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Run Your Onefinity Apprentice CNC with a Laptop!
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In this video, Morgan shows you how to run the Apprentice with just the motion controller and a laptop using the Realtime CNC software. If you've been eyeballing the Apprentice or one of our Elite series machines without an HMI, running it with just a laptop, this walkthrough will help you get started.
Items used in this video:
Run Your Onefinity Apprentice with a Laptop (No HMI Required)
Getting started with CNC can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
If you’ve just finished assembling your Onefinity Apprentice, you’re probably asking the same question most new users do:
“Alright… now what?”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to go from a fully assembled machine to making your first cut—using just your laptop and the included motion controller (no HMI required).
Why the Apprentice Uses a Laptop
One of the ways we kept the Apprentice affordable and accessible was by giving you the option to run it directly from your laptop instead of requiring a dedicated touchscreen controller (HMI).
This lowers the barrier to entry—whether you're working with:
A tighter budget
Limited space
Or simply getting into CNC for the first time
All you need is:
The included motion controller
A USB-C cable
A computer running the Realtime CNC software
Step 1: Download and Install the Software
Start by downloading the Realtime CNC software:
The software is available for:
Windows
Mac
Linux
Install it just like any standard application:
Mac: Open the .dmg file and drag to Applications
Windows: Run the .exe installer
Once installed, launch the program (RTS-X).
Step 2: Connect Your Machine
Before launching into cutting, let’s get everything connected:
Power on your machine
Release the E-Stop button
Connect the USB-C cable from the controller to your computer
Open the software
If needed, click “Detect Controller”
If prompted, install any available firmware updates.
Then select:👉 Machine Type: Apprentice
You’re now connected and in full control of your CNC from your laptop.
Step 3: Your First Job (Flatten the Wasteboard)
Before cutting any projects, every CNC user should start with one critical step:
Flatten your wasteboard
What is a wasteboard?
A wasteboard is a sacrificial surface placed on your machine bed. It protects your machine and provides a flat, stable surface for your material.
Why flatten it?
Flattening ensures:
Your cutting surface is perfectly parallel to the machine
Consistent depth across your entire work area
Clean, professional results (especially for engraving)
Step 4: Create a Flattening Toolpath (Carveco)
With your included Carveco license, you can easily create your first toolpath.
Basic Setup:
Create a new model: 16.5" x 16.5"
Set origin: Bottom-left corner
Draw a rectangle covering the full surface
Toolpath Settings:
Tool: ¼” end mill (or included bit)
Feed rate: ~150 IPM (for router users)
Strategy: Offset
Direction: Conventional
Depth: Very shallow (just enough to skim the surface)
Once ready:👉 Save as G-code using the Onefinity post processor
Step 5: Set Your Machine Zero
Back in the Realtime CNC software:
Home the machine
Install your bit
Position the bit at the corner of your wasteboard
Set your work origin (X/Y)
Use the Z probe to set your Z height
This ensures your machine knows exactly where to cut.
Step 6: Load and Run Your File
Now it’s time to make your first cut:
Import your G-code file
Load it into the software
Turn on:
Router/spindle
Dust collection
Hit GO
In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly flattened wasteboard—and your CNC officially up and running.
What You’ve Learned
At this point, you’ve already mastered the fundamentals:
Installing CNC software
Connecting your machine
Creating a toolpath
Setting your work origin
Running a job
That’s a huge step forward.
What’s Next?
A common next question is:
“Now that I can run the machine… how do I design things to cut?”
That’s a bigger topic—and one we’ll cover separately.
In the meantime, one of the best resources available is the:
It’s a thriving community where users:
Share projects
Help troubleshoot
Offer tips and workflows
Final Thoughts
Getting started with CNC doesn’t require complicated setups or expensive add-ons.
With the Onefinity Apprentice, you can go from unboxing to cutting using just your laptop and a simple workflow.
From here, the possibilities are endless—from simple projects to complex designs.
We can’t wait to see what you make.
