Fly Cutting a CNC Spoilboard
George VondriskaDescription
The spoil board on a CNC router is considered a consumable commodity. Whether you’re screwing material down to the spoilboard, or doing through cuts that slightly cut into it, eventually you’re going to have to fly cut or level your spoil board. This video walks you through the process, helping your understand how to set this up on machine.
Other considerations
One reason for fly cutting your spoilboard is because fasteners and through cuts have made it irregular. But here’s something to consider; before using your CNC the first time you should fly cut the spoilboard. What? Why level the board when it’s a perfectly smooth piece of mdf? The reason for leveling the board on a brand new machine is to make certain it’s dead flat, and that the top of the board is perfectly parallel to the travel of the spindle or router. This is a very important step, and can have a huge affect on the accuracy you get from your CNC router.
Router bit selection
While nearly any router bit could be used for leveling a spoilboard, there are distinct characteristics to look for when it comes to choosing the best one. In this video we show you three different router bits, and talk about which one is best for this cut.
More on CNC routers
WoodWorkers Guild of America has been very active in educating woodworkers about CNC routers. Check out our extensive videos about benchtop CNC machines.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
Already a member? Sign in
4 Responses to “Fly Cutting a CNC Spoilboard”
Premium Membership
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- 2 Printable Woodworking Plans
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- 2 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 2 Printable Woodworking Plans
Gold Membership
$370 Value
Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 8 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 3 Full-Length Woodworking Classes to Keep for Life
- 7 Printable Woodworking Plans
- Discounts on Purchase-to-Own Content in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
- Exclusive GOLD LIVE Streaming Events
If you were to use the spoil board to set your Z height then set your material height in your program. you would never cut into your spoil board
I am just curious...how is your spoil board attached to your aluminum t-slot table top?
Which shopbot model are you using in this video?
The first video I tried to watch after buying your service (fly cutting the spoil board on cnc) wouldn't work for me. What can I do to permit me to view the video?