Hi all. Currently awaiting a build so in reality not even a new CNC user yet!.... But, doesn't stop me thinking and planning. So one thing I've been reading is about mistakes, some minor, some more costly. Snapped bits seem a common issue. I'm assuming this is down to incorrect feed rates or more likely errors in the programming and plunging too deep. Hopefully this is short lived and checking your toolpaths thoroughly is a must early on. Anyone experienced this when a novice? Or still experiencing this? How much is down to user error or can it sometimes be hardware error?

I have a few carving/inlay projects planned. Hopefully in some nice hardwood. I'm thinking of during early days running the project on some cheap pine or ply first as a test before buggering up an expensive piece of oak. Is this a reasonable idea or am I thinking over cautious?

I already have a decent dust extraction system in my new workshop. Dust shoes seem a good idea as carving produces a lot of chips/dust. But again as a novice user, I'm thinking I want to be watching the cut, firstly out of interest, but secondly out of safety. Are you all confident enough in your cutting to be blind to the cutting bit? Are you confident enough to leave your workshop while cutting is in progress or would you at least want to be in the workshop doing other things so you can hear an issue and stop it swiftly? Do you expect issues or is it now rare when experienced?

Maintenance. Apart from keeping clean and dust free, what general maintenance is required? greasing ball screws? I'd guess that attracts dust sticking? WD40? silicone spray?

What were your first projects? Why? Anything nice and simple that teaches a new user a thing or two or just blast straight into what you are after doing and make mistakes to learn?

Any other tips/tricks, need to know, nice to knows?

Cheers

Mark