Laguna Tools MCNC Creator Pro I-24P User manual

MCNC Creator Pro I-24P
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 Pro I-24P 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 document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties.
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 without express written
permission from the author/publisher. LAGUNA® and the LAGUNA Logo® are the registered trademarks
of Laguna Tools, Inc.
DISCLAIMER
Laguna Tools is not responsible for errors or omissions. Specifications subject to change. Machines may
be shown with optional accessories.
Revision 01 (02/07/2023)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL 2
CUSTOMER SERVICE 2
1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION AND SAFETY 7
1.1 Overview 7
1.2 Safety Signs and Call-Outs 7
1.3 Safety Information 8
2.0 SETUP AND ASSEMBLY 13
2.1 Packaging Contents 13
2.2 Hardware package contains 13
2.3 Tools Required for Assembly 14
2.4 Packaging contents for CNC machine 14
2.5 Assembling the Stand 14
2.6 Installing the Router Table on the Stand 16
2.7 Finishing Machine Assembly 16
3.0 ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS 19
3.1 Grounding Instructions 19
3.2 Operations 20
3.3 Controller 20

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4.0 OPERATIONS 21
4.1 Controller 21
4.2 Operating Procedure 21
4.3 HOME Position 22
4.4 Moving the Router (Spindle) Head 23
4.5 Setting Work Origin 25
4.6 Programming Additional Origin 27
4.7 Setting Spindle RPM 28
4.8 Processing a file 28
4.9 Speed Scale Adjustment 29
4.10 Pausing During Toolpath Operation 30
4.11 Setting a Breakpoint 30
4.12 Power Failures 31
5.0 RICHAUTO B18E FUNCTIONS 33
5.1 B18E Keypad 33
5.2 B18E Menu Paths 35
6.0 ADVANCED PROCESSING 41
6.1 Array 41
6.2 Resume Work 41
6.3 Mirror Work 42
6.4 Tool Changing 42

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6.5 Stop State (Back Position) 42
6.6 Part Work 43
6.7 Calculate Boundaries 44
6.8 Auto Center 44
6.9 Mill Plane (Surfacing Operation): 44
6.10 Calculate Work Time 45
6.11 Scale Work 46
6.12 Step Work 46
7.0 DATA RESTORATION AND UPDATES 47
8.0 MAINTENANCE 49
8.1 Routine Checks (performed daily with machine use) 49
8.2 Cooling System Flush/Refill 49
9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING 51
9.1 Mechanical and Electrical Problems 51
9.2 Controller Functions Problems 52
10.0 PARTS LIST 57
11.0 WARRANTIES 63

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NOTES:

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1.0 General Information and Safety
1.1 Overview
The Creator Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro I-24P should not operate the machine until properly trained.
The Creator Pro 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 expose 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 before turning 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 the workpiece 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:

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2.0 Setup and Assembly
Please carefully read and understand all setup and assembly instructions before beginning this
procedure.
2.1 Packaging Contents
 Two (2) Stand Uprights (front and back)
 Two (2) Cross Braces
 One (1) shelf plate
 Stand hardware package
2.2 Hardware package contains
 Four (4) swivel casters
 Four (4) leveling feet
 Four (4) hex nuts
 Sixteen (16) hex bolts (M8x25)
 Sixteen (16) lock washers (M8)
 Sixteen (16) hex bolts (M6x12)
 Sixteen (16) lock washers (M6)
 Sixteen (16) flat washers (M6)
 One (1) controller hook
 Two (2) machine screws (M4x6)
 Four (4) small rubber pads
Remove all contents from the shipping boxes. Do not discard the carton or packing materials until
the assembly is complete. Accessories commonly ship inside the machine or stand packaging
and can be easily overlooked.

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2.3 Tools Required for Assembly
 #2 Philips Screwdriver
 10mm, 13mm and 17mm sockets, and socket wrench
 24mm open-end wrench
 2mm and 3mm Allen key
 Level
2.4 Packaging contents for CNC machine
 One (1) router table assembly
 One (1) electrical control box
 One (1) RichAuto B18E handheld controller
 One (1) controller cable
 One (1) tool touch-off puck
 One (1) stepper motor
 One (1) top stepper motor cover
 Four (4) rubber bushings
 Four (4) hex bolts (M17x45)
 Four (4) washers (M17)
 One (1) 2mm Allen key
2.5 Assembling the Stand
The stand for the Creator Pro CNC should be fully assembled
before unboxing the machine. Please verify all parts,
accessories, and necessary tools are present prior to
beginning assembly. Assembly will be easier and safer with
two (2) people.
Figure 2-1: Assembled Frame
with optional Toolbox

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1. Thread one (1) loose hex-nut onto each of the four
(4) leveling feet.
2. Turn the square stand uprights upside down. Do
this on top of the cardboard packaging to prevent
scratching.
a. Install the four (4) leveling feet and four (4)
swivel casters using one (1) M6 hex bolt, one
(1) M6 lock washer, and one (1) M6 flat
washer for each caster. Tighten all the caster
hardware securely. The leveling feet can be
adjusted later.
b. Rotate uprights so the cross-brace mounting plates are facing each other. Separate the
uprights far enough that the braces can fit between them.
c. Align the cross-braces between the uprights and bolt the mounting flanges to the plates
using four (4) M8 hex bolt, four (4) lock washers, and four (4) flat washers for each side.
As seen in the diagram above, the braces should be rotated correctly for the toolbox and
shelf to sit at the correct height. Braces should be mounted so that the top and bottom
are the wider flat surfaces.
3. With assistance, the stand can now be flipped
over onto the casters and leveling feet.
4. Flip the shelf upside down and stick one (1) of the
rubber pads on each corner of the shelf flange.
a. Install the shelf between the braces on the
stand all the way forward.
b. The small rubber pads should now be
between the flange and the top surface of the
brace. This will help prevent unwanted
movement and scratching.
5. If the optional toolbox has been purchased, the
shelf can be slid to the far back of the stand.
a. Turn the toolbox upside down. Install one (1)
of each hanger on either side of the toolbox
using the installed rivet nuts and two (2) 3mm
capscrew each.
Figure 2-3: Creator Pro CNC Machine
Figure 2-2: Leveling Feet and Swiveling
Caster

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b. Insert the toolbox into the stand from the top. The hangers will fit snugly between the
braces on either side of the toolbox.
c. The front can be slid forward to rest within the opening on the stand upright.
6. Install the hook on the front righthand side of the stand using the included hardware.
2.6 Installing the Router Table on the Stand
The Creator Pro CNC router table assembly is heavy. Please use a safe, secure method for lifting
and use caution when placing the machine.
To avoid damage, be careful to never lift the router by the gantry.
1. If using a forklift, keep forks under the steel frame to avoid damaging the wiring and
mechanics of the machine. Place a scrap piece of lumber beneath the router assembly and
carefully slide forks beneath the steel base. Verify the forks extend through to the other side
of the machine for safe lifting.
2. Position router over the stand and align holes on router mounting flanges and stand uprights.
Being careful to make sure the stand is properly oriented with the machine front.
3. Place one (1) rubber bushing over each of the holes in the stand. Lower the machine to sit on
the bushings.
a. Attach the machine to the stand using one (1) M10 hex bolt, one (1) washer at each
corner.
b. Insert the bolt/washer through the machine
mounting flange and the rubber bushings
c. Thread the bolt loosely into the stand
mounting holes. Do not tighten until all bolts
have been threaded.
d. Remove the forklift and tighten bolts evenly.
4. Place a level on the router table, then level the
assembled machine by adjusting the leveling feet.
Level the machine in all directions.
2.7 Finishing Machine Assembly
With the machine mounted on the stand or safely on a secure work surface, finish the setup.
Figure 2-4: Rubber Bushing

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1. Insert the control box into the front right cavity of
the toolbox or for a stand without a toolbox sit the
control box on the shelf. Power and
communication cables will run through the lower
hole in the back of the toolbox.
2. Insert the cable connectors into their
corresponding female receptacles and twist the
collar to tighten. The receptacles are keyed so the
plugs will only insert one way. Inserting the bottom
cable first is recommended.
3. Verify the position of the electrical cord through
the back of the stand safely, so it will not be run
over by the castors and to prevent tripping
hazards.
4. Attach the metal end of the controller cable to the front of the control box.
a. Connect the handheld controller securely to the opposite cable end. Be careful not to
overtighten the screws.
b. When complete the controller can be hung on the hook found on the righthand side of the
stand.
5. Locate and install the stepper motor to the top of
the Z-Axis motor seat, on the gantry tower.
a. Secure the ground wire to the corner of the
stepper motor with one (1) of the four (4)
provided cap-screws. Secure the motor
electrical connector to the gantry tower and
use the three (3) remaining cap-screws on the
motor seat to secure the stepper motor.
b. Tighten the two (2) set screws in coupling that
attaches stepper motor shaft to the ball-screw.
c. Install the plastic cover stepper motor mount
and tighten the two (2) screws.
Figure 2-5: HHC on Hook
Figure 2-6: Gantry

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NOTES:

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3.0 Electrical Components
WARNING
All electrical components must be performed by a qualified
electrical and follow any local codes and ordinances. Failure
to comply may result in serious injury.
Electrical connections that are improperly installed or are
outside operational specifications may cause damage to the
machine and void any warranties that are in place.
The Pro Model CNC machines are rated for 220V +/- 10%
having an operational range of 200-240V. The machines come
pre-wired with a NEMA 6-15 plug for use on a circuit with a
grounded outlet as pictured. It is recommended that these
machines be connected to a dedicated 10-amp circuit.
Verify the machine is connected to a matching outlet. No adapter is available, nor should one be
used.
If the machine must be reconnected for use with a different type of electric circuit, the connection
must be done by qualified person(s) and must comply with all local codes and ordinances.
3.1 Grounding Instructions
Laguna Tools CNC machines must be grounded. This grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electrical current, which during a malfunction will reduce the risk of electrical shock.
All CNC machines are equipped with an electrical cord with grounding conductor and plug. The
plug must be used with a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance
with local codes and ordinances.
These plugs must not be modified, if a matching outlet is needed, one must be installed by a
qualified electrician.
Improper installation may result in electrical shock.
Figure 3-1: NEMA 6-15 Plug

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WARNING
If grounding instructions are not completely understood or if
in doubt as to whether the machine is properly grounded, a
qualified electrician should be consulted.
The use of extension cords should be discouraged. It is recommended to place the machines as
near to the power source as possible.
If an extension cord is necessary, verify any cord used is in good condition. Worn or damaged
cords should be replaced immediately.
Use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the required current and use only 3-wire
extension cords that feature the correct 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles.
An undersized cord will cause a drop-in line voltage resulting in loss of power, overheating, and
runs the risk of fire.
It is recommended that if an extension cord must be used, it be a 10-12 gauge grounded-three
wire cord or no more than 8-10 feet.
3.2 Operations
Before getting started with the machine, it is recommended to become familiar with the handheld
controller for operation of the machine, setting up a job and processing a file.
3.3 Controller
Toolpaths, that are created in the design software are communicated to the CNC router through
the handheld controller. In the case of the Creator and Creator Pro series machines, this is done
through the RichAuto B18E controller.
Processing toolpaths or jobs is performed either by using a USB flash drive (USB 2.0 or 8GB or
smaller) or from internal memory.