Source aritcle
1. Setup for First Use
Read the Quick Start Guide to see what’s in the box, machine assembly, and initial setup for first use. Video tutorials are also available on our YouTube channel.
1.1 Software Setup
Download our software Snapmaker Luban (Luban hereafter), and update it to version 3.14.0 or later. This manual uses version 3.14.0 to generate the G-code file.
1.2 Firmware Setup
Update the firmware to version 1.12.0 or later via Wi-Fi or USB flash drive.
: Download our firmware > Insert the USB flash drive into the Controller > Turn on the machine > Swipe left on the Touchscreen > Tap Files > USB > Tap the firmware file to update.
2. Workflow
3. Prepare Files
Design your 3D model in Fusion 360, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other software. Alternatively, you can download 3D models from websites.
Luban supports seven file formats: .svg, .stl, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, and .dxf.
4. Generate the G-code File
4.1 Basics
The following steps instruct you to generate the G-code file on Luban version 3.14.0.
① Open Luban, and select CNC G-code Generator
.
② Click Case Library
to Load 4-axis models, or Add models from your computer.
③ In Job Type, select 4-axis canvas, and then input the length and diameter of your material.
④ In Configurations, set the position, size, rotation angle, and projection direction. Click Process .
⑤ In Carving Tool, select Straight Groove V-bit .
⑥ In Configurations, select a slicing mode fitted for your model, and set other parameters. Click Simulate to check the finished work before carving.
⑦ Click Generate G-code .
4.2 Parameters
4.2.1 Projection Direction
Six model directions are available—front, back, left, right, up, and down. For example, if you select front , you will see the front view of the model. Likewise, select back , and you will see the back view.
4.2.2 Carving Tool
The Straight Groove V-bit: Features a long and sharp carving edge, penetrating deep into materials and rendering high-precision creations. The extended flutes on both sides create a larger area of engagement, providing a superior carving than single flute bits. It can also clear sawdust, eliminating clogging and reducing wear and tear.
Use Other Bit: If you want to use other bits that are not included in the bit list, tick Use Other Bit . Input the Cutting Diameter, Point Angle, and Shaft Diameter.
Tip : For usage instructions on Carving V-bit, Flat End Mill, and Ball End Mill, see Snapmaker 2.0 CNC V1.0.0 .
4.2.3 Slice Mode
To carve more delicate models, we provide you with two slicing modes.
Rotation: Carves a smoother surface at a fast speed, but not applicable for hollowed-out 3D models.
Linkage: Carves hollowed-out 3D models, at the cost of working speed and surface smoothness.
4.2.4 Auto Tool Path Preview
When enabled, the software will automatically preview the finished work after settings are changed. You can also disable it if this function takes too much time.
4.2.5 Simulate
Previews how the finished work looks like.
5. File Transfer
You can click either Load G-code to Workspace or Export G-code to File to transfer the G-code file. What media you transfer to, Touchscreen or Luban, determines how you set the work origin and start carving. The Touchscreen instructs you to fix the material, set the work origin, and attach the Tailstock. So if you are a novice, we recommend you transfer the file to Touchscreen. If you are not, Luban is an alternative.
5.1 Transfer the G-code to Touchscreen
Turn on the machine. Transfer the G-code file to Touchscreen via Wi-Fi or USB flash drive.
5.1.1 Transfer via Wi-Fi
: Click Load G-code to Workspace > Wi-Fi > Refresh 
> Select your machine in the drop-down list > Click Connect > Tap Yes on the Touchscreen to grant Wi-Fi connection > Click Send to Device via Wi-Fi in Luban > Tap Got It on the Touchscreen to receive the G-code file. After the G-code file is transferred, see 6. Origin Assistant .
Tip : Find the file later on the Touchscreen: Swipe left on the Home Screen > Files > Local .
5.1.2 Transfer v ia USB Flash Drive
: Insert the USB flash drive into the Controller > Click Export G-code to File > Save the G-code file to your USB flash drive. After the G-code file is transferred, see 6. Origin Assistant .
Tip : Find the file later on the Touchscreen: Swipe left on the Home Screen > Files > USB .
5.2 Keep the G-code in Luban
5.2.1 Connect Luban to Machine
Should you keep the G-code file in Luban, you can set the work origin and start carving in Luban by connecting the machine via Wi-Fi or USB cable.
: Click Load G-code to Workspace > Wi-Fi > Refresh > Select your machine in the drop-down list > Connect Luban to your machine > Tap Yes on the Touchscreen to grant Wi-Fi connection.
> Select a port in the drop-down list > Connect Luban to your machine.
5.2.2 Set the Work Origin and Start Carving
Fix the Material , Attach the CNC Bit , and wear the CNC Safety Goggles.
With the machine connected to Luban, adjust the X , Y , Z , and B offsets to Set Work Origin , and click Run Boundary to check the work area. If the work area is inappropriate, reset the work origin.
After the work origin is set, see 7.3 Attach the Tailstock . Now you are all set. Click Run
in Workspace
to start carving.
Tip : If you connect via Wi-Fi, the machine won’t stop carving even if the Wi-Fi disconnects halfway. If via USB cable, your computer and machine must be connected throughout the carving.
6. Origin Assistant
6.1 Select the Origin Assistant
Swipe left on the Touchscreen, and tap Toolbox . Select Origin Assistant to guide you through setting the work origin.
Tip : If you are familiar with the Origin Assistant procedures, tap Files to set the work origin and run boundary.
6.2 Material Settings
Input the length and diameter of your material.
6.3 Fix the Material
Loosen the 3-jaw Chuck counter-clockwise by turning two chuck wrenches. Insert one end of the material onto the 3-stepped jaws, and tighten the Chuck clockwise.
Caution the sharp jaws. Always use two chuck wrenches to adjust the jaws.
Do not tighten the Tailstock until 7.3 Attach the Tailstock . Otherwise, the CNC bit is likely to bump into the machine.
6.4 Attach the CNC Bit
Select Straight Groove V-bit on the Touchscreen. Tilt the ER11 collet into the ER11 nut until the collet snaps into place. Insert the CNC bit into the ER11 collet until the shank bottoms against the collet.
Twist the ER11 nut onto the Toolhead, and secure the nut by using open-end wrenches.
Caution the sharp CNC bit.
6.5 Set the Work Origin
How It Works: Work Origin
Setting the work origin helps the machine find out how to carve the material. The work origin (X0, Y0) on the material corresponds to the coordinate origin (X0, Y0) in Luban.
How to Set the Work Origin
Read the instruction on Origin Assistant on the Touchscreen, and wear the CNC Safety Goggles. Follow on-screen instructions, and manipulate the illustrated part of the straight groove v-bit to touch the material.
If the CNC bit bumps into the machine, turn off the machine immediately or press the Emergency Stop Button 
.
7. Start Carving
7.1 Preview the File
After the G-code file is transferred, tap Files and select the G-code file in USB or Local . Preview the file, and tap Ready.
7.2 Run Boundary
Read the instruction on Set Work Origin, and ensure you have worn the CNC Safety Goggles. Use Z Offset to lift the CNC bit above the Rotary Headstock, and then tap Run Boundary to check the work area. If the work area is inappropriate, reset the work origin.
If the CNC bit bumps into the machine, turn off the machine immediately or press the Emergency Stop Button .
7.3 Attach the Tailstock (Optional)
Clamping the material with the Chuck and Tailstock improves stability and precision. If your material is long or heavy, use the Tailstock.
Select two holes on the Base to attach the Tailstock.
Use the H2.0 screw bit to loosen the set screw, and screw the Handwheel forward until the Tailstock Center presses against the central point of the bottom surface of the material. Align the groove on the Tailstock Center with the set screw, and tighten the set screw.
7.4 Check Before Carving
Check the following steps before carving:
If you are all set, tap Start on the Touchscreen.
8. Remove the Finished Work
Clean the machine and the finished work with a vacuum. Adjust the Handwheel, and remove the finished work by turning two chuck wrenches.
Caution the sharp CNC bit and jaws. To avoid scratch, you can remove the bit before cleaning.
Tips and Tricks
Bit Assistant
How It Works: Bit Assistant
If you carve something complex using more than one CNC bit, Bit Assistant can simplify the procedures of resetting work origin. Normally, if you change a CNC bit, you have to reset the work origin. Whereas, under the guidance of Bit Assistant, what you need to do is simply touching the same material spot with two bits. The touching step measures the length difference between the two bits. With the difference measured, the machine can calculate the Z-axis offset and work out the new work origin, without changing the X, Y, and B origins.
① Generate Multiple G-code Files
First, generate multiple G-code files and transfer them to Touchscreen. In each G-code, choose the specific bit you want to use.
Tip : For instructions on generating and transferring G-code, see 4. Generate the G-code File and 5.1 Transfer the G-code to Touchscreen .
② Bit Assistant
When the first G-code file is finished, tap Complete . Do not remove the first CNC bit yet.
a. Manipulate the First Bit to Touch the Material
Tap Toolbox in APP List, and select Bit Assistant . Read on-screen instructions on how to change a bit and reset the work origin.
Use the X , Y , Z , or B Offset to manipulate the bit tip to touch the material surface. Place the Calibration Card between the bit tip and the material. Keep adjusting the Z Offset until you feel slight resistance when pulling out the card. Tap Set to save the current height.
If the CNC bit bumps into the machine, turn off the machine immediately or press the Emergency Stop Button .
b. Replace the First Bit with a New One
Make sure the CNC module is lifted to enough height so that you can change the bit. Remove the first CNC bit using open-end wrenches, and replace it with a new one.
Caution the sharp CNC bit.
c. Manipulate the New Bit to Touch the Material
Use the Z Offset to manipulate the new bit to touch the same spot on the material surface. Tap Set to finish resetting the work origin. In this step, you are not allowed to move the X, Y, and B axes, so the X , Y , and B offsets are not available on the screen.
If the CNC bit bumps into the machine, turn off the machine immediately or press the Emergency Stop Button .
d. Select the New G-code and Start Carving
For the following steps, tap Files and see 7. Start Carving .
How to Use the 3-jaw Chuck
The 3-jaw Chuck consists of three reversible jaws, and each can be installed in either way. The way you install the jaws affects how the Chuck clamps materials. In this section, you will learn how to install and use the jaws, lending more fun to your making journey.
Caution the sharp jaws during installation and use.
① How to Install the Jaws
By default, the jaws are installed for inward-clamping. If you want to reinstall it into outward-clamping, disengage the three jaws first, and see b. Outward-clamping .
Inward-clamping Outward-clamping
a. Inward-clamping
- The jaws are numbered, and we install them in reverse order (3 → 2 → 1).
- Slide the Jaw 3 into the channel, and press it inward. Rotate the spiral on the scroll plate through the groove between the teeth.
- Advance the scroll plate, and repeat for Jaw 2 and Jaw 1. Slide all jaws into channels, and keep turning the chuck wrenches until all jaws close up in the center.
b. Outward-clamping
- The jaws are numbered, and we install them in positive order (1 → 2 → 3).
- Slide the Jaw 1 into the channel, and press it inward. Rotate the spiral on the scroll plate through the groove between the teeth.
- Advance the scroll plate, and repeat for Jaw 2 and Jaw 3. Slide all jaws into channels, and keep turning the chuck wrenches until all jaws close up in the center.
② How to Use the Chuck
Inward-clamping is designed primarily for clamping the external surface of workpieces, and outward-clamping basically for internal surfaces. In other words, outward-clamping can clamp both solid and hollow workpieces, but inward-clamping is solely for solid ones.
Inward-clamping with Solid CNC Material
Inward-clamping with Hollow Laser Material
Outward-clamping with Hollow Laser Material
How to Glue the Nut into the CNC Platform
If the nut is screwed out of the CNC Carving Platform, glue it back in the following steps.
Before use, wear protective gloves to prevent contact with the toxic AB glue. Wear our provided mask to avoid inhaling the pungent smell of the glue. Do not misuse the A glue lid on the B one.
① Clear the sawdust on the nut.
② Squeeze out the A glue and B glue in a 1:1 proportion.
③ Mix the A glue with the B glue using the red mixing stick, and stir them evenly.
④ Tweeze the nut out, and apply the mixed glue to the screw thread of the bottom of the nut.
⑤ Tweeze the nut back into the hole of the CNC Carving Platform, and press it for a while.
⑥ Wait at least 24 hours to ensure that the mixed glue is cured before reuse.