Make It Move
Basic Pendant Functions
The Pendant has many great functions to control the
SHARK HD CNC. But you only need to learn a few basic
operations to get started.
JOG AND SPEED SETTINGS. Let’s start with learning
how to move (jog) the router. Jogging the router allows
you to move it out of the way or to another location. This
comes in handy for locating or removing clamps on the
workpiece, changing router bits, or setting up start points
for the router to run a routine.
First, look at the main screen (Figure 1) and identify the
jog keys. They are quick to identify when standing in front
of your CNC and are intuitive to use. You can jog the
router right or left in the X-axis, toward you or away from
you (Y-axis), or up and down in the Z-axis.You control
the speed of the jog from fast to slow by using the speed
key on the right side of the Pendant screen (red arrow).
Pressing this key repeatedly cycles between Fast, Medi-
um, and Slow jog speeds.
Take some time to experiment with moving the spin-
dle around. Jog the router to get a feel for the different
speeds. Take special note of the position readouts at the
top of the Pendant screen. Try to stay within the limits
of the machine. If the router travels and bumps against
the limits, you may here a “grinding” noise. Don’t be
concerned—the noise is the sound of the internal motor
magnets electronically skipping over each other. This
does not cause any damage, but it’s good practice to
avoid hitting the travel limits of your machine.
ZERO X- & Y-AXES. Another function of the Pendant is
the “Zero XY” function, as shown in Figure 2. This sets
the current position of the router as a zero, or origin point
for the X- and Y-axes.
Origin points are typically used as a starting point to
run a cutting routine. Often the center of a workpiece or
the lower left corner are used as a starting point for the
X- and Y- axes. The Z-axis origin is usually set from the
top of the workpiece. We’ll cover setting the Z-axis on the
next page. For now, practice setting up for a cut by exper-
imenting with moving the spindle to a number of locations
and zeroing the X- and Y-axes.
MOVE TO THE ORIGIN. Another useful Pendant func-
tion for moving the router is the “MV 0,0” key ( Figure 3).
Pressing this key with a short press or single tap auto-
matically moves the router to the X- and Y-origin point you
have previously set. Set a new origin point and give it a
try. Using a long press/double tap moves the spindle to
the original X-, Y-, and Z position.
Changing the location of the router is easy with the
easy-to-use Pendant interface.
The Pendant makes it easy to set a new X, Y, and Z
origin for the router’s location.
Use the MV 0,0 button to move the router back to the
previously set origin.
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Manual Setup
Most of all, have fun! Experiment with the basic Pendant
functions to get familiar with how your SHARK HD CNC
moves and sounds.
Learning to zero the X-, Y-, and Z-axes is an important skill
for accurate work. You can zero the Z-axis manually or auto-
matically with the help of the Next Wave CNC Touch Plate,
available as an add-on accessory (see figure 6 below).
ZERO THE Z-AXIS MANUALLY. Setting the Z-axis zero
point manually is an easy process. First, install the router bit
you’ll use for the project into the collet of the router. Begin by
moving it to the marked center of your workpiece using the
jog functions shown on the opposite page. Change the jog
speed on the Pendant to “Slow.” Carefully move the bit over
the center mark on the workpiece by using the X- and Y- jog
keys. With the bit centered over the workpiece, press the
“Zero XY” key to zero the X- and Y- axes.
To zero the Z-axis, lower the bit to within about ½” of the top
of the workpiece and set the jog speed to slow. Slide a piece
of paper underneath the bit and move it back and forth as
you tap the “Dn Z” key to gradually lower the bit. When the bit
starts to “grab” the paper, stop. Press the “Zero Z” key again,
then raise the router bit approximately ½”. At this point, all
three axes are calibrated.
USING THE CNC OPTIONAL TOUCH PLATE. Using the
CNC Zero Touch Plate accessory is a fast and accurate way
to zero the Z-axis, as shown in figure 6. Begin by plugging
in the lead into the Pendant. Position the Touch Plate under
the router bit. Attach the magnet on the end of the lead to the
collet or bit.
Press the “Plate” key on the main screen of the Pendant and
follow the steps listed. When the router bit comes into contact
with the Touch Plate, this completes an electrical connection
to indicate the zero position of the Z-axis. The bit automati-
cally retracts to a safe height.
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Zero the X- and Y- axes rst by jogging the bit until
it’s positioned over the center of the workpiece.
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Gradually lower the bit until it just starts to touch
a piece of paper placed on the workpiece.
Optional Zero Touch Plate
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The CNC Touch Plate has a single lead on one
end of the cord. Plug this into the side of the
Pendant. Position the CNC Touch Plate under the
router bit and attach the magnet to the collet nut
or side of the bit.
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