The last thing you want to encounter when you’re in the middle of an important production run is a machine malfunction. This can happen any time, with any machine, regardless of how much money it cost. Reasons for this can be anything from improper operator training, to using the wrong type of tools or not keeping your maintenance log up to date.

When your maintenance log is kept up-to-date, your machine will be fine-tuned and running smoothly every day. In the event a technical issue arises, an up-to-date log also helps technicians troubleshoot the issue much faster.

Here’s a list of some of the more common daily and monthly maintenance tasks you need to do to keep your CNC machine running smoothly all year round.

Daily tasks
Every day you should do the following:

1. General Cleaning: include these steps:
Move the gantry to the back of the machine.
Blow off the table surface and X axes towards the front of the table.
Blow off the gantry away from carriage.
Blow down behind the Z plate.

2. Air Pressure Reading: Record the air pressure reading indicated on the gauge.

3. Oil Oscillating Knife: Oil the oscillating knife (1-2 drops, every 4 hours).

4. Check Pump Oil Level: Check the pump oil level through the sight glass on the pump.
 
5. Clean Cover nuts and Collets: Clean (blow) the cover nuts threads and collets when changing the tools.

Bi-weekly/monthly tasks
The following maintenance tasks should be done bi-weekly and/or monthly:

1. Clean and grease racks and pinions: Clean the rack with a wire brush and air nozzle to remove any debris. 
Grease all the bearings and ball screws/acme screws.
Check the initial Z position.
Move the Z axis to the lowest position possible.
Support the Z – plate and tool with a sturdy platform.

2. Clean the electronics cabinet air filter.
Remove the filter cover.
Remove the filter element.
Clean the filter element and cover or replace the filter element and cover.

3. Remove the air supply.

4. Remove and empty the filter cup.

5. Clean the toolholders.
Check tools for any debris or rust on the surface of the tool holder.
Use a cleaning pad or steel wool to clean the tool holder (do not use sand paper or a file).
Surface should be smooth and clean to prevent damaging the spindle.

6. Check collets/nuts, and dispose the ones that are damaged.

These maintenance tasks will vary according to the type of machine. It only takes a few minutes a day, but keeping your maintenance log up to date ensures you’re doing all the maintenance activities at the right time to optimize the performance of your machine.

Source: AXYZ Tailored Router Solutions. For more information, call 800-361-3408 or 
visit axyz.com. More tips available online.