Plasma First Cuts: Machine Startup¶

Before starting these next steps, make sure that you have already downloaded and configured Mach4 on your control computer. For further details on the install process, please refer to these instructions.

Once your G-code is prepared, you're ready to initiate the machine startup procedure. For our users accustomed to the CNC router startup process, the following steps will seem very familiar:

Step 1: Locate the Emergency Stop
Step 2: Turn On Avid CNC Controller
Step 3: Open Mach4 and Enable CNC
Step 4: Jog CNC Machine
Step 5: Home Machine

Step 1: Locate the Emergency Stop¶

• First, locate the emergency stop button on your machine.

Step 2: Turn On Avid CNC Controller¶

• Turn on your Avid CNC controller. Make sure to do this step BEFORE opening Mach4.

Step 3: Open Mach4 and Enable CNC¶

• Open Mach4 and click the Enable button.

Step 4: Jog CNC Machine¶

• Confirm that the Keyboard Jog is turned on and then jog the machine closer to your machine home.
• You can jog the machine by either using the arrow keys on your keyboard or the buttons in the Jogging tab.

Step 5: Home Machine¶

• Next, click the Home X Y Z Axes button. Your machine will then automatically drive to its sensor limits.

After completing the homing procedure, refer back to your checklist:

Step 1: Locate the Emergency Stop
Step 2: Turn On Avid CNC Controller
Step 3: Open Mach4 and Enable CNC
Step 4: Jog CNC Machine
Step 5: Home Machine