Hi everyone! Let’s tackle another CNC essential: G01. If G00 is your machine’s “fast run” (no cutting), think of G01 as its “steady walk”—this is the command that actually cuts your part, nice and precise. Today we’ll break down how G01 works, why it’s different from G00, and how to use it—no confusing jargon, just real examples.
G01 for Beginners: CNC’s Steady Cutting Command

1. First, Why Do We Need G01?

Remember how G00 moves the tool fast but doesn’t cut anything? That’s great for getting from point A to B—but when you need to shape your part, you need G01. Let’s use a simple example:
Suppose you’re making a metal bracket with a straight edge and a small 斜面 (slope).
  • G00 can move the tool to the start of the edge fast—but it can’t cut the edge smoothly;
  • If you tried to cut with G00, the tool would zip across the metal too quickly, leaving rough, uneven cuts (like scribbling with a pen instead of drawing a straight line);
  • G01 solves this: it moves the tool at a steady, controlled speed while cutting—so you get clean lines, smooth slopes, and accurate shapes every time.
G01 is where the “machining magic” happens—it’s the command that turns raw material into a finished part.

2. What Is G01, in One Sentence?

G01 is a linear interpolation command for CNC machines. Simply put:
Add “G01” to your program, followed by a target position (e.g., X60 Y40 Z-5) and a speed (e.g., F100), and the machine will move the tool to that spot at the set speed—while cutting material along the way.
Key differences from G00 (to avoid confusion!):
Feature
G00 (Fast Travel)
G01 (Steady Cutting)
Purpose
Move tool (no cutting)
Cut material (shape part)
Speed
Machine’s max speed
Your set speed (F-value)
Path
May not be straight
Always straight line
When to use
Before/after cutting
During cutting

3. How to Use G01? 4 Simple Steps (With Example)

Using G01 is easy—just remember to pair it with a speed (F-value) (this is non-negotiable!). Let’s walk through a real scenario: cutting a 50mm straight line into an aluminum block.

Step 1: Prep with G00 (Get to the Start)

First, use G00 to move the tool to the safe start position (above the material, ready to cut). For example:
G00 X10 Y10 Z5;
This moves the tool to X10, Y10 (start of the cut) and Z5 (5mm above the aluminum—safe, no cutting).

Step 2: Set G01 and Cutting Speed (F-Value)

Next, tell the machine to switch to “cutting mode” (G01) and set the speed. The speed is called the feed rate (F-value), measured in mm per minute (mm/min). For aluminum, a good starting speed is F100 (100mm per minute).
Add this line:
G01 F100;
  • G01: “Switch to steady cutting mode”;
  • F100: “Cut at 100mm per minute—don’t go faster or slower!”
Pro tip: The F-value depends on your material and tool! Soft materials (aluminum/plastic) use higher F-values (faster cuts); hard materials (steel) use lower F-values (slower, safer cuts).

Step 3: Cut to the Target Position

Now, tell the tool to cut down into the material and move to the end of the line. Let’s say we want to cut 3mm deep (Z-3) and end at X60 Y10 (a 50mm straight line in the X-direction).
Add this line:
G01 X60 Y10 Z-3;
What happens here?
  1. The tool moves slowly (F100) from Z5 down to Z-3 (cutting 3mm into the aluminum);
  1. At the same time, it moves straight from X10 to X60 (Y stays at 10—so it’s a straight horizontal cut);
  1. The path is always a straight line between the starting position (X10 Y10 Z5) and target (X60 Y10 Z-3).

Step 4: Finish with G00 (Get Away Safely)

After cutting, use G00 to move the tool back up fast (away from the part) to avoid scratching it. For example:
G00 Z20;
This lifts the tool to Z20 (20mm above the part)—safe to move to the next step.

4. The Most Common Uses for G01

G01 is the most used cutting command—here are its 3 key jobs:

1. Straight-Line Cutting

The basics: Cutting straight edges, slots, or flat surfaces. Example: Making the side of a metal box (a straight vertical cut) or a horizontal groove in plastic.

2. Slope/Angle Cutting

G01 can cut gentle or steep slopes by changing two axes at once. Example: Making a 30° 斜面 on a wooden shelf—just set the target X/Y/Z to create the angle (e.g., G01 X50 Y0 Z-2; from X0 Y0 Z0 creates a slow slope).

3. Part Contours

Combine multiple G01 lines to cut complex shapes. Example: A square bracket—cut one straight side with G01, then another, then another, until the square is complete. It’s like drawing a shape with straight lines, but the machine cuts it!

5. 3 Critical Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake 1: Forgetting the F-Value

  • What happens: If you write G01 X60 Y10 Z-3; without F100, the machine may use a default speed (too fast/slow) or even throw an error (it doesn’t know how fast to cut!).
  • Fix: Always set the F-value before your first G01 cut. Write G01 F100; right after G00.

Mistake 2: Cutting Too Deep Too Fast

  • Example: Jumping from Z5 to Z-10 in one G01 line (cutting 15mm deep at once). This puts too much pressure on the tool—It will break or leave rough cuts.
  • Fix: Cut in small “steps.” For a 10mm deep slot:
G01 Z-2; (cut 2mm deep), then G01 X60; (cut straight), then G00 X10; (move back), then G01 Z-4; (cut 2mm deeper)—repeat until 10mm.

Mistake 3: Not Checking Tool Position Before G01

  • What happens: If the tool is too close to the part (e.g., Z1 instead of Z5) when you start G01, it will crash into the material.
  • Fix: Always use G00 to move to a safe Z-height (at least 5mm above the part) before switching to G01. Double-check the screen to confirm the tool’s position!

Final Summary: G01 = “Steady Cutting Mode”

Just remember the 3 key points:
  1. G01 is for cutting, G00 is for moving—never mix them up;
  1. Always set an F-value (speed) for G01—match it to your material;
  1. G01 cuts straight lines (or slopes) slowly and accurately—this is how you shape your part.
Want to practice? Try pairing G01 with what you learned earlier: Use G54 to set the part’s position, pick the right end mill (from our tool guide), use G00 to get close, then G01 to cut—you’ll make a simple part in no time! Let me know if you want to walk through a full example.

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