Use and Care Manual

19
CAUTION: Do not spill liquids onto the spoil board,
as it may cause warpage.
9.2 Spindle setup (PM-2X4SP only)
Disconnect machine from power
source during the following procedures.
1. Remove cover from gantry box, and check
coolant level. Top off if needed with distilled
water.
Low or absent coolant will
overheat spindle and cause damage to
machine. Maintain coolant level.
Figure 9-2
2. Remove spindle nut from spindle.
3. Make sure provided collet is clean, and insert it
into spindle nut (Figure 9-3). Press until it snaps
into position.
(To remove collet from nut, remove cutter/bit,
hold spindle nut and press collet from the side.
Collet will come out.)
Figure 9-3
4. Thread nut with collet onto spindle.
5. Insert bit into collet. (A bit set is available from
Powermatic, p/n 1797003.) Flute of bit should
extend at least 1/16-inch from collet. Tighten bit
by holding one wrench on spindle flats and
turning nut with second wrench, as shown. Do
not overtighten.
9.3 Router bit selection
Bits are available in many styles and number of
flutes, and are chosen depending upon the wood
used and the cutting process desired.
Straight bits can have one or more flutes. Spiral bits
are available in up-cut, down-cut, or compression
form. “Insert” bits have removable blades for
resharpening or replacement. V-bits (or “v-groove”
or “engraving” bits) have angled sides leading to the
point, useful for creating a sharp, grooved bottom in
lettering and sign making. A spoil board cutter (or
“flycutter bit”) is ideal for making a workpiece
surface flat or re-surfacing the spoil board. Many
specialty bits are also made for specific
applications.
Cutter manufacturers provide a recommended feed
and speed rate for their bits, or a “chipload” (physical
size of chips produced by the bit when making a
cut). Formula is:
An up-cutting, two-flute spiral bit is a good general-
purpose tool for making straight cuts in plywood.
Router bit shank size should match the capacity of
the collet used.
9.4 Dust collection
A dust collection system (not provided) should be
connected to the CNC router via a dust shoe
mounted below the spindle. At least 300 CFM
collection capacity is recommended.
A dust shoe (p/n 1797001) is provided with your
machine. Slide it up onto router housing and tighten
screw. Support weight of dust hose when connected
to dust shoe.
IMPORTANT: When mounted, do not allow bristles
to press hard against table, or they may be
damaged. When not in use, remove dust shoe from
spindle, and store without pressure on bristles.
10.0 Operations
Always turn off machine when
changing cutters or working on spindle.
10.1 Controller overview
Tool paths are communicated to the router via the
handheld controller. Processing jobs is done in one
of two ways: from internal memory or from a U disk
inserted into the interface. (Figure 10-1).
Use of internal memory is recommended for
frequently used job files.