Forest CNC Router – Setup & Operation Guide

Forest CNC Router – Setup & Operation Guide

This article guides you through the process of setting up and operating your Forest CNC Router using the CNC12 control software. This tutorial is ideal for first-time users and educators working with routers manufactured or supported by Forest Scientific Corporation.

Note: Always wear appropriate PPE and follow your lab’s safety guidelines. Ensure the machine area is clear before beginning any job.

🛠️ Background

The Forest CNC controller by Centroid is a powerful and user-friendly motion control system. It's commonly used in educational and small business environments for routing wood, plastic, and soft metals. This tutorial covers turning on the machine, referencing axes, loading a job file, and machining a part.

1. Powering On the Machine

  • Press the green power button to turn on the machine.
  • Wait approximately 30 seconds for systems to initialize.
  • Launch the CNC12 control software from the desktop.

2. Homing the Machine

  • Press the RESET button twice until “Reset Cleared” appears.
  • Press Cycle Start to send the machine to its home position.
  • If the machine is sitting on a home switch, use the Jog Buttons to move it off before homing.

3. Setting Reference Zero (Origin)

  • Secure your raw material on the router table.
  • Jog the tool to the lower-left corner of the material, with the tool just touching the surface.
  • Enter the Setup Menu by pressing F1, then again to access “Part”.
  • Press F10 to zero each axis (X, Y, Z) by navigating with F1.
  • Once all axes are zeroed, jog the Z-axis up slightly to clear the material.

If your machine has a safety shield, it will only jog slowly with the shield open. Also, if the INCR/CONT light is on, only incremental jogs will be allowed.

4. Loading Your Job (G-Code)

  • Press F2 - Load in CNC12.
  • Navigate to: C:\0ncwork.
  • Select your job file (e.g. 4leafclover.ncc).
  • Click Open. Your file name will appear at the top of the screen.

Optional: Preview Your Job

  • Press F8 - Graph to preview the toolpath.
  • Press F1 to toggle views and see a time estimate.
  • Press ESC to return to the main screen.

5. Running the Job

  • Ensure safety shields or doors are closed.
  • Press Cycle Start twice to begin machining.

After Machining

  • Jog the tool away from the part.
  • Remove your completed part from the table.

6. Shutting Down the Machine

  • Press F10 - Shut Down.
  • Press F1 - Park, then Cycle Start to move the machine to its parked position.
  • Press F9 - Exit CNC12.
  • Turn off the machine using the main power switch.

📞 Need Help?

Contact Forest Scientific Corporation at 1-800-956-4056 or visit forestscientific.com for more support.


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