The CNC Workshop

PwnCNC

The CNC Workshop is a practical podcast for CNC owners, makers, and small shops who want to better understand their machines and make smarter upgrade decisions. Hosted by Daniel from PwnCNC, each episode turns real CNC questions and support experiences into approachable conversations about spindle upgrades, VFDs, controllers, automatic tool changers, dust collection, tooling, troubleshooting, and workshop improvements. The CNC Workshop is presented by PwnCNC. Learn more at PwnCNC.com.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    CNC VFD Error Codes Explained: Common Causes and First Checks

    Your CNC spindle suddenly stops, and the VFD displays an angry little error code. What does it mean—and what should you check before assuming something has failed? In Episode 3 of The CNC Workshop, Daniel and Jamie explain how to approach common CNC VFD faults without simply clearing the code and hoping it disappears. They discuss: • Why a VFD error code is a clue—not a complete diagnosis• ERR09 undervoltage faults and possible power-supply problems• ERR12 input phase-loss faults and wiring checks• ERR31 or 031 communication and control-signal issues• ERR38 current-detection and hardware-related faults• What a blank VFD display may indicate• Why the timing of a fault matters• The difference between faults occurring at startup, during acceleration, and while cutting• What information to collect before contacting technical support• When troubleshooting should stop and professional support should begin You’ll also learn why repeatedly resetting a fault can hide useful clues—and why opening a VFD or changing parameters without a plan can create additional problems. This conversation is based on real troubleshooting questions received by the PwnCNC support team. Explore PwnCNC spindle systems, VFD packages, and technical resources:https://pwncnc.com Read the companion article: The CNC Workshop is presented by PwnCNC.

    CNC VFD Error Codes Explained: Common Causes and First Checks

  2. Aug 10

    Does an ATC Spindle Require a MASSO Controller?

    Does an automatic tool-changing spindle require a MASSO controller? Not necessarily—but controlling spindle speed is very different from safely coordinating a complete automatic tool change. In Episode 2 of The CNC Workshop, Daniel and Jamie explain what a CNC controller must actually do to support an ATC spindle. They discuss: • Why an ATC spindle can sometimes run without automatic tool changing• The difference between spindle control and full ATC control• Tool-release outputs, sensors, macros, probing, and safety logic• Why controller compatibility must be confirmed before purchasing• When a MASSO controller or controller conversion may make sense• How PwnCNC Core and Advanced MASSO conversion kits fit into an upgrade plan• Questions to ask before combining an ATC spindle with a third-party controller The key takeaway: MASSO is not the only controller capable of supporting an ATC spindle, but the controller must be able to manage the entire tool-change process—not merely start, stop, and adjust the speed of the spindle. This conversation is based on real compatibility questions received by the PwnCNC support team. Explore PwnCNC ATC systems and controller upgrades:https://pwncnc.com Read the companion article: The CNC Workshop is presented by PwnCNC.

    Does an ATC Spindle Require a MASSO Controller?

  3. Aug 4

    Before You Buy a CNC Spindle: 10 Compatibility Checks

    Thinking about replacing your CNC router with a spindle? Before you order, you need to know whether the spindle, mount, VFD, controller, electrical service, control cable, drag chain, and dust collection will actually work together. In the first episode of The CNC Workshop, we walk through 10 important compatibility checks to make before buying a CNC spindle. We discuss: 65mm versus 80mm spindle mounts110V versus 220V spindle systemsChoosing the appropriate spindle powerPWM, analog, and Modbus controlVFD control cables and controller compatibilityDrag-chain capacity and cable routingDust-boot and Z-axis clearanceRequirements for automatic tool changingWhen a controller upgrade may be necessaryWhat existing PwnCNC equipment may be reusableThis conversation is based on real compatibility questions received by the PwnCNC support team. Explore CNC spindle systems and upgrade options:https://pwncnc.com Read the companion article: https://pwncnc.com/blogs/news/cnc-spindle-upgrade-compatibility The CNC Workshop is presented by PwnCNC.

    Before You Buy a CNC Spindle: 10 Compatibility Checks
  • 3 Episodes

About

The CNC Workshop is a practical podcast for CNC owners, makers, and small shops who want to better understand their machines and make smarter upgrade decisions. Hosted by Daniel from PwnCNC, each episode turns real CNC questions and support experiences into approachable conversations about spindle upgrades, VFDs, controllers, automatic tool changers, dust collection, tooling, troubleshooting, and workshop improvements. The CNC Workshop is presented by PwnCNC. Learn more at PwnCNC.com.

Information

  • Creator
    PwnCNC
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PwnCNC
  • Show Website
    The CNC Workshop