Instructions

connection is external and we connect the driver box to the computer through this
connector whether the box is mounted externally or built into the computer. EMC or
EMC2 will not run with a USB connection. You can also plug in a printer if need be.
Now that most printers use a USB connection, this will probably not be something you
need to do unless you want to use an older printer.
Opening the instructions file on the computer
Even if you are not familiar with Linux, you will find the Ubuntu desktop that opens
when your computer starts up to be similar to the Windows® or Mac® desktop. These
instructions for using CNC are duplicated on the “Utilities and Instructions” CD that
came with your machine. There is also a shorter version that is just the workbook portion
that includes the examples to learn to use g-code. Insert the CD in the CD/DVD drive and
click on the icon that appears on the desktop to show the files and folders on the disk.
Double click on a PDF file to open it. To open the HTML version, double click the file
icon and then click “Display” in the window that opens. When done, close the
instructions and right click on the DVD desktop icon and select “Eject.” We suggest you
print out the shorter “Print” version of the instructions to use when you are working with
the examples.
Included along with the PDF and HTML versions are two MS Word (.doc) files
(CNCInst5.doc and CNCprint5.doc). Double clicking on a .DOC file will open it in
OpenOffice on your Linux computer or in Microsoft Word if opening it on a Windows
computer. The most current version of the instructions can always be found on the
Internet at http://www.sherline.com/CNCinstructions.htm. PDF and HTML files can be
opened in both Linux and Windows.
Please read all the instructions before attempting to use the EMC2 program to run your
mill or lathe. CNC machining is a complicated process, and you will be directed at the
proper time to run a program on the machine once you have gained the knowledge you
need to do so.
EMC2—Still the latest and greatest
I chose the EMC2 program to work with because: 1) The EMC uses coding standards that
are used in the modern machine tool world, 2) You will not be dealing with an outdated
programming system, 3) The EMC can deal with the cutter compensation (cutter comp)
that is needed to make complex parts in an efficient manner, 4) The cost saved by not
having to pay for this marvelous programming system will allow you to purchase a
separate dedicated computer to drive your mill, and 5) There’s great bunch of smart
people working on the EMC to constantly improve the system and make it easier to use in
the future and remain current.
Basic operation of the computer and file navigation
Booting up
Before turning on the computer, make sure the 115V/230V switches on the back of the
computer and on the side of the stepper motor power supply inside the computer
are set to the proper voltage for your local electrical current. The default setting is
115 VAC. Also, make sure the ON/OFF switch for the stepper motor power supply on
the side of the computer is in the “OFF” (down) position. Once the EMC program is fully
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