will now stop.

    6. Control Console will ask if you'd like to "Set Knife?" >> Press No

Part 2: Loading Stock Material

  1. Place your stock material on the bed of the CNC Knife.

    1. The vacuum table will be on and you should feel suction or resistance when moving your material on the bed.

  2. Turn on your specified zone valves and turn off the valves to unused zones to help direct airflow to zones in use.

  3. Check that your material is secured to the table by nudging your stock material to see if it moves.

    1. If stock material budges or moves then you should redo steps 1-3 until your material is correctly secured.

  4. Change the X/Y origin to align with the corner of your material.

    1. Use the arrow keys on the Control Console to position the tool at your desired start origin.

      1. Be careful as the gantry can move quickly!

    2. Enter command F10 >> press OK

      1. This confirms the new 0,0 or X/Y origin.

Part 3: Running a Job

Your file must be saved in a sub-folder titles "Jobs" on a flash drive formatted to FAT32. Else the CNC Knife will be unable to read it.
A USB is available at request from Tech Desk. Please make sure to specify that you need the CNC Knife USB.

  1. Insert your USB drive into the USB port on the side of the control box.

  2. Hit the FOLDER Button

    on the Control Console to open your file saved in the "Jobs" folder of USB.

  3. Push GREEN BUTTON

    at the bottom of the Control Console >> then press "OK' when you are ready to start running your operation.

    1. The tool will now turn on, move to it's first position, and begin cutting.

    2. Please keep near the EMERGENCY STOP button in the case that you do need to press it.

  4. We ask that you place the Control Console back onto the gantry during the cutting operation for safety purposes.

Shutdown & Cleanup Process

  1. Turn off CNC knife (on button west side of router)

  2. Remove USB

  3. Turn off the vacuum pump by rotating the switch on the wall adjacent to the laser cutters.

  4. Turn off the compressed air valve.

  5. Let Tech Desk Staff know that you're done with your CNC Knife reservation.