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How to Assemble & Install the Onefinity CNC Apprentice Series Machine
- Mar 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 9
🔹 PRODUCTS & TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO
🛠 Machine:
Onefinity CNC Apprentice Series:
🌀 Required Tools:
• 4mm Hex Key
• 3mm Hex Key
• 2.5mm Hex Key
• #2 Robertson (Square) bit
• Drill/Driver
This is a step by step guide on how to assemble your new Onefinity CNC Apprentice Series machine!
Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast stepping into the world of CNC for the first time or an experienced maker adding a new tool to your shop, this guide will walk you through the entire assembly process from unboxing to your first jog movement.
The Apprentice Series ships in a single box with everything you need: rails, hardware, electronics, and a free 1/4-inch down-cut bit from Bits and Bits.
With a few basic tools and about an hour of your time, you’ll have a fully operational CNC machine ready to carve.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
• A flat mounting surface: A 28″ × 28″ piece of 3/4″ MDF works perfectly, or build your own dedicated table.
• 4 mm hex key (for X-rail mounting bolts)
• 3 mm hex key (for Z-slider and power supply cover)
• 2.5 mm hex key (for wire bracket removal)
• Number 2 Robertson driver (for wood screws)
• Combination square (for squaring rails to your table)
• A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) with a USB port
• Zip ties (optional but recommended for cable management)
Step 1: Unboxing Your Machine
Start by flipping the box around and cutting the tape along the outer edges on the back side. The top lifts directly off.
Lay the box flat with the QR code facing the table, then remove the lid to expose all the components.
Begin on the left side by removing the foam holding the rails and power supply.
The foam dividers aren’t straight, so use your fingers to gently free the wires from the clips at the ends of the rails before pulling the foam away.
Remove the components in this order:
1. Y1 rail (left side) – tilt up at an angle and slide out
2. X rail (spans between the two Y rails)
3. Y2 rail (right side)
4. Power supply – tip up and pull from foam
5. Motion control box and wire package
6. Z slider – remove bottom foam, then slide the motor out
You’ll also find a test cut piece at the bottom of the box.
This was run on your specific machine before it left the factory, a nice quality assurance touch.
Step 2: Assembling the Frame
Positioning the Y Rails
Place your Y rails on either side of your MDF board. Get them roughly in position, then slide both gantries all the way to the front. This makes it much easier to square the X-axis rail when you mount it.
Mounting the X Rail
With the gantries pushed forward, place the X rail on top of them. Get it roughly square, then secure it using the X-rail mounting bolts and a 4 mm hex key. You’ll install two bolts into each of the four feet – front right, front left, back left, and back right – for a total of eight bolts.
Squaring and Securing the Y Rails
Use a combination square to make sure both Y rails are the same distance from the front edge of your board. This is critical for accurate cuts later on.
Once squared, secure the front feet of the Y rails to your table using the No. 10 × 1-1/4″ Robertson head screws from the hardware pack.
On the left Y rail’s front foot, you’ll need to temporarily remove the wire bracket using a 2.5 mm hex key so you can access the outer screw holes. Replace the bracket once the screws are in.
The back feet will be secured later, after we’ve used the software to jog the machine into position.
Step 3: Mounting the Z Slider
The X-axis gantry has four pre-tapped holes for the Z slider. There are two mounting positions: use the top set of holes if you’re running a router, or the bottom set for a 65 mm spindle.
Attach the Z slider with the included hardware and a 3 mm hex key, starting with the top-right corner.
Make sure the slider is square to your table before tightening the left side.
The Z slider ships in the down position. Rotate the coupler clockwise with your thumb and finger to raise it above the lower mounting holes, then secure the bottom two screws.
Step 4: Setting Up the Power Supply and Electronics
Mounting the Power Supply
Position the power supply wherever works best for your setup, on the table, beside it, or even underneath. Secure it with the remaining No. 10 × 3/4″ screws from the hardware pack.
A separate piece of MDF works well if you don’t want to drill into your main work surface.
Attaching the Motion Controller
Remove the four screws from the power supply’s top cover using a 3 mm hex key. Place the motion controller on top with its label facing the front of your table, align the holes, and reuse those same screws to secure it.
Connect the two units using the included power cable marked “PWR” on both ends – it’s the same connector on each side, so either orientation works.
Step 5: Wiring Everything Up
Cut the zip tie on the wire bundle and start connecting the smaller Molex connectors to the back of the motion controller.
Each wire is labeled to match its port: X, Y1, Y2, and Z. Route your cables carefully so they won’t get pinched or interfere with the cutting area.
The remaining connections at the machine end:
• Front left foot: Connect the Y2 wire to the bottom tube connector
• Drag chain bracket (bottom port): X cable
• Drag chain bracket (top port): Z cable
• Back of X rail: Z2 cable from Y-axis drag chain
• Bottom tube of X rail: X2 cable for the X-rail motor
• Right Y rail (bottom tube): Y1 wire
• Z-axis motor: Wire from X-axis drag chain
Use zip ties for cable management to keep everything tidy and safe from the moving parts of the machine.
Step 6: Powering Up and Connecting to Your Computer
Plug the standard PC power cable into the back of the power supply, then into a wall outlet or 20-amp power strip.
Connect the USB cable (USB-A / square end) to your computer and the USB-C end to the port labeled “USB” on the front of the motion controller.
Twist and release the e-stop, then press the power button to energize the motors.
Step 7: Installing the Software and First Homing
This step will show you how to connect your CAD software to your Onefinity CNC Apprentice machine. On first launch, the software will ask you to select your machine series and size.
After confirming, you’ll be taken to the control page where you can home the machine for the first time. The homing sequence moves Z up first, then X to the left, followed by Y forward.
You can follow the forum to see steps in order to connect the software to your CNC machine.
Step 8: Securing the Back Feet
Now you can jog the machine with the software, move the X and Z gantry to the center, then drive the Y axis all the way to the back.
This gives you access to the rear mounting holes. Secure the back-right foot with four Robertson screws, then the inside holes of the back-left foot.
Jog the machine forward a few inches so the drag chain clears, and install the last two screws on the outside of the left foot.
You’re Done!
That’s it – your Onefinity CNC Apprentice Series machine is fully assembled. You can now jog the machine freely around the work area. Once you’ve mounted your router or spindle, you’re ready to start carving.
When you’re done for the day, press the power button on the power supply to cut power to the motors, then unplug the USB cable from your computer to shut down the motion controller. Happy making!
