PathPilot getting started checklist: what do I need to do before my first real cut?

Before you hit “Cycle Start” on your first real part, it pays to walk through a structured PathPilot getting started checklist. Doing a dry run—on the machine and in PathPilot HUB—helps you avoid crashes, broken tools, and wasted material, and sets you up for consistent results from the start.

1. Confirm Machine Setup and Safety

Before you think about G-code or toolpaths, verify the basics.

1.1 Check machine installation

Make sure the machine is:
- Fully assembled per Tormach’s instructions
- Level and solidly mounted
- Connected to proper power and grounded
Verify all covers, guards, and doors are installed correctly.
Confirm coolant and/or air supply (if used) are plumbed and functioning.

If you’re still setting up your Tormach, refer to the specific machine installation guide (for example, 770MX installation) before moving on.

1.2 Safety review

Know where the E‑stop and power switches are and test that they work.
Confirm limit switches and homing switches are connected and undamaged.
Remove any loose tools, wrenches, or gauges from the table and enclosure.
Wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.).

2. Get Comfortable with PathPilot (and PathPilot HUB)

PathPilot is designed to be approachable, especially if you’re new to CNC.

2.1 Practice in PathPilot HUB first

PathPilot features easy-to-use conversational software that lets you edit programs on the fly. You can sharpen your programming skills on PathPilot HUB, which allows you to test out PathPilot online.

Before cutting real material:

Log in or create your free membership on PathPilot HUB.
Load a sample program or create a simple conversational operation.
Practice:
- Navigating screens and tabs
- Loading, editing, and saving programs
- Using single-block and feed-hold functions
- Simulating motions and reading G-code

This is a risk-free way to learn how to program and create usable G-code before you ever spin a real spindle.

2.2 Watch the training playlists

Tormach’s YouTube PathPilot playlists walk you through the essentials:

PathPilot Playlist – Beginner setup with PathPilot
New to CNC? This series covers:
- Initial machine setup in PathPilot
- Tool tables and tool length entries
- Work offsets (like G54)
- First simple cuts, made step-by-step
PathPilot Playlist – Getting Comfortable with PathPilot
Once you understand the basics, this helps you:
- Build confidence with the interface
- Learn essential CNC skills
- Explore more of PathPilot’s features
PathPilot Playlist – Advanced CNC Machining with PathPilot
As you progress, this playlist shows:
- Advanced PathPilot functions
- Pro machining strategies
- Tips to make more precise and consistent parts

Even if you’re eager to cut, spending a bit of time with these videos will help you use PathPilot more smoothly on day one.

3. Verify Machine Communication and Homing

3.1 Power and connection check

Power on the machine and controller.
Launch PathPilot and confirm it detects your machine model correctly.
Check for any alarms or error messages and resolve them before proceeding.

3.2 Home all axes

Use the Home All function in PathPilot.
Verify each axis moves in the expected direction and hits its home switch.
Check that machine coordinates look reasonable after homing.

If motion looks wrong or noisy, resolve that before you ever load a tool.

4. Set Up and Check Your Tools

4.1 Plan your tool list

Before your first cut, decide:

Which tools you’ll use (e.g., 3/8" end mill, spot drill, drill bit, etc.).
Which tool numbers they’ll occupy in PathPilot.

Keep it simple for your first part—fewer tools means fewer variables to manage.

4.2 Load tools into holders or the spindle

Install tools into appropriate holders or the tool post/collet.
Make sure each tool is securely clamped, with sensible stick-out (not too long).

4.3 Build your PathPilot tool table

In PathPilot:

Open the Tool Table.
For each tool:
- Assign a tool number that matches what you plan to use in code.
- Enter tool type and diameter.
- Set tool length (see next step).

4.4 Set tool length offsets

Use whatever method is appropriate for your machine (e.g., tool setter, touch-off plate, or manual touch):

Carefully touch each tool off a known reference (such as the top of your vise or the machine table).
Record the length offset for each tool in the PathPilot tool table.
Double-check at least one tool to verify you’re consistent.

Accurate tool lengths are crucial to prevent crashing into your stock or fixtures.

5. Prepare Your Workholding and Stock

5.1 Mount your workholding

Install your vise, clamps, or fixture plate securely.
Tighten all bolts; verify nothing can move under cutting force.
Make sure your workholding is square to the machine axes if alignment matters for your part.

5.2 Prepare and secure your stock

Cut your stock to size, leaving some extra material if needed for cleanup.
Clamp it firmly:
- No rocking or shifting
- Clear of clamps in the cutter’s path
Ensure the top face and edges you plan to reference are reasonably flat and clean.

6. Set Your Work Coordinate System (Work Offsets)

To tell PathPilot where your part is located, you’ll set up a work offset (commonly G54).

6.1 Choose your origin

Decide where the program’s X, Y, Z zero will be (for example, top-front-left corner of your stock, or center of the part).

6.2 Touch off X and Y

Using a tool or an edge finder:

Jog slowly toward the chosen reference edges.
Touch off and update X and Y in the G54 (or other) work offset.
Verify that the DRO in PathPilot reflects the expected zero when you’re at the reference point.

6.3 Touch off Z

Use a known tool and a safe method (paper method, tool setter, or touch plate).
Touch the tool gently to your Z reference surface (stock top, vise top, etc.).
Set Z for your chosen work offset in PathPilot.
Retract and verify by returning to the Z reference and checking the DRO.

7. Load or Create Your Program

7.1 Start simple

For your first real cut, choose a very simple operation, such as:

Facing the top of the stock
A small pocket
A circular bore
A shallow engraving

This keeps risk low while you verify that your setup and PathPilot understanding are correct.

7.2 Create a program in PathPilot or CAM

You have two main options:

Conversational Programming in PathPilot
PathPilot’s conversational interface lets you:
- Define simple operations (face, pocket, drill, contour, etc.)
- Generate usable G-code with on-screen forms
- Edit programs on the fly
CAM‑generated G-code
If you use an external CAM system:
- Make sure the post-processor is configured for your Tormach machine and PathPilot.
- Check that tool numbers and work offsets in CAM match those in PathPilot.

7.3 Load the program in PathPilot

Use PathPilot’s File or Program interface to load your G-code file.
Verify the correct program is displayed.
Scroll through the code to look for obvious errors:
- Correct tools (T numbers)
- Expected work offset call (e.g., G54)
- Reasonable feed rates and spindle speeds

8. Simulate and Dry Run Before Cutting

8.1 Simulate toolpaths in PathPilot and/or CAM

Run any available preview or backplot in your CAM and in PathPilot.
Confirm:
- Clearance planes are high enough
- Rapid moves don’t pass through clamps or fixtures
- Depths and stepdowns are realistic for your material and tool

8.2 Dry run with the machine

Perform at least one dry run:

Remove or raise the Z so the tool is well above the stock.
Reduce feed and rapid overrides (e.g., 10–25%).
Run the program with no cutting:
- Watch the toolpath closely
- Confirm directions, positions, and clearances look right
Use single-block mode and feed hold liberally:
- Step through critical moves one line at a time
- Pause to check clearances and motion

If anything looks off, stop and correct the program or work offset before attempting a real cut.

9. Final Pre‑Cut Checklist

Run through this quick checklist right before your first real cut:

Machine is homed and shows no active alarms.
Correct program is loaded and has been simulated.
Tool table entries are correct (numbers, diameters, and lengths).
Work offset (e.g., G54) is set and verified.
Stock is clamped securely; all clamps are clear of the toolpath.
Coolant (if used) is available and aimed properly.
Spindle speed and feed rates are appropriate for:
- Material
- Tool diameter and number of flutes
- Depth of cut and step-over

10. Make Your First Real Cut (Safely)

When you’re ready:

Position the tool safely above the starting point.
Turn on spindle and coolant as needed.
Start the program with:
- Feed override turned down
- Hand on the E‑stop or feed hold
Watch the first few moves closely:
- Verify depth of cut is as expected
- Listen for unusual sounds (chatter, bogging, rubbing)
- Confirm chips look healthy (not dust or blue sparks)

Gradually bring feed and speed up only after you’re confident the setup and program are correct.

11. Keep Learning and Iterating

Your first successful cut is just the start. To keep improving:

Continue exploring PathPilot’s conversational tools to refine your programming.
Use PathPilot HUB regularly to test ideas and practice G-code without risk.
Work through:
- The Beginner setup with PathPilot playlist
- The Getting Comfortable with PathPilot playlist
- The Advanced CNC Machining with PathPilot playlist

As you build familiarity with PathPilot and your Tormach machine, this initial checklist will become second nature—and your parts will get faster, more precise, and more consistent.