What should be the first step when setting up a CNC machine for a new job?

The initial step in setting up a CNC machine for a new job should be to check the tooling. Ensuring that the correct tools are available, properly installed, and in good condition is crucial before any machining operation begins. This step confirms that the machine is equipped with the right tools for the specific job, which directly affects the quality of the finished product and the efficiency of the machining process.

Verifying the tooling helps identify any issues such as worn tools, incorrect tool types, or even missing tools, which could lead to machining errors or wasted materials during the job. Once the tooling is confirmed to be suitable for the operation, further setup steps, such as loading the program and setting work offsets, can take place with greater confidence that the machining will proceed smoothly.

Other steps may follow checking the tooling, but they rely on having everything in place, making tooling verification paramount. Steps like running a program or setting work offsets would not be effective without first ensuring the right tools are ready to perform the necessary operations. Performing maintenance typically serves as an ongoing procedure rather than a first step for a specific job setup and is generally done periodically rather than just before starting a new job.