How to Lure the DMS Router in for a Hug

The DMS 5-axis router is quite a beast in the CNC shop and can reduce a piece of hardwood to a pile of chips in a matter of minutes. However, it's also quite a fickle machine and routinely throws random errors for no reason at all. In order to keep the DMS happy and cutting as expected, sometimes it is necessary to give it a hug. This can prove difficult since you must first lure the DMS away from it's safe home position. Here's how to go about that process.

Gaze Lovingly and Press a Few Buttons

Take a good look at the beautiful machine that is the DMS. Admire it's expansive work bed, high speed, and amazing Z throw.

The DMS likes having it's buttons pressed. Walk around and test all the E-stops. Throw the giant power contactor lever. Twiddle some rotary knobs on the Fagor controller.

It is rumored that executing the Spindle Warmup G-code may make the DMS easier to lure in for a hug.

Read to It Gently From the McMaster-Carr Catalog

The DMS loves hearing tales of tools and fasteners, of gaskets and safety placards, of sheet stock and bearings.

If you check the reference manual for the DMS, you will see that the McMaster-Carr catalog is it's favorite book. It also seems to like the Gempler's catalog and old issues of Giant Robot.

Offer the DMS a Pretty Flower

Contrary to it's high-tech robotic appearance, the DMS will appreciate a flower (just not carnations because, seriously, carnations?).

What the DMS would *really* love is if someone would make it a gripper/claw attachment so it could receive the pretty flower.

Serenade the DMS

You will receive bonus points for serenading the DMS on an instrument made locally (as in, made in the same shop).

If any parts of the instrument were actually routed on the DMS, that's a +3 charm modifier.

Camouflage Yourself As a Robot

It doesn't have to be a very convincing disguise, as shown in the above picture. Any metal accoutrement will do. It also helps to pick up a few tools to appear to be "part of the gang" which will serve to put the DMS at ease.

Now Jump Up There and HUG THAT ROBOT!

Now is your chance! The DMS has been slowly moving towards you with each previous step, so throw the interlock for safety, get up there, and get it! There is an area just above the spindle head that is practically *made* for hugging.

You are almost guaranteed a flawless job after following these procedures!

(Disclaimer: These procedures in no way guarantee a flawless job. Not even 'almost'.)