Definitions

This is a list of some common definition related to CNC Router Tables. I will keep adding to this list so check back often.

Tooling is any cutter or accessories that are consumable items. Examples include Router bits, drills, drag knife, engravers etc.

Items that get used up or discarded. Examples, router bits, sandpaper, paint.

Any cutting tool commonly used with a CNC Router table. Examples, Straight bits, ball nose bit, V groove bit, shaped bits, etc.

Any part or component of the machine that can be assembled with hand tools. Examples, Rack & Pinion Drives, Linear rails, Frame, bearings etc.

Solid state components of a CNC Machine. Includes things like the break out board, stepper motor controller, power supply etc.

The breakout board or B.O.B is a circuit board with terminal block which allow easier connection and central location for wiring. It separates the individual signal paths in a DB25 (printer) connector into individual connectors.

An electronic device which converts data received from a computer into electrical pulse to cause a stepper motor to move in a specific pattern, direction or speed.

A device that supplies power to an electric machine.

Also known as a power screw, drive screw or translation screw, is a threaded screw used as a linear actuator in a CNC machine, to translate rotary motion into linear motion.

A ball screw is a mechanical linear actuator that translates rotational motion to linear motion with little friction. A threaded shaft provides a helical raceway for ball bearings which act as a precision screw.

A Linear actuator is a device which converts some type of rotary force and applies it to achieve an in-line or linear movement.

Also known as linear-motion bearing or linear slide is a bearing designed to provide free motion in one direction.

The act of lightly bringing the cutter into contact with the part or known reference surface to establish a datum (zero) for machining.

A precision machined device used to establish a positional reference before machining. Example The Makers Guide Triple Edge Finder.

A edge-finder is a tool used with the spindle of a machine such as a mill. The device is used to accurately determine edges of a workpiece or a previously machined feature during the set-up phase of a machining operation.

Preparing a machine for it to be ready to function or accept a job. Can include installing fixtures, raw material, changing bits, and edge finding.

The Control software converts the G code created by the cam software into electrical signals which control the stepper motors. Electrical signals are sent from the motor driver software to the printer port of the computer. These electrical signals cause the stepper motors to spin in a particular direction and a particular speed. Also know as Motor Driver software. Examples: Mach3, Mach4, Linuxcnc.

CAD - Computer Aided Design software is a drawing program that can produce vector artwork to a specific size.

CAM software converts vector drawings into G-Code. Examples: Cut2D, VCarve Pro, Aspire.