# Run Your Onefinity Apprentice CNC with a Laptop! **URL:** \ **Category:** Onefinity Projects\ **Created:** [April 11, 2026, 12:09am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/run-your-onefinity-apprentice-cnc-with-a-laptop/38142 "2026-04-11T00:09:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MorganHop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/morganhop/32/9485_2.png) [@MorganHop](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/MorganHop)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2026, 12:09am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/run-your-onefinity-apprentice-cnc-with-a-laptop/38142/1 "2026-04-11T00:09:19Z")
[![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/onefinitycnc/original/3X/6/8/68f087fa222688bcaec27c0b7e25b44cd8e2d2ff.jpeg "Run Your Onefinity Apprentice CNC with a Laptop!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ41uNl2zQk) 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. Today I’ll cover: • Downloading, installing, and running Realtime CNC software • Homing the machine • Setting work origin • Toolpathing in @Carveco • Flattening the wasteboard 🔹 PRODUCTS & TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO 🛠 Machine: Onefinity CNC Apprentice – [https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/apprentice](https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/apprentice) 🌀 Bits & Tooling: @bitsbitscompanyinc.8517 1/4" Downcut Spiral Endmill – [\*AstraHP Coated\* 1/4" Down Cut Router Bit - BitsBits.com](https://bitsbits.com/product/425-dnc250-down-cut/) 🧠 Design Software: CarveCo – [https://carveco.com](https://carveco.com) 🪵 Materials: - 3/4" MDF 👉 Instructional CNC Resources • Onefinity YouTube channel - @OnefinityCNC • CarveCo YouTube channel * * * # 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: 👉 [Downloads - RealTime CNC](https://realtimecnc.com/download/) 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: 1. Power on your machine 2. Release the **E-Stop button** 3. Connect the **USB-C cable** from the controller to your computer 4. 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: 1. **Home the machine** 2. Install your bit 3. Position the bit at the corner of your wasteboard 4. Set your **work origin (X/Y)** 5. 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: 1. Import your G-code file 2. Load it into the software 3. Turn on: - Router/spindle - Dust collection 1. 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: 👉[**Onefinity User Forum**](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/) 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.** ---
**Author:** ![MorganHop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/morganhop/32/9485_2.png) [@MorganHop](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/MorganHop)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2026, 12:09am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/run-your-onefinity-apprentice-cnc-with-a-laptop/38142/2 "2026-04-11T00:09:25Z")
Unlisted on April 11, 2026, 12:09am UTC ---
**Author:** ![OnefinityCNC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/onefinitycnc/32/7_2.png) [@OnefinityCNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/OnefinityCNC)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/run-your-onefinity-apprentice-cnc-with-a-laptop/38142/3 "2026-04-11T00:14:10Z")
Listed on April 11, 2026, 12:14am UTC