Intro to CNC Routers

Take your 2D and 3D designs and turn it into an engraved piece of wood or plastic, and soft metals like brass and aluminum!
In this class, attendees will learn how to set up and operate the Shapeoko CNC Router available at Port City Makerspace! We will touch briefly on 2 programs you can use to create your own designs.
Every participant will have the opportunity to carve an item from a list of prepared designs. If you would like to carve your own design, please reach out to the instructor to ensure there will be sufficient time during class. Total cut time will need to be under 10 minutes per attendee.
What is a CNC Router?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is the process by which one can take a computer design and convert it to instructions to drive a machine, which then can replicate the design on a piece of material.
The CNC Router specifically is a machine that can carve into a variety of materials, including woods, plastics, and even soft metals!
What programs do you use for the CNC Router?
VCarve Pro is a great program for beginners. This can take a variety of formats from DXF to BMP and convert it into GCode to run the machine.
You can find tutorials online here: www.vectric.com/support/tutorials/vcarve-pro/?
Fusion by Autodesk is a very comprehensive 3D design program with the ability to make GCode for the CNC Router. This is much more advanced, but can do more complex designs.
There is a helpful video tutorial for Fusion here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3h4Oe2i3Xo
Instructor: Alex Nunn
Class for 18+ only.
Class needs a minimum of 2 attendees to run.
Registration closes three (2) days before the event.
Active members receive 25% off class list price with code: MEMBER