9 Essential Monthly Maintenance Checks for Your CNC Router
Preventative care doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to check, why it matters, and how to do it, all based on genuine components in your Mantech CNC Router setup.
1. Cutters and Collets – Your Cutting Interface
Cutters (also called tools or bits) are the parts that actually cut your material, while collets are the small, slotted sleeves that hold those cutters tightly in the spindle.
Why it matters:
If your cutter is blunt or damaged, it will tear through material rather than cutting cleanly. Worn or dirty collets can cause vibration, inaccuracy, or even tool breakage.
How to check it:
2. Tool Cones and Tool Holders – For ATC Models Only
On CNC Routers with Automatic Tool Changers (ATC), these components hold and exchange tools automatically during jobs. The tool cone ensures the tool sits perfectly in the spindle.
Why it matters:
Dirty or scratched cones can cause tools to misalign slightly, which can ruin a job and damage the spindle over time.
How to check it:
3. Sacrificial Board – Your Cutting Surface
This is the replaceable board mounted on your CNC bed that supports material during cutting. It protects the machine bed and allows full-depth cuts.
Why it matters:
A worn or warped sacrificial board can cause poor vacuum hold, inconsistent cut depth, or surface marks on your work.
How to check it:
4. Dust Hood and Bristles – Part of Your Extraction System
The dust hood sits around the spindle and contains bristles that help trap dust and direct it into your extractor.
Why it matters:
Damaged bristles let dust escape into your workspace and can reduce extractor efficiency, risking air quality and fire hazards.
How to check it:
5. Vacuum Pump, Hose Connections & Filters – Holding Your Workpiece Secure
Your vacuum pump generates suction to keep materials flat and still on the bed using vacuum pods or zones.
Why it matters:
Any leaks, clogs or drop in suction can cause your material to move mid-cut, ruining jobs or damaging tools.
How to check it:
6. Dust Collector – Managing Chips and Dust
The dust collector works with the hood to remove airborne particles and chips from cutting. It usually includes a motor, filter, and collection bags.
Why it matters:
A full bag or clogged hose can choke airflow, creating health risks and overloading the system.
How to check it:
7. Compressed Air System – For Machines with Pneumatic Features
Some Mantech Routers use compressed air to power ATC systems, dust-clearing jets, or pneumatic clamps.
Why it matters:
Leaking or poorly maintained air lines can cause ATC errors, tool dropouts, or inefficient operation.
How to check it:
8. General Clean and Wipe Down – Especially the Linear Rails
Linear rails guide your gantry and tooling across X, Y, and Z axes with smooth motion.
Why it matters:
Dust and chips can collect on these rails, causing drag or skipping. Over time, this can lead to vibration or positional errors.
How to check it:
9. Weekly Lubrication of the Oil Tank
Mantech CNC Routers come with an automatic oiling system that lubricates key moving parts.
Why it matters:
Without oil, friction builds up, causing wear, overheating or even machine seizure.
How to check it:
Consistent care = consistent results.
Following this monthly routine keeps your machine working just as hard as you do, ensuring clean cuts, accurate depths, and fewer surprises.
Whether you’re crafting one-off pieces or scaling up production, maintaining your router is the easiest way to protect your productivity and machine value.
Want to learn more?
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