Laguna IQ HHC User Manual

CNC ROUTER
Model IQ HHC

LAGUNA TOOLS

17101 Murphy Ave.
Irvine, California 92614
Ph: 800.234.1976
www.lagunatools.com

Part No. MCNC IQ HHC

© 2013 Laguna Tools, Inc. All rights reserved.

2

Dear Woodworker,
Thank you for your purchase and welcome to the Laguna Tools group of

discerning woodworkers. I understand that you have a choice of where to
purchase your machines and appreciate the confidence you have shown in
our products.

Every machine sold by Laguna Tools has been carefully designed and well
thought through from a woodworker’s perspective. I cut on our bandsaws,
lathes, table saws, combination machines and CNC Routers. Through my
hands-on experience, I work hard to make our machines better. I strive to
give you machines that inspire you to create works of art; machines that are
a joy to run and work on; machines that encourage your performance.

Today, we offer high-performance machines with innovative solutions that
meet the needs of woodworkers and their ever-evolving craft.

I started Laguna Tools as a woodworker; I still am one.
Thank you again for becoming a Laguna Tools customer.

Torben Helshoj
President and Founder - Laguna Tools
Imagination, Innovation and Invention at work.

3

Page number

Safety Rules

4

Warranty

5

Noise emission

6

Specification sheet

6

Receiving your IQ Machine

7

Glossary of terms

9

Introduction to your IQ Machine

9

Parts of your IQ Machine

11

Where to locate your IQ Machine

11

Unpacking your IQ Machine

11

Assembly and set up

11

Control button functions

17

Getting Started

22

Maintenance and troubleshooting

25

Table of contents

4

Safety Rules
As with all machinery there are certain hazards involved with the operation

and use of your machine. Using it with caution will considerably lessen the
possibility of personal injury. However, if normal safety precautions are
overlooked or ignored, personal injury to the operator may result. If you
have any questions relating to the installation and operation, do not use the
equipment until you have contacted your supplying distributor.

Read the following carefully and fully before operating the machine.

1. Keep the working area clean and ensure adequate lighting is
available.

2. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, necklaces or
ornaments.

3. Do wear face, eye, respiratory and body protection devices as
indicated for the operation or environment.

4. Ensure that the power is disconnected from the machine before tools
are serviced or any attachment is to be fitted or removed.

5. Never leave the machine with the power on.

6. Do not use dull, gummy or cracked cutting tools.

7. Ensure that the keys and adjusting wrenches have been removed and
all the nuts and bolts are secured.

5

Limited Warranty

New woodworking machines sold by Laguna Tools carry a one-year warranty from
the date of shipping. Laguna Tools guarantees all new machines sold to be free of
manufacturers’ defective workmanship, parts, and materials.

We will repair or replace, without charge, any parts determined by Laguna Tools,
Inc. to have a manufacturer's defect. We require the defective item/part to be
returned to Laguna Tools, Inc. In the event the item/part is determined to have
been damaged due to lack of maintenance, cleaning or misuse/abuse, the
customer will be responsible for the cost of replacement of the item/part, plus all
related shipping charges.

This limited warranty does not apply to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, normal
wear and tear, product failure due to lack of maintenance or cleaning, damage
caused by accident, neglect, lack of or inadequate dust collection, misuse/abuse
or damage caused when repair or alterations have been made or attempted by
others.

Laguna Tools, Inc. is not responsible for additional tools or modifications sold or
performed [other than from/by Laguna Tools, Inc.] on any Laguna Tools, Inc.
woodworking machine. Warranty may be voided upon the addition of such tools
and/or modifications, determined on a case-by-case basis.

Normal user alignment, adjustment, tuning and machine settings are not
covered by this warranty. It is the responsibility of the user to understand
basic woodworking machinery settings and procedures and to properly maintain
the equipment in accordance with the standards provided by the manufacturer.

Parts under warranty are shipped at Laguna Tools, Inc.'s cost either by
common carrier, FedEx ground service or similar method.

Technical support to install replacement parts is primarily provided by phone, fax,
or e-mail. The labor required to install replacement parts is the responsibility of the
user.

Laguna Tools is not responsible for damage or loss caused by a freight company
or other circumstances not in our control.

Only new machines sold to the original owner are covered by this warranty.
For warranty repair information, call 1-800-332-4094.

Copyright 2010 Laguna Tools, Inc
** Warning – no portion of these materials may be reproduced without written

approval from Laguna Tools, Inc.

6

Noise emission.

Motor

2 HP 220v / 20 amp single phase

Spindle

1 or 3 Phase Industrial Induction Spindle, Liquid Cooled

Spindle RPM

5,000 – 24,000 RPM

Controller

Laguna HHC controller

Ball Screw

On all Axis

Gantry Clearance

6 inches [152mm]

Machine Work Table

24 ½ inches x 35 ½ inches [622mm x 901mm]

Machine Foot Print

60 inches x 37 inches 1524mm x 940mm]

Work Envelope

23.5in X 34.5in [597mm x 876mm]

Weight

425lb [193kg]

Notes concerning noise emission:
Given that there exists a relationship between noise level and exposure times, it is

not precise enough to determine the need for supplementary precautions. The
factors affecting the true level of exposure to operators are clearly the amount of
time exposed; the characteristics of working environment; other sources of dust
and noise, etc. For example, adjacent machines may impact the level of ambient
noise. It is also possible that exposure level limits will vary from country to country.

Specification sheet.

Receiving your machine.
Note: It is probable that your machine will be delivered by a third party. Before

you unpack your new machine, you will first need to inspect the packing, invoice,
and shipping documents supplied by the driver.

Ensure that there is no visible damage to the packing, or the machine. You must
do this prior to the driver leaving. All damage must be noted on the delivery
documents and signed by you and the delivery driver. You must then contact the
seller, [Laguna Tools] within 24 hours.

Note: Laguna Tools, Inc. endeavors to test each machine prior to shipping and
you may find sawdust in or on your machine.

7

Glossary of terms.
Ball End Milling Cutter - A milling cutter that has a rounded cutting diameter at

its end that is equal to the cutting diameter.
DXF file - Drawing exchange Format file that was created as a standard to freely

exchange 2 and 3 dimensional drawings between different CAD programs. It
basically represents a shape as a wire frame mesh of x, y, z coordinates (vectors).

Encoder - Typically an optical device that consists of a disk with 100 to1000 holes
on its periphery. The most common is the incremental encoder that has a small
LED light source on one side of the disk with a diode detector on the other to allow
the disk rotation to be monitored in discrete incremental steps. Hence, a full
revolution can be broken up into 100's or even 1000's of position steps.

G-Code - The standard machine tool language around the world. It generally
consists of specifying the x, y, z (and a, b or c) coordinates that the machine is to
move to. Such movement can be linear, circular or even special drilling
operations. It is the universal language of all modern machine tools (mills, lathes,
edm machines etc.).

M-code - The standard machine tool codes that are normally used to switch on
the spindle, coolant or auxiliary devices. They can also be used for G-code
program control such as repeating the program or ending it.

Servo Motor - A motor that is typically a brush or brushless DC type with an
optical encoder attached to it. It is used in what is called a Servo Loop system
where positioning information is constantly tracked by minimizing the error
between the commanded and real position.

Step Motor - A motor that derives its motion by receiving input signals (pulses) in
a very specific sequence. The most common type is one that rotates 1.8 degrees
for each input pulse. This provides a very simple way of controlling motion very
precisely with the use of common digital logic circuitry.

STL file - Stereo Lithography file format that has traditionally been associated with
Stereo Lithography prototyping machines, but is now also being used to represent
3D surfaces for CNC tool path generating programs.

Tool Path - A series of vector coordinate positions that define a cutting path. This
cutting path can be a simple 2D or sophisticated 3D (even 4D or more) path used
to machine out the shape of a desired part.

Vector - A line that has both length and direction. It is usually specified by a
starting x, y, z coordinate position and ending x, y, z coordinate position.

DRO – Digital Read Outs, shows the axis positions in the interface.

8

MDI – Manual Data Entry, used for entering commands manually, line by line.
CAD – Computer Aided Design, the using of computers to assist and develop

design.
CAM – Computer Aided Manufacturing, the use of computers to assist in

manufacturing.

CNC – Computer Numerical Control.
Command – A signal or series of signals that initiates one step or series of steps

in the execution of a program.
Feed Rate – F A multi character code containing the letter F followed by digits

that determine the machines rate of movement.

H.M.I - Human Machine Interface.
O.I.T – Operator Interface Terminal.

9

Gantry Router Spindle

Bed frame

Router Spindle Gantry Ball screw

Introduction to IQ machines.

The IQ is designed to give you years of safe service. Read this owner’s manual in
its entirety before assembly or use.

The advantage of the IQ machine is that it can, in most cases, fully machine the
complete job without it being removed from the table so that you have finished
parts of high accuracy that are totally repeatable.

It can, with the purchase of the relevant software, also produce intricate carvings.
Nesting is also a valuable feature of IQ machining that saves on waste and cost.
It is possible to reduce the amount of different machines in the shop as the IQ will

perform multiple functions and is a must for serious wood workers.

Parts of the IQ machine.

1. Bed.

The bed of the machine consists of

a heavy steel frame and a “T-Slot”

Table. The “T” slots are used to

clamp the job or fixtures to the bed.
The bed is covered in plastic strips.

2. Gantry.

The gantry straddles the bed and
carries the router spindle motion
system. It is moved along the length
of the bed by linear rails controlled
by the machine controller.

3. Router Spindle.

The router spindle is moved along
the gantry by a precision ball screw
system that is controlled by the
machine controller.

4. Frame.

The frame is a heavy Steel tubular
construction that supports all the
other parts of the machine.

10

5. Hand held controller & electrical control box.

Hand held

controller

Electrical control box

Caterpillar track

Water pump

The Hand held controller controls all the functions of the
IQ. The electrical control box is attached to the machine
by a flexible conduit and can be located close to the
machine [on a shelf under the machine].

6. Caterpillar track.

The caterpillar track runs along
the side of the machine in a
trough and carries all the
electrical cables and the spindle
cooling tubes

7. Water pump.

The water pump provides coolant for the router spindle
motor. Running the router spindle without the cooling
pump running can lead to spindle bearing failure.

Additional instructions for the use of the IQ.

Like all machines, there is danger associated with the
machine. Injury is frequently caused by lack of
knowledge or familiarity. Use this machine with respect.
If normal safety precautions are overlooked or ignored,
serious personal injury may occur. As the IQ is under
the control of the onboard machine controller, it is
important that you are clear of the cutter when operating
the machine.

11

Where to locate your Machine

The IQ is table mounted [TABLE NOT SUPPLIED]. The table must be of a robust
construction as the IQ is heavy and need to be adequately supported. The table
should have a shelf to support the electrical control box. Before you unpack your
machine, select the area where you will use your machine. There are no hard and
fast rules for its location but here are a few guidelines:

1. There should be an area around the machine suitable for the length of wood
that you will be machining.

2. Adequate lighting: the better the lighting, the more accurately and safely
you will be able to work.

3. Solid floor: you should select a solid flat floor, preferably concrete or
something similar.

4. Situate the machine close to the power source and dust collection.
Unpacking the machine

To unpack your machine you will need tin snips, a knife and a wrench.

1. Using the tin snips, cut the banding that is securing the machine to the
pallet [if fitted].

WARNING: EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE USED AS THE
BANDING WILL SPRING AND COULD CAUSE INJURY.

2. Remove the box from the IQ machine [if fitted] and any other packaging

material. The parts ordered with the machine will be packed on or inside the
machine.
Note: The machine is heavy, and if you have any doubt about the
described procedure, seek professional assistance. Do not attempt any
procedure that you feel is unsafe, or that you do not have the physical capability of
achieving.

3. Use a fork lift with sufficient lifting capacity and forks that are long enough to
reach the complete width of the machine.

4. Remove the securing bolts that attach the machine to the pallet [if fitted].

5. Approaching the machine from the side, lift the machine on the frame taking

care that there are no cables or pipes in the area of the forks.

6. Move the machine to the required position and lower it gently to the support
table.

7. Level the machine so that all the supporting feet are taking the weight of the
machine and no rocking is taking place.

Assembly & set up.
Assembling the hand held controller.

The IQ comes almost fully assembled with the exception of the water pump
[optional], Hand held controller, dust hood, touch off puck and connecting the
electrical supply.

12

Leveling the IQ.

Connection conduit Electrical cable

Coolant pipe 90 Deg pipe fitting

It is suggested that the machine is mounted on a strong table . You might find that
it is an advantage to mount the IQ on rubber pads [not supplied] to act as anti
vibration mounts. This will be dependent on your set up.

Electrical connections for the machine.

The main power cable may not have a plug fitted as it will be dependent on your
installation. Ensure that when installing the electrical supply to the machine that
220v single phase is supplied.
It is recommended that you use a 20
amp breaker.

Note: When wiring the machine to
your electrical system, keep your
cable as short as possible. The cable
should not be allowed to run along
the floor, as this will cause a trip
hazard.

Note: A qualified electrician must carry out the electrical installation.
Water cooled spindles.

Water cooled spindles will be provided with a 110volt spindle cooling pump. It is
suggested that you power the submersible pump with a GFI protected cord or
outlet. The submersible pump needs to be submerged in a minimum 5 gallon
reservoir of water [the bigger the water tank the better]. The pump MUST be
running prior to switching on the spindle. Never run the spindle without cooling, or
the spindle will be damaged or destroyed. (WITHOUT WATER FLOWING
THROUGH THE SPINDLE THE SPINDLE WILL OVERHEAT AND FAIL).

Connecting the water pipes to the
machine.

There are two water tubes that come out
of the caterpillar track. These are used
to provide cooling for the liquid-cooled
router spindle.

Note: Never run the motor without the
cooling being connected or the motor
could be damaged.

13

You will connect one tube to the water

Pump in water container

Dust hood Connect dust hose

pump and the other will be placed in the
water container for the return water.
It is not important which pipe is used as
the return.
Fit the 90 degree connector to the pump.
Connect one of the pipes to the water
pump by pushing it into the 90 deg
connector. Lightly pull on the pipe to
ensure that it is connected correctly.
Fill a container about ¾ full with clean
water.
Note: You will need to provide a coolant
tank with a minimum capacity of 5
gallons. If the shop temperature is high,
the tank size will need to be larger. If your shop is likely to be subject to freezing
temperatures antifreeze must be added to the cooling water.
Lower the water pump into the container ensuring that it is the correct way up
[water inlet lowest] and place the water return pipe into the container.
The logical position for the water container is close to the caterpillar track. Ensure
that it is close to the machine as you do not want to kick the container and spill the
water.
Once the assembly is complete and the water pump electrical connection has
been made, [plug the pump into the machine water pump socket] lift the water
return pipe up and check that the water is flowing.
Place the lid onto the container to keep dust and dirt out of the container.
Check the container periodically as the water will evaporate.

Note: If the spindle is run without cooling, it could be damaged and fail.
Fitting the dust hood.

Connect the dust hood to the spindle
and tighten the clamping screw.
Connect the dust extraction hose to
the dust hood.

14

Fitting touch off puck.

Puck socket Touch off puck

Spindle nut Collet

Collet fitted to

spindle nut

The touch off puck is plugged in to the
socket on the trough as shown.
The puck is magnetic to allow it to be
stored in a convenient place on the
machine.

Fitting the router bit into the router
head.
Note: Before changing or fitting the

router bit always disconnect the power
to the machine.
Note: Collets & spindle collet holes
must be cleaned regularly. Ensure that the slots
in the collet are free of sawdust as sawdust builds
up and will stop the collet compressing. If the
collets or spindle holes are not clean, the router
bit may not run true and this will affect the
performance of your machine.

1. Select a router bit and its relevant collet.

2. Fit the collet into the spindle nut. Press the

collet into the spindle nut until it snaps into place.
Note: The router bit must not be fitted into the collet until the collet has been fitted

into the spindle nut. With the router bit fitted into the collet, the collet cannot
compress and snap into the spindle nut.
The face of the collet and the face of the spindle nut will be close to flush.
Note: To remove the collet hold the spindle nut and press
the collet on the side. The collet will compress and pop
out. Do not try and remove the collet while a cutter is fitted
as the collet will not compress and pop out.

3. Fit the spindle nut and collet assembly onto the spindle
thread by hand.

4. Press the bit into the collet but note, the flute of the
router bit must not be inside the collet and should be a
minimum of 1/16 “ outside the collet. Hold the router
spindle with the supplied wrench and tighten the collet with
a second wrench. Do not over tighten.

15

Note: Use this process for all other router bits that you

Tightening the

spindle nut

Router bits

need to fit, but note, you will have to change the collet if
the shank of the router bit is a different size.

Types of router bits.

There are five basic types of router bits: straight,
up shear, down shear, combination [also called
compression], and form tools [round over, ogee, etc.].

1. Straight Router Bits
These are the standard router bits that are commonly used
with handheld routers and are readily available at home
centers.

2. Up Shear Router Bits
These bits have flutes that are spiraled upward [a standard
twist drill is an example of this type of bit]. This bit design
removes the chips from the kerf but has a tendency to chip
the top surface, especially veneers or melamine surfaces.

Ball Nose Router Bits are a variation of the up shear bit
design but have a radiuses end. These bits are typically
used for 3D surfacing applications.

3. Down Shear Router Bits
These bits are similar to the up shear but with an opposite spiral that tends to
pack the chips into the kerf. These bits prevent chipping the material surface,
especially with veneers or melamine surfaces.

4. Combination [Compression] Router Bits
These bits combine the advantages of both up shear and down shear designs.
The top section of the tool is down shear to prevent chipping the top surface of the
material and the lower part of the bit is up shear to prevent chipping the bottom
surface of the material.

Combination Router Bits are the preferred configuration for machining veneered
plywood as well as melamine surfaced products. A variation of the bit is called the

“Mortising Compression” router bit. With this bit, the up shear portion of the bit is
less than ¼” in length so that the bit can be used on ¼” veneered plywood and for

dados.

5. Form Router Bits
Form Router Bits typically are available in standard profiles such as round over,
ogee, etc. Router bits that have a shape associated with them would be classified
with this group.

16

Cleaning the IQ.

Clean off any protection grease with WD40 or something similar. Re-lubricate the
IQ with a Teflon based lubricant or wax. The machine has steel parts that if not
protected will rust. Teflon has a tendency to dry and has fewer tendencies to
accumulate dust and dirt.
Use TRI-FLOW TEFLON lubricant or equivalent to lubricate the ball screws, wipe
off any excess to reduce dirt and dust acumination.

DO’S AND DON’TS.

1. DO verify water level in the spindle reservoir.

2. DO lubricate all ball screws every 8 hours of run, use a thin spray lubricant with

Teflon like TRI-FLOW or equivalent.

3. DO keep your collets clean, fine dust builds up and they get tight.

4. When doing carving work it is necessary to use a much larger volume

of water for the spindle cooling reservoir.

5. DO NOT ever under any circumstances reach over the table, or obstruct the
movement of the gantry while the machine is powered, or running a program.

6. ALWAYS press in the E-stop button on the control box and turn off main power
prior to changing tooling or working on the spindle. Remember to clear alarms
caused by the e-stop button on the alarm pages after the e-stop has been
removed.

7. ALWAYS remove main power prior to working on, or servicing the spindles
water pump and or reservoir.

8. The (E-STOP) button MUST be out before turning on the main power [Twist
and it will pop out].

Assembling the hand held controller.
Note. Never use a memory stick with a greater capacity than 256 MB. If you do it

will crash your machine computer. It is strongly suggested that you purchase
additional memory sticks and mark them CNC machine use only

Fit the cable to the controller and ensure that the screws are finger tight.
Note. The cable has plugs at both ends that are different. The plug with the
screws fits into the controller. The other plug fits into the cabinet socket.
Push the plug in to the cabinet socket and it will snap into position. Give the cable
a light tug to ensure that the plug has snapped into position.

17

Cabinet socket

Controller cable fitted to cabinet
socket

Controller

Memory stick

Controller button functions.
Note. Controller may vary form that shown.
X+ / 1 = Moves the gantry in the X direction away from the home end of the bed.
Y+ / 2 = Moves the gantry in the Y direction away from the home end of the bed.
Z+ / 3 = Moves the router head in the Z [Up direction] away from the table surface.
XY-0 / 4 = Sets machine “Origin”.
X- / 5 = Moves the gantry in the X direction towards the home end of the bed.
Y- / 6 = Moves the router head in the Y direction towards the home end of the

bed.

Z- / 7 = Moves the router head in the Z [Down direction] towards the table surface.
Z-0 / 8 = Used set the tool to the “Zero” surface (tool “touch-off”).

18

HOME / 9= Causes the machine to move to the “Home” position, First in the Z

Emergency stop button

Start button

axis, followed by X and then Y. (Home is a mechanically determined position
using mechanical switches/sensors.)

HIGH/LOW / 0 = Toggles jogging speeds between High and Low ranges.
ONOFF/. = Turns the Router Spindle On and Off.
MENU / _ = Provides access to various setup features.
ORIGIN /OK = Use to accept commands (“On”). Origin causes machine to the

machines “Origin”.

MODE = Toggles between the three jogging modes: Continuous, Step or
Distance].
RUN PAUSE / DELETE = Used to load a program from either the USB drive or
internal memory. While the program is running, causes the Operation to “Pause”.

STOP / CANCEL = Stops a running program. Also used to cancel commands.
Turning on the machine.

Note: Before you turn on the machine remove all

tools and other objects from the machine table.

Release the emergency stop by twisting clock
wise and it will pop out.

Press the green start button that will turn power on to
the machine.
Pressing the green button will also power the
controller and the display will light up.
The screen will display “Go to Home?
Make sure that the table surface is clear of
obstructions and press the green Origin/OK button.

The router head will move to the home position
on the table.
Note: Home is a mechanical position that is a
constant that is determined by switches on each
of the 3 axes.
X+= Across (from left-to-right when standing in
front of the machine)
Y+ = Length (from front-to-back when standing in
front of the machine)..
Z+= vertical (up).
By pressing HIGH LOW / 0 and MENU / - the
display will change to AX=0, AY=0, and AZ=0.
When the X, Y and Z have an A in front, this
denotes that the dimensions displayed are in

reference to the machine’s home position. When

the X, Y, and Z values are displayed with a
number (1-9) this indicated the dimensional
relationship of the machine from the machine
“Origin”.

19

To move the router head.

There are 3 different methods of moving the router head.

1. Continuous mode. Press the mode button until Continuous is displayed. The
display will show [bottom row of the screen] the changing location of the router
head as it moves location. By holding X+ button down the machine will move
constantly until the button is released. This is the same for X-, Y+, Y-, Z+ and Z-.
The “High/Low” button determines the speed of the jogging moves.

2. Step mode. Press the mode button until step is displayed. With step selected,
each time X, or Y button is pressed it will move the router head by 0.5mm in high
setting and 0.1mm in the low setting.

3. Distance mode. Pressing the mode button a third time and Distance is
displayed. This allows you to input a position into the controller that you want the
router spindle to move to. As an example, if you want to move the router spindle
100 mm from the home position in the X and / or Y axis.

1. Press the mode button until Distance is displayed.

2. Type in 100 and press OK

3. Pressing the X+= button will now move the router 100mm in the X+ axis.

The router head also move the set distance in the X+, X-, Y+ and Y- depending on
the button that is pressed.
To move the router head in the Z axis press the Z+= / 3 [ UP] or the Z- / 7 button
[DOWN].
By pressing any of the other X, Y or Z + or – buttons the router head will move
100mm in the selected direction.

Jogging Speed.

You can select between a Low or High speed. By pressing the HIGH LOW / 0
button you can toggle between the two speeds. The High speed jog setting is
approximately 4 times the speed of Low speed jog setting.

Setting the work envelope.

The Work Envelope is a volume that defines the
movement limits of the router spindle. The X0, Y0
corner of the work envelope is determined by the

machine’s Home Position. The X+ and Y+ limits of

the work envelope are determined by the “Table

Size: Settings (MENU/MACHINE SETUP/TABLE

SIZE) and provide the “soft limits” for the machine.

The Table Size settings prevent the possibility of the
spindle assembly/gantry from being jogged into the
machine’s frame.

Insure that the controller display is indicating the

“Machine Coordinates”. Those numbers correspond

to the machine Home position that is determined by
physical limit switches. Machine Coordinates are
indicated on the screen by the designation “AX, AY,

20

or AZ”. I the Machine Coordinates are not being displayed, depressing the

HIGH/LOW and MENU buttons together will toggle between the machine
coordinates and ORIGIN coordinates. (e.g. 1-9).

1. Select Low Speed by pressing the HIGH LOW / 0 button. Select Continuous by

press the mode button until “Continuous” is displayed. The display will show the

position of the router head as it changes at the bottom of the display.
Move the router spindle to the home position by pressing the Home button.

2. Move the router head to the max X position by pressing X+ button until the
router spindle stops and note the displayed AX= value.

3. Press the Y+ button and hold until the router gantry stops moving, note the
displayed AY value.
.

4. Typically on the Laguna IQ CNC machine the work envelope is 24½" x 35½"

5. Machining can only be performed if the tool path centerlines fall within the work

envelope.
If an error message is displayed while trying to execute a program indicating an

over travel error in one of the Axes, executing the program would require that a

tool path fall outside of the machine’s Work Envelope. PLEASE NOTE THAT
THE SELECTION OF THE “ORIGIN” ALSO EFFECTS PLACEMENT OF THE

PROGRAM WITHIN THE WORK ENVELOPE.
Re setting the origin point.

1. Bring the router head to the origin point by pressing origin button.

2. Lower the router bit by pressing Z= so that it is just above the spoil board.

Note the position of the tip of the router bit point and you will probably find the
origin point will have to be adjusted.

3. Jog the point over so that it lines up with the edge of the spoil board in the X
axis.

4. Jog the point over so that it lines up with the edge of the spoil board in the Y
axis.

5. Reset the origin point by pressing the top right hand button XY-0 / 4 this will set
the origin and the machine has a new datum point.

21

Setting the Z origin point [tool touch off].

Touch off puck

The machine needs to know when the router bit
is just touching the top of the spoil board. When
you fit the router bit into the collet the tip of the
router bit will be at a different height above the
spoil board and will have to be zeroed.

Automatic Z origin point [tool touch off].

The machine is provided with an automatic tool
height adjustment. Place the contact button on
the clean spoil board directly under the cutter.
To activate the automatic tool height adjustment
press Menu and On/Off at the same time on the
control pad. This will cause the cutter to move
slowly down. Once the cutter touches the contact
button, electrical contact is made and the cutter
will move up and away from the contact button.
The machine now knows the height of the cutter.

Manual Z origin point [tool touch off].

1. Fit a flat bottom router bit to the spindle.

2. Jog [Z] the tip of the tool down so that it is just

above the top of the spoil board using the
CONTINUOUS button.

3. Step down in slow mode [0.1mm 0.004” each
time the button is pressed] while turning the
router collet by hand in the reverse direction.
As you feel pressure, stop jogging down.
Note: Do not turn the router bit by hand, as it is
sharp and could cause injury. Only turn the
collet.

4. Select the distance mode and enter 0.0254mm
[0.0001”] Press Z+ [UP] and rotate the cutter in
the reverse direction until the cutter is free to
move and there is no drag. The cutter is now
within 0.001” above the spoil board.

5. Once the router bit is at Zero press the Z-0 / 8
button to set the zero point.

6. Jog the router bit up or press the origin button to move the router bit up and to
the origin point.

Loading a program into the machine.

The controller has a USB slot located to the top.

1. Load your program into your USB drive.

2. Fit the USB into the USB slot in the controller.

3. Press the button RUN PAUSE/ DELETE. The display will show U disc.

4. Press the OK button. This will load onto the screen what is in the USB drive.

22

5. Use the arrow keys to select the file that you need to load into the controller.

Drink on spoil board

Spoil board

6. Select, then press OK button.

7. Once the code / program has been down loaded the machine will start to

operate.
Note. Ensure that you are clear of the machine as the spindle will start to turn and
could cause injury.

8. The router will just cut the surface of the spoil board the distance that you set in
the design software, [We suggest 1.6mm [1/16”]] and cut the outline of the job.
This will give you the location of the part on the spoil board.

Getting Started.
Note: Before you turn on the machine remove all tools and other objects from the

machine table.

Release the emergency stop by twisting clock wise and it will pop out.

1. Have 220volts, 20 amps, of 1 phase power wired to the machine.

2. Make sure the water reservoir is full and the submersible pump is circulating

water through the spindle.

3. Make sure the E-stop button is released, (twist to release) before turning the
power on.

4. Power machine.

5. After the touch screen has fully booted it is required that the machine be homed

before any other function is allowed.
Note: All measurements and actions are based on the home switch locations.
Homing gives the machine a starting point reference.

Note: Some of the photographs in the following section of the manual are not the
IQ machine but the principle that they show is the same for all IQ/CNC machines

Precautions regarding spoil boards.

The spoil board is porous when the melamine has
been cut through, and will absorb moisture. As
moisture is absorbed the dimensions of the board
will change. In general this will not be a problem
as the changes from day to day are not
significant. Also the changes will, in general, be
over the complete board. There are however
exceptions. Your morning coffee can do a great
deal of damage if spilt. If water etc. is spilt, it will
be absorbed into the board and make the board
grow in that area. Do not allow the board to
become wet. If an accident should happen,
remove the board from the machine and allow to
dry. This may take several days. Replace the
board with a new board. Once the board has
completely dried it may possible to skim the board

23

and re-use it, but the likelihood is that it is scrap.

Clamp holding spoil
board

Fitting a spoil board.

The machine is supplied with sacrificial plastic strips
on the bed. The strips are designed so that they will
not damage the cutter should it come in contact.
The plastic strips have not been machined as some
movement may take place during shipping. The strips
may have slight dents and marks but this is not
important as they will be removed when you fly cut the
surface. Only cut 1/6" of an inch should you decide to
fly cut the sacrificial board.
A second option is to fit a spoil board and then fly cut
the spoil board. The down side is that this will detract
from the maximum height that the machine can
accommodate, but this should not be a problem as the
cutter length and job thickness is usually far less than
the gantry clearance.
It is recommended that the plastic sacrificial strips are not machined and that a
sacrificial board is attached to the plastic strips with double sided tape and fly cut.
The board can be re fly cut as it becomes damaged and once it has become too
thin it can be discarded and replaced with a new board.

Note: When cleaning the table and the spoil board, do not brush but only use a
vacuum or a blower.

1. Clean the bed of the machine to remove dirt, dust or wood chips. Apply double
sided tape to the bed of the machine. You will need to apply a minimum of three
or four strips of double sided tape to the bed of the machine of sufficient length so
that the spoil board is attached along its complete length.

2. Clean the spoil board so the surface will adhere to the double sided tape.

3. Remove the backing from the double sided tape.

4. With 2 people lift the spoil board over the table and lower so that the spoil board

is parallel with the edges of the table.

5. Lower and press down so that the double sided tape sticks to the spoil board.
Do not worry if the spoil board is not perfectly aligned with the edges of the table.

The clamps can also be used to clamp the spoil board to the bed of the machine.
This is not the recommended method. When using the clamps, place a piece of
packing under the jacking bolt to protect the bed of the machine.

24

Fitting a job to the spoil board.

Double sided tape

inside job outline

Wide blade putty knife Job

Packing Clamp

You can use double sided tape to attach the job to the
spoil board. If you are using double sided tape, ensure
that the spoil board and the job are clean and do not
have sawdust or chips as this will affect the ability of
the tape to hold the job securely. Only use the smallest
amount of double sided tape that will hold the job
securely as it will make it easier to remove the job once
machined. You can also fit blanks to the spoil board by
using clamps, Jigs, screwing to the spoil board or other
methods. The precautions that must be taken when
using methods other than double sided tape, is that the
clamps, screws etc must not be in the cutting area or
the area that the spindle will travel.

Removing the job from the
spoil board.

Lever the job off the spoil board
with a wide blade putty knife or
something similar.

Fitting the job to the table using the T slots.

You may find it convenient to clamp the job to the
spoil board with the table clamps. This attachment
method can only be used if the outside edges are not
being machined.
When using the clamps, place a piece of packing
under the jacking bolt to protect the bed of the
machine.

25

Maintenance.

Collet fitted to

spindle nut

As with any machine, to ensure optimal performance you must conduct regular
maintenance.

Lubrication.

You must regularly [Minimum every 12 hours] lubricate the bearing surfaces and
the ball screws. Use a thin Lithium spray or a Teflon based spray lubrication.
Spray daily and wipe off the excess.

Daily checks.

1. Clean the machine and lubricate unpainted surfaces

with a Teflon lubricant. Wipe off any excess and buff with a
dry polishing cloth. This will reduce the likelihood of rust
forming.

2. Check cutter teeth for chips and dullness.

3. Generally inspect the machine for damage and loose or

worn parts.

4. Collets & spindle collet holes must be cleaned regularly.
Ensure that the slots in the collets are free of sawdust as
sawdust builds up and will stop the collet compressing. If
the collet or spindle holes are not clean, the router bit may
not run true and this will affect the performance of your
machine.

Weekly checks.

1. Clean the cutters.

2. Check cutter teeth for chips and dullness.

3. Generally inspect the machine for damage and loose or worn parts.

4. Check the dust extraction for blockages as any large bits could cause

blockages.

5. Replace the water every week.

6. Rotate the water pipes every week. [Inlet to out let and reverse for the other

pipe.
This will clean out any dirt etc that is acuminating inside the cooling system.

7. Check that all the electrical connectors are fitted correctly and are not loose.

8. Check that all the motor couplers are connected and that the screws are tight.

26

Troubleshooting.
Machine will not start.

1. Check that the start switch is being pressed full in.

2. Check that the red stop switch is fully out.

3. Check that the electrical power cord is plugged into the power outlet.

4. Check that the electrical supply is on [reset the breaker].

5. With the power disconnected from the machine, check the wiring to the plug is

correct. Check that the rubber insulation is stripped enough and is not causing a
bad connection. Check that all the screws are tight.

The machine will not stop.

This is a very rare occurrence as the machine is designed to fail-safe. If it should
occur and you cannot fix the fault, seek professional assistance. The machine
must be disconnected from the power and never run until the fault has been
rectified.

1. Internal breaker faulty. Replace the breaker.
Motor tries to start but will not turn.

1. With the power disconnected from the machine, try to turn the spindle by hand.

If the spindle will not turn, check the reason for the jamming.

2. Motor faulty. Replace the motor.

3. Spindle run without coolant. Replace the motor.
Motor overheats.

Typical reasons are dull cutting tools, no water in the coolant tank, blockage in the
coolant pipe and excessive ambient temperature.

Squeaking noise.

1. Check the bearings.
Spindle slows down during a cut.

1. Dull cutting tools. Replace the tool or have it re-sharpened.

2. Feeding the wood too fast. Slow down the feed rate.

3. Cutter feeds and spindle speed are not correct. adjust the feeds and speeds.
Machine vibrates.

1. Machine not level on the bench. Re-level the machine ensuring that it has no

movement.

LAGUNA TOOLS

17101 Murphy Ave.

Irvine, California 92614

Ph: 800.234.1976

www.lagunatools.com

© 2013 Laguna Tools, Inc. All rights reserved.