Resources
Install Checklist
A practical install checklist for a desktop CNC or light mill, from bench space and extraction to power, levelling and first-run checks.
How the Install Checklist works on a bench-top CNC week
Install Checklist is a bench-ready guide for setting up a desktop CNC or light mill properly. It runs through space, extraction, power, levelling and first-run checks so a machine starts in a workshop that is actually prepared for it.
Begin with the bench, not the spindle. Measure clear width, depth and height, then check where chips, dust and the control box will sit once the machine is in place. In South African workshops, plug position, extractor routing and power-cut backup often matter as much as the cutter or material.
Take a photo of the install area before anything is moved onto the bench. That image helps record cable runs, wall sockets, extraction access and any obstructions near the machine footprint. Keep one printed copy of the checklist near the machine so levelling, clamping and first power-on checks are not skipped.
Bench, power and extraction
The checklist covers the workshop details that affect first setup. It prompts for bench rigidity, machine clearance, mains supply, extraction connection and basic levelling points. Use it to confirm the space is ready before the crate is opened and the machine is lifted into position.
Send power information and any setup snags. Include the machine position, plug point, extractor plan and the bench surface in that note. Before first cut, compare the delivered machine, accessories and paperwork with the checklist so nothing is missed during installation.
- Bench size and access checked
- Power, plugs and extension risks noted
- Photos filed with setup notes
Workshop conditions that matter
A desktop CNC needs more than an empty corner. Note dust sources, extractor capacity, nearby traffic, storage for tooling and whether the bench shifts under load. If the machine is going into a school, shared maker space or small production room, record who will handle cleaning, shutdown and daily checks.
Coastal humidity can affect rust prevention, while inland dust quickly builds up around rails, fans and workholding areas. Unstable power changes how you plan a first run, especially on longer jobs or where a UPS supports only the control side. Good installation starts with real workshop conditions, not an ideal sketch of the room.
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First-run checks worth recording
Send the install checklist with site photos, power details, and any snags found before first cut. Keep the subject line clear and factual.
Write down the machine level, spoilboard condition, extraction connection and emergency stop check on the day of install. Add the first material used, the cutter fitted and any unusual vibration or noise heard during test movement. Those notes make later troubleshooting far easier when settings or workholding need to be reviewed.