What should you do before starting a job to ensure proper setup?

• A. Post-process the program
• B. Verify tooling, speeds/feeds, workholding, and alignment; perform a test cut or touch-off
• C. Run the machine at full speed
• D. Calibrate the measurement devices after the job

Answer: (B)

Before starting a job, you verify all setup elements: the correct tooling and tool lengths, the speeds and feeds suited to the material and cutter, the workholding is secure, and the workpiece is aligned with the machine axes and zero references. This upfront check ensures the toolpath will cut in the right location, avoid collisions, and produce the intended dimensions. A test cut or touch-off confirms tool length offsets and work offsets are correct and helps catch any misalignment before you make parts. Post-processing the program comes after the setup has been validated; running at full speed without this check risks crashes and poor results, and calibrating measurement devices after the job won’t prevent setup errors for the current run.