CNC Manual, Part 3: Software & CAM Basics

Part 3 of the Velocity CNC router manual. Covers turning a design into a file this machine can run.

The Pipeline, End to End

Design file → CAM software (toolpaths) → G-code → CNC12 on the shop PC → VCP buttons for setup (see Part 2) → cut.

1. Prepare Your Design File

  • 2D cuts (signs, panels, inlays): a clean vector file – SVG or DXF. Make sure paths are closed and units are set correctly (inches vs. mm mistakes are the single most common CAM error).
  • 3D carving/relief work: a 3D model file in the format your CAM software accepts (commonly STL).
  • Remove any stray points, overlapping lines, or open paths before importing to CAM – these cause CAM software to generate confused or missing toolpaths.

2. CAM Software: Generating Toolpaths

[Name the CAM software this shop has standardized on – e.g. Fusion 360, VCarve, Carbide Create – and link to or note where members can get access/training on it.]

In CAM, you’ll set up:

  • Tool selection – which bit, and its diameter/flute count, matching what’s actually in the rack.
  • Feeds and speeds – how fast the tool moves and spins. Ask a shop lead for known-good settings for your material before guessing; wrong feeds/speeds are the most common cause of a broken bit or a burned cut.
  • Cut depth per pass – don’t take a full-depth cut in one pass on anything but the softest material.
  • Work zero location – set this in CAM to match where you’ll actually zero the machine (see Part 2), typically a corner of your stock.

3. Post-Process to G-code

Use a post-processor matched to this control (Centroid CNC12 / Acorn). The wrong post-processor can generate G-code with commands this control doesn’t support or interprets differently – if you’re not sure which post to use, ask before running an unfamiliar file.

4. Get the File to the Shop PC

[Note the approved transfer method – USB drive, shared network folder, etc. – and any shop policy on scanning/naming files.]

5. Load and Preview Before Cutting

Once the file is on the CNC12 PC:

  1. Open it in CNC12 and run it in Graphics/backplot mode first – always, even for a file you’ve run before. This shows the full toolpath without moving the machine.
  2. Confirm the toolpath fits your material and stays inside the table’s travel.
  3. Confirm the first tool called out in the file matches what’s actually loaded, and note every tool change the job will make so you’re not caught off guard mid-run.

Then follow the zeroing, warm-up, and run steps in Part 2 – Setup & Workflow.

A Note on the VCP Buttons and Macros

The zero and warm-up buttons you’ll use are custom macros built specifically for this machine – see the VCP Skin & Macro Customization Guide for the full technical writeup. As a member running jobs, you don’t need that level of detail – just know that these buttons only take effect after a Cycle Start press, same as any other macro on this control.

Don’t attempt to edit macro files, VCP button definitions, or CNC12 parameters yourself. If a button seems to be doing the wrong thing, stop and get a shop lead rather than troubleshooting the control software directly.

Previous: Part 2 – Setup & Workflow. Next: Part 4 – Troubleshooting & Maintenance.

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