CNC: CNC Routing 101

In this class, you’ll learn how to safely and effectively operate our AVID CNC router in order to fabricate your projects. This class will focus on the use and care of the router itself and will briefly include the instructions for the use of design software, VCarve Pro, that would be used for the project. We will also cover the CNC router control software, Mach4, material considerations and router operation.

By the end of the class, you’ll design and cut out your own custom sign!

4 hours : $200

Material fee: $25

Limited to 4 students.

Instructor

Samir Parmar is an architectural designer using 3D printers and CNC machines extensively in his career.

Questions? Samir@chimeraarts.org

Class outline

Fundamentals of CNC Machining

1. Additive vs Subtractive manufacturing
2. CAD, CAM and Controller software
3. 2D vs 2.5D vs 3D
4. Your working axes and the coordinate system
5. CNC Router components
6. Machine Origin and Work Origin
7. Feeds and Speeds
8. G and M codes

Choosing and working with materials

1. Designing and/or downloading
2. Working with wood: solid wood, plywood, veneers, MDF.
3. CNC router bit types

Fabricating your sign

1. Choosing font and layout
2. Cut Paths
3. Generating G Codes

Operating the CNC Router

1. Safety considerations
2. Control Box
3. Mach4
4. Machine coordinate referencing
5. Jogging
6. Zero work Axes
7. Loading your material
8. Material hold down options
9. Adjusting position and cutter height.
10. Cutting your designs
11. Clean-up

Materials

Wood for sign