Axiom AR8 ELITE User manual

AR8/16 ELITE
MANUAL
©Axiom Tool Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev.1-2/2020

2 | Axiom Tool Group
Axiom Tool Group, Inc. has provided this manual covering the safe operation and maintenance procedures
for the AutoRoute™ Elite series machines. Contained in the manual are installation instructions, safety
precautions, operational procedures and maintenance guidelines.
The instructions set forth in this document, will ensure that the AutoRoute™ machine will provide
consistent, long-term operation.
This manual was not intended to cover every facet of machine operation. The use of jigs, fixtures, after
market CNC accessories, choice of materials and tooling may require additional research. Online forums, and
CNC blogs are a good source of knowledge from experienced users.
Regardless of the methods in place, personal safety is always a priority.
If you have any questions or comments, please email the Axiom Precision Customer Service team at
[email protected].
The AutoRoute™ is an electrical appliance and precision machine. Protect yourself and your investment. Read and
understand the entire owner's manual before attempting assembly or operation. Read and understand the warnings
posted on the machine and in this manual. Failure to comply with all the warnings may cause serious personal injury
or costly damage to your AutoRoute™.
This AutoRoute™ CNC machine is designed and intended for use by properly trained and experienced personnel
only. If you are not familiar with the proper and safe operation of a CNC machine, do not use the AutoRoute™ until
proper training and knowledge have been obtained.
Your AutoRoute™ machine is intended for cutting wood, acrylics, wood-fiber composites, certain plastics and non-
ferrous metals. Do not use this machine for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, Axiom disclaims
any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless from any injury that may result from that use.
Shop Environment
1. Ensure that the floor can bear the weight of the machine and work pieces mounted on it.
2. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
3. Do not lean lumber or other heavy materials against the gantry, guide rails or table.
4. Support the weight of the dust hose attached to the dust shoe accessory to prevent the weight of the hose
from dislodging the dust shoe. Ensure that there is sufficient slack in the dust collection hose to allow the
spindle to cover the entire work area.
5. Locate the AutoRoute™ away from overhead pipes and plumbing fixtures to prevent condensation from
dripping on to the spoil boards and control system components.
6. Locate the AutoRoute™ away from sinks, faucets or other water supplies or storage to prevent splash-out
that can damage the spoil boards and control system components.
7. Provide adequate room between the AutoRoute™ and other machines in the shop to reduce the chance of
accidental jarring when transporting lumber or other heavy materials through the shop and while materials
are being worked on other machines.
8. Ensure adequate space between machines to allow for the possibility that the work piece will extend over
the end of the AutoRoute™ table.
9. Store cutting tools in a dry location and prevent contact to preserve the cutting edges.
Safety Information

3 | Axiom Tool Group
Health and Safety
10. Always wear approved personal health and safety equipment as indicated for the materials and type of
operations that will be performed. These should include a dust mask, hearing protection, safety clothing,
and safety glasses/face shield. Do not rely on prescription or over-the-counter eyeglasses; they are not
safety glasses. Wear ear protectors (plugs or muffs) even during short periods of operation.
11. Before operating this machine; remove any hand, wrist, and neck jewelry and roll sleeves up past the
elbows. Be sure to not wear loose clothing which may become caught in the machine and confine long hair.
a. Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor strips are recommended.
12. Use a dust mask or other safeguards to avoid inhaling dust generated from wood products. Install dust
collection equipment consistent with shop ventilation practices and budget. Remove dust and debris from
the floor frequently to prevent slipping. Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates
wood dust and other substances known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wood products also emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. (California
Health and Safety Code Section 56).
13. In addition to other health hazards, dust from wood and other materials is flammable. Do not operate
welding, wood burning, smelting, soldering or other high-heat tools on the AutoRoute™ table or vicinity.
14. Do not operate this machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication.
Electrical
15. Make certain the switch is in the OFF position before connecting the machine to the power supply.
16. Make certain the machine is properly grounded and the circuit is protected with a fuse or circuit breaker in
accordance with local codes. Install a separate circuit if necessary, to limit power loss when multiple
machines in your shop are operating simultaneously. If necessary, place a cover on the outlet to prevent
accidental disconnection.
17. Perform all machine adjustments or maintenance with the machine unplugged from the power source.
18. Follow effective lockout procedures to reduce the risk from high voltage wires and components and prevent
intentional bypassing of safety controls and accidental operation.
19. Don’t use in a damp or wet location, or expose to rain, fog or snow.
20. Keep the electrical cord away from sharp edges, heat or moving parts, and do not store materials on top of
it. Position the cord so it will not become a tripping hazard.
21. While the use of an extension cord is discouraged, it is recognized that the wiring layout of the shop may not
allow the placement of the AutoRoute™ directly next to an outlet. If it is necessary to use an extension cord,
make sure the extension cord is in good condition, heavy enough to carry the current requirements, and
installed to prevent a tripping hazard. An undersized cord will cause a reduction in voltage resulting in loss of
power and overheating which may result in fire or electrical shock.
Other Safeguards
22. Remove and store adjusting keys and wrenches before turning on the power. If necessary, for visibility, apply
safety markings to adjusting wrenches and keys.
23. Install safety guards consistent with general shop safety practices. Keep safety guards in place at all times
when the machine is in use. If removed for maintenance purposes, use extreme caution and replace the
guards immediately after completion of maintenance.
24. Check damaged parts immediately. Before further use of the machine, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function.
25. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area. Keep children away.

4 | Axiom Tool Group
26. Control liquids in your shop to limit the possibility of spillage that can damage the AutoRoute™ which can
cause damage or personal injury from electric shock or fire. Be careful with storage and use of cleaning
fluids, finishes and solvents. Never use the table to apply or dry finishes.
Maintenance
27. Establish a weekly and monthly maintenance checklist and follow it diligently.
28. Routine maintenance should include periodic checks for alignment of moving parts, looseness or binding of
moving parts, worn or bare wires, breakage of parts, skewed mounting and any other conditions that may
affect its operation or cause injury. Analyze breakage or damage to determine the cause and take
appropriate remedial action.
29. Do not operate the AutoRoute™ if a component of the control system is damaged. It should be properly
repaired or replaced before use.
30. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
31. Store maintenance tools and supplies nearby, consistent with shop maintenance practices and resources.
Operational Practice
32. Never leave the machine running unattended. Always be in close reach of the emergency stop button.
33. Turn the power off and do not leave the machine until it comes to a complete stop.
34. Avoid pinch points and entanglement hazards. Keep hands and clothing away from the ball screws, thrust
bearings, gantry, guide rails and rotating cutting tool while in operation.
35. Use the right tool at the correct speed and feed rate. Do not force a tool or attachment to do a job for which
it was not designed. The right tool will do the job better and more safely.
36. Do not touch a cutting tool immediately after use. It will be hot and may cause skin burns. Exercise caution
when handling the collet and spindle nut if the cutting tool is hot. Keep a heavy glove or oven mitt on hand
for the purpose.
37. Do not lay a hot cutting tool on its side. Create a rack for cooling off hot cutting tools.
38. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.
39. Do not use dull, gummy, or damaged cutting tools. Keep bits and other cutting tools clean and sharp for best
and safest performance.
40. Turn off the machine before cleaning. Use a vacuum, brush or compressed air to remove chips or debris. Do
not use hands.
41. Do not climb or stand on the machine. Serious personal injury and costly damage could occur if the machine
tips over or the gantry is dislodged.
42. Remove loose items and unnecessary work pieces from the table before starting the machine.
43. Plan tool paths to make multiple passes rather than to take off a large amount of material at one time. This
will reduce mechanical stress and heat on cutting tools.
44. Always secure a work piece to the spoil board using clamps, vacuum, or double-sided tape. If the work piece
is mounted in a jig, ensure that the fixture is securely held to the table. Never hold a work piece down by
hand while operating.
45. Inspect the material of your work piece to detect any defects that may result in ejection of large pieces of
scrap.
46. Make sure the work piece is free from nails, hardware, or other foreign objects.
47. After installing a cutting tool, make sure the collet is securely tightened. An unsecured cutting tool may fly
loose from the collet and cause injury. Be sure that the adjusting wrenches have been removed and are
secured before turning on the power.

5 | Axiom Tool Group
To avoid accidental or unintended use by young children or others not qualified to use the tool, a padlock may
not be required.
WARNING: FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY READ INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BEFORE OPERATING TOOL:
To lock out using an Emergency switch on the AR8 Elite:
1. Open the padlock.
2. Insert through hole in the Emergency
switch (need depress this button).
3. Close the padlock.
4. Place the KEY in a safe place out of the
reach of children.
To lock out using the Emergency switch on the AR16 Elite.
1. Depress the Emergency Stop button.
2. Rotate the button counterclockwise to remove.
3. Store button in safe location (machine remains inoperable until
unlocked).
4. To unlock, reinsert button and rotate clockwise until the Emergency
Stop is released.
Emergency Switch
    
 
 
 
 

  
