Laguna Tools MCNC Creator I-23 User manual

MCNC Creator I-23/I-24 Owner’s Manual
Laguna Tools
744 Refuge Way
Grand Prairie, TX
lagunatools.com

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Scope of This Manual
This manual outlines the basic procedures for the Creator I-23 and I-24 CNC Router with a RichAuto
B18E Handheld Controller.
For detailed instructions and videos, please go to www.lagunatools.com.
Customer Service
For technical support, please contact Laguna Tools Customer Service by phone at 1-800-332-4094 or
email [e-mail]. Please note the machine type in the subject line.
Copyright© 2023
Laguna Tools, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This documentcontainsmaterialprotectedunderInternationaland FederalCopyrightLawsandTreaties.
Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system withoutexpress written
permission fromtheauthor/publisher.LAGUNA®andthe LAGUNA Logo®arethe registeredtrademarks
of Laguna Tools, Inc.
DISCLAIMER
LagunaToolsis not responsibleforerrorsor omissions.Specificationssubjecttochange.Machinesmay
be shown with optional accessories.
Revision 01 (02/10/2023)

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Table of Contents
1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION AND SAFETY .................................................................................5
1.1 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 SAFETY SIGNS AND CALL-OUTS...............................................................................................................................5
1.3 SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................6
2.0 SETUP AND ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................................11
2.1 RECEIVING THE MACHINE.....................................................................................................................................11
2.2 PACKAGING CONTENTS.........................................................................................................................................11
2.3 HARDWARE..........................................................................................................................................................12
2.4 TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY..........................................................................................................................12
2.5 ASSEMBLING THE STAND.......................................................................................................................................12
2.6 INSTALLING THE ROUTER TABLE ON THE STAND.....................................................................................................13
2.7 FINISHING MACHINE ASSEMBLY............................................................................................................................14
3.0 ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS...............................................................................................17
3.1 GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................................................................................17
3.2 OPERATIONS........................................................................................................................................................18
3.3 CONTROLLER........................................................................................................................................................18
4.0 OPERATIONS..................................................................................................................19
4.1 CONTROLLER........................................................................................................................................................19
4.2 OPERATING PROCEDURE.......................................................................................................................................19
4.3 HOME POSITION.................................................................................................................................................20
4.4 MOVING THE ROUTER (SPINDLE)HEAD.................................................................................................................21
4.5 SETTING WORK ORIGIN........................................................................................................................................23
4.6 PROGRAMMING ADDITIONAL ORIGIN....................................................................................................................25
4.7 SETTING SPINDLE RPM ........................................................................................................................................26
4.8 PROCESSING A FILE...............................................................................................................................................26
4.9 SPEED SCALE ADJUSTMENT...................................................................................................................................27
4.10 PAUSING DURING TOOLPATH OPERATION........................................................................................................28
4.11 SETTING A BREAKPOINT....................................................................................................................................28

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4.12 POWER FAILURES.............................................................................................................................................29
5.0 RICHAUTO B18E FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................31
5.1 B18E KEYPAD......................................................................................................................................................31
5.2 B18E MENU PATHS.............................................................................................................................................33
6.0 ADVANCED PROCESSING .................................................................................................39
6.1 ARRAY .................................................................................................................................................................39
6.2 RESUME WORK....................................................................................................................................................39
6.3 MIRROR WORK....................................................................................................................................................40
6.4 TOOL CHANGING..................................................................................................................................................40
6.5 STOP STATE (BACK POSITION)...............................................................................................................................40
6.6 PART WORK.........................................................................................................................................................41
6.7 CALCULATE BOUNDARIES......................................................................................................................................42
6.8 AUTO CENTER......................................................................................................................................................42
6.9 MILL PLANE (SURFACING OPERATION):.................................................................................................................42
6.10 CALCULATE WORK TIME ..................................................................................................................................43
6.11 SCALE WORK...................................................................................................................................................44
6.12 STEP WORK.....................................................................................................................................................44
7.0 DATA RESTORATION AND UPDATES ..................................................................................45
8.0 MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................47
8.1 ROUTINE CHECKS (PERFORMED DAILY WITH MACHINE USE)....................................................................................47
9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................49
9.1 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.............................................................................................................49
9.2 CONTROLLER FUNCTIONS PROBLEMS ....................................................................................................................50
10.0 PARTS LIST .................................................................................................................55
11.0 WARRANTIES..............................................................................................................61

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1.0 General Information and Safety
1.1 Overview
The Creator CNC performs multiple functions, thereby reducing the number of machines needed
to complete projects. A properly maintained machine will supply years of service.
Please read this Owner’s Manual in entirety prior to assembly or operation.
1.2 Safety Signs and Call-Outs
DANGER
An imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
A potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTE
A helpful tip from Laguna Tools technical staff.

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1.3 Safety Information
The Creator CNC machine is an electrical appliance and precision machine. Please 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
warnings may cause serious personal injury or damage to the machine.
The Creator CNC machine is designed and intended for use by properly trained and experienced
personnel only. Personnel who are not familiar with the correct and safe operation of the Creator
I-23/I-24 should not operate the machine until properly trained.
The Creator CNC machine is designed to cut wood, acrylics, wood-fiber composites, certain
plastics, and non-ferrous metals. Do not use this machine for other than its intended use.
1.3.1 Shop Environment
1. Verify the floor can bear the weight of the machine and workpieces.
2. Ensure the floor around the machine is clean and free of scrap material, oil, and grease.
3. Do not lean material against the gantry, guide rails, or table.
4. Support the weight of the dust hose attached to the dust shoe (optional) 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. Position the Creator CNC machine away from overhead pipes and plumbing fixtures to
prevent condensation from dripping on to the spoil boards and control system components.
6. Locate the Creator CNC machine 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 Creator CNC 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. Verify there is adequate space between machines to allow for the possibility the workpiece
will extend over the end of the Creator CNC machine.
9. Store cutting tools in a dry location and prevent contact to preserve the cutting edge.

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1.3.2 Health and Safety
1. 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. Wear ear protectors (plugs or
muffs) even during short periods of operation.
2. Before operating this machine: remove all hand, wrist, or neck jewelry and push sleeves up
over the elbows. Do not wear loose clothing which may become caught in the machine and
confine long hair. Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor strips are recommended.
3. 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).
4. 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 Creator
CNC machine or vicinity.
5. Do not operate this machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any
medications.
1.3.3 Electrical
1. Verify the switch is in the OFF position before connecting the machine to the power supply.
2. Verify 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 the shop are operating simultaneously. If necessary, place a
cover on the outlet to prevent accidental disconnection.
3. Verify all machine adjustments or maintenance with the machine unplugged from the power
source.
4. Follow effective lockout procedures to reduce the risk from high voltage wires and
components and prevent accidental operation.
5. Do not operate in a damp or wet location or exposed to rain, fog, or snow.

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6. 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.
7. While the use of an extension cord is discouraged, if it is necessary verify the cord is in good
condition, meets the current requirements, and is located so as not to present a tripping
hazard.
1.3.4 Additional Safeguards
1. Remove and store adjusting keys and wrenches beforeturning on the power. If necessary for
visibility, apply safety markings to adjusting wrenches and keys.
2. Install safety guards consistent with general shop safety practices. Always keep safety
guards in place when the machine is in use. If removed for maintenance purposes, use
extreme caution, and replace the guards immediately after completion of maintenance.
3. 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.
4. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area. Keep children away.
5. Control liquids in the shop to limit the possibility of spillage that can damage the machine and
potentially cause damage or personal injury from electric shock or fire. Never use the table to
apply or dry finishes.
1.3.5 Maintenance
1. Establish a weekly and monthly maintenance checklist and follow it diligently.
2. 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.
3. Do not operate the machine if a component of the control system is damaged. It should be
properly repaired or replaced before use.
4. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
5. Store maintenance tools and supplies nearby, consistent with the shop maintenance
practices and resources.

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1.3.6 Operational Practice
1. Never leave the machine running unattended. Always be in close reach of the emergency
stop button.
2. Turn off the power and do not leave the machine until it comes to a complete stop.
3. Avoid pinch points and entanglement hazards. Keep hands and clothing away from the ball
screws, thrust bearings, gantry, guide rails, and rotating cutting tools while in operation.
4. 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 designed. The right tool will do the job better and more safely.
5. 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 this purpose.
6. Do not lay a hot cutting tool on its side.
7. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.
8. Do not use dull, gummy, or damaged cutting tools. Keep bits and other cutting tools clean
and sharp for the best and safest performance.
9. Turn off the machine before cleaning. Use a vacuum, brush, or compressed air to remove
chips or debris. Do not use bare hands.
10. 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.
11. Remove loose items and unnecessary workpieces from the table before starting the machine.
12. 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.
13. Always secure a workpiece to the spoil bard using clamps, vacuum, or double-sided tape. If
the workpiece is mounted in a jig, ensure that the fixture is securely held to the table. Never
hold a workpiece down by hand while operating.
14. Inspect the material of theworkpiece to detect any defects that may result in ejection of large
pieces of scrap.
15. Verify the workpiece is free from nails, hardware, or other foreign objects.
16. After installing a cutting tool, verify 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.

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NOTES: