CNC Routers 101: What a Post Processors Is, And What It Does.

What is a post processor in CNC? It is not necessary to know how a post processor works, but understanding its role in CNC routers is important to ensure your CNC woodworking project is carved correctly.

In this CNC router tutorial, we will demystify the Post Processor - a critical, and indispensable, element in the world of CNC router woodworking and creating toolpaths that's often overlooked but absolutely necessary for seamless CNC operations.

In this video, we dive into what exactly a Post Processor is and why it is an indispensable part of any CNC router machine and what it has to do with g-code. A Post Processor is part of the CNC code writing process that translates your CNC designs (CAD/CAM) generated tool paths into a language your specific CNC machine understands, essentially bridging the gap between your software and hardware.

We will demonstrate how to setup your post processor in the Vectric design software (Vcarve Pro). this works exactly the same in Vectric Aspire and Cut2d. For software such as Fusion 360 & Carveco, the process is very similar. For Carbide Create, it is already setup for you. Same with Easel.

Each CNC router brand requires a different post processor.

Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, understanding Post Processors will immensely benefit your CNC router projects, ensuring precise, efficient, and effective results every time.

We'll cover:

1. What is a Post Processor?
2. Why are Post Processors necessary in CNC router woodworking?
3. How does a Post Processor work?
4. How to setup a post processor for your CNC router.

Please take a moment to comment to help others understand the various aspects of post processors in CNC machines.

VIDEOS MENTIONED
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ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
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IDC Woodcraft Mobile App (FREE)
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OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
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RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOFTWARE
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CNC RESOURCES
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RECOMMENDED CNC ROUTERS
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#cnc #cncrouters #cncforbeginners #idcwoodcraft #vcarvetutorials #vectric

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[blackfirst]

this man really cares about his subs. i been trying my best to figure this out, to the point of tears. thank you Sir for all you do for us beginners.

[Saigemeister]

Your channel is so awesome!!! Thankfully YouTube finally recommended it to me based on my other searches, but without that recommendation, not sure I would have found it. Such valuable videos and information, and plainly and clearly laid out.

Thanks so much for doing what you do! Just started my CNC journey with an itty bitty 3018 pro (grabbed a laser and extended bed accessory as well). I have some past machining experience, but this is just a hobby for me at this time. Trying to find and learn all new software is one of the biggest hurdles I’ve found so far, but such a fun experience at the same time!

Just wanted to say thank you for helping with such hurdle!

[bobmonday]

Another great video for a beginner ..Thanks GF

[larryrobinson]

For those watching this, you could use the GRBL post processor for about any CNC router or mill in the world, don't over complicate things. The code may have to be slightly modified but there are dozens of post processors in this list that will work fine.

[samspade]

Interesting topic. I like how you teach

[franklymade]

Perfect video again just what I needed ❤

[JackInTheShop]

Great video Garrett. I have had people ask me about gcode files. Just because it is a G-Code files does not mean it will work on your CNC controller. I have the Longmill CNC that runs GRBL G-Code. I 3D printed my first CNC machine. It runs a the Marlin firmware and uses a G-Code file. Same file extension. 2 very different files as far as the setup.

[edsonferraz]

Hello!! great your video. Do you help me? I have the solidworks 2021 but not to have option of post processor GRBL, do you know how include it

[petereynolds]

How can I modify the or loves inch pp so that it outputs tool number and m6 so I can use toolsetter?

[patruddiman]

So how do you right one? 7:22 I have a next wave cnc machine that strictly uses vectric brand software. I would like to use Fuzion 360 but my machine isn't listed in Fuzion 360.

[SteveMoss-kt]

In the Vcarve pro, what is the field "Controller" value when setting up a Longmill mk2?

[omsingharjit]

So in case of ARDUINO CNC THE post processor is Gbrl as firmware right?? 🤔 🤔!!

[GodwillOkwunze]

Hello Gary I need your help my CNC is not frictional

[mens_workshop]

Hi garrett I will use my new CNC in a few days (1st timer) I design in vectric using metric system, but i will use IDC Bits which is Inches, im going to use onefinity. My question is, should I use Onefinity in metric or inches? Thanks in advance.

[thegroovelibrarydrums]

Hello Garrett, which post processor do you use for your Phantom CNC? i've got one with ATC and i'm using a generic PP from Vectric (CNT ATC Arcs mm .tap), it works fine but i was wondering if there is one best suited for the Phantom. thank you.

[BipinBabu-kc]

In My Knowledge,


I have observed some, may not be fully correct, still learning...

Every machine is Unique in terms of motion control System. So correct Post Processing is needed based on the motion control system that particular CNC Machine is Built around and its overall mechanical profile.

Better to use the Recommend PP, Else We may run in to some these issues..!

Case Examples:-

If a CNC with Non -ATC controller is presented with A set of G code that includes tool change commands, The machine may freak out and spit out errors..! So it is recommended to post the code with suitable PP for that particular machine

Some machines dont understand work offsets by defaults, So in that case, it would be better to choose the suitable post processor that doesn't specify G54, 55, 56 codes otherwise the controller may or may not show errors

Another Case, Some machine controllers dont even understand xyz positions at all in Gcode ..! They need special co ordinate positions (ABC with alpha numeric codes) which may not make any sense to us compared to usual Gcode that we are familiar with

Some Controllers dont identify Sequence Numbers and or Comments added next to the Gcode Values, So We need to be careful there as well.

Some machines use arcs mode interpolation while some others use short lines to draw curves

Some machines need G53 modal codes to rectract fully/park while some others need that specified in G28 mode

Same is true with Tool Height Offset and Tool Wear compensation Codes, A Basic 3 axis Router Controller may freak out if these compensation codes are there...!

I think Some Controllers dont even like to see M3/M5/M6/M8 Codes..!

So always go for most suitable post Processors for our particular machine controller.!

[LastDayHope]

He hit it with the language. A post processor is basically an interpreter. It translates. If I need to speak to someone that only speaks French, I don't use someone that just knows Engish/Russian. Different CNCs have different language barriers. It has to know when and where to use and place the words (G-Code) or the system will get confused and anything can happen. Bad stuff.