Top 10 Tips for CNC Router Maintenance

Follow our top 10 tips for CNC router maintenance to ensure your woodworking machine lasts for many years to come. 

A CNC router is designed to reduce your operator costs, increase your efficiency and leave you with a high quality, accurate finish every time.

It is therefore important to regularly check and maintain your machine, to ensure it’s working at its absolute best. A CNC router is a large investment to your business and with the right level of servicing and care, it should last for many years to come.

Below, we have compiled top 10 tips for maintaining your CNC router, which you can do regularly as part of your health & safety and maintenance checks in the workshop:

1 Consider the location of your machine

Before your CNC router is delivered, think about its space and location. You will need to allocate enough space for the woodworking machine, as well as the fencing surrounding it. You will also need to take into account the required dust extraction system and trapping points. Suitable flooring such as concrete and solid wood is advised but you don’t need to worry about the level of flooring as many of our machines can be adjusted to uneven grounds by VWM’s specialist team of technicians.

2 Maintain temperature control

Consistent temperature within your workshop is advised. Many of our CNC routers come with their own built-in fans and cooling systems, but like with all metals – machinery can contract in sudden changes of temperature – which can affect the accuracy of the cutting forms. This can be very subtle, but speak with our team of CNC experts should you have any concerns before purchasing your CNC router.

3 Give it a daily, general clean

Housekeeping is crucial. Each time you have finished working on your CNC router, clean it down and sweep the table. A fibre towel and vacuum is the best method for this. Cleaning up chips around the linear rails is also crucial to avoid jams, as well as the cleaning of filters when necessary. Checking your hood and tool grippers condition is also good practice as well as cleaning the Z axis ball screw when needed.

4 Check the electrical cabinet

The electrical cabinets within our CNC routers are well sealed to prevent dust and debris from getting in. While it’s not something you would need to check daily, it’s worth checking periodically. Depending on how often you use your CNC router, the foam in the filter will need cleaning / replacing during its service. Our specialist team at VWM will be able to advise on this once you’ve signed up to one of our servicing & maintenance packages.

5 Lubricate your CNC router often

All CNC routers need regular lubrication to operate efficiently, particularly the ball nuts, bearings and linear rails. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidance on not only what lubricant to use but also how much and how often various parts need lubrication. This will depend on its level of use.

If you are using a CNC router from our Technos range, they come equipped with an automatic lubrication system, but checking the lube tank is filled with a suitable level of 68 Grade Slideway Oil should be part of your daily maintenance checks.

6 Keep check on your woodworking machine’s surroundings

As part of your health and safety checks, there are many important factors to take into account. Ensure your emergency stops are in good working order, as well as light beams and gate switches. It’s important to note that all gates (if fitted) are on switches- when a member of your team enters and leaves the machine area  – the machine will be put in a feed hold. Resulting in the machine motionless until the gate is correctly shut and the error is cleared.

7 Check the spindle motor coolant / cooling fan

Clean cooling water is essential in CNC routers. If this water is dirty, it could damage the motor and stop the machine from working. At VWM, we recommend mixing deionised water with antifrogen all year around, to eliminate the risk of rust and to ensure the spindle in your CNC Router is pumping clean water through reliably. As with many of our CNC routers, they are fitted with a refrigeration system, to ensure the water remains cool, therefore it’s also important to check the cooling fans are working as they should.

8 Cross-check the maintenance schedule from your manufacturer / supplier

For the best advice on what regular maintenance is needed for your CNC router, the manufacturer’s handbook is a sensible place to look. VWM will also be able to offer you more personalised advice, based on how often your machine is being used.

We also offer training and support, as well as ongoing advice when required. To operate a CNC router correctly and safely, you and your team will need to be fully certified. Get in touch today to find out more.

9 Make inspections part of your routine

Inspect your machine and look and hear for any signs that something is not right. Check that all the moving parts of the machine are in good order and note if any parts need replacing. Remember to always do inspections with the power turned off!

10 Stock your own spares

It makes perfect sense to keep parts that wear out quickly (such as CNC router bits, tool grippers and vacuum rubbers) in stock. This not only saves you time in waiting for a new part to arrive but also means you have minimal disruption to your workflow when the old one runs out.

CNC Servicing & Repairs with VWM

Although keeping your CNC router in order is essential, you may not have the time, experience or inclination to handle it personally. 

If this is the case, allow VWM to help. Our great value CNC router maintenance packages keep your machines in top working order and provide you with total peace of mind. At VWM, we pride ourselves on great quality, low maintenance machines. Get in touch for more details.