Plan Your First CNC Part: From Drawing to Inspection | Beginner Lesson 13

Your first CNC part starts with a plan. Learn how to turn a simple drawing into a machining plan in Lesson 13 of the Know-How Compass beginner CNC mill series. Using an aluminum practice plate with two through holes, we connect drawing requirements, material selection, workholding, tools, programming, and inspection. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to: • Review dimensions, tolerances, material, and drawing notes • Plan machining allowance and setup order • Choose a coordinate origin and locate hole centers • Organize tools and check holder clearance • Account for drill-point breakthrough and support clearance • Review the program before the first run • Plan checks for part size and hole location Practice assignment: Create a planning sheet for the example part and identify any unanswered questions before machining begins. This is a classroom planning example, not a machine-ready program. Follow your machine’s instructions and approved shop procedures. Subscribe to Know-How Compass and continue with Lesson 14: Setup Sheets and Tool Lists. Practical skills. Clear lessons. #CNCMachining #CNCForBeginners #CNCMilling #KnowHowCompass #Machinist #CNCProgramming #Machining #Manufacturing