Intro to VCarve and the ShopBot CNC Router
Create a simple project in VCarve and the process of machining it, with hands-on training on the ShopBot.
Location
Artisan's Asylum
96 Holton Street Boston, MA 02135Refund Policy
Agenda
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
June 12
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
June 13
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
June 14
About this event
This course meets three times per class session. Please check the Agenda below for the dates included in each session. By purchasing a ticket, you are committing to attend all meetings included in that session. The title of the Agenda page will indicate which ticket to purchase for that session.
Instructor - John Houghton
John Houghton is the ShopBot shop lead, and has been making things like plywood furniture, signs, sculptural surfaces and various machine parts for himself and customers since the ShopBot was first installed.
Class Description
Learn to use the Asylum’s ShopBot CNC Router and the VCarve Pro design and drawing package to design and machine 2D projects from flat material like plywood. We'll work through a simple project to explore cutting shapes, engraving surfaces, and machining pockets, as well as what processes are best on the ShopBot and which are more easily done with other woodworking tools.
The Asylum’s ShopBot is a PRSalpha 96×48 model with full 3-axis CNC capability and an 8ft x 4ft x 6in work envelope. It can cut wood, plastic, plywood, MDF, and other materials.
This class meets three times for three hours each meeting. We will work through creating drawings that can generate tool-paths for machining; how to operate the ShopBot itself without damaging the machine or yourself; how to attach your raw material to the machine bed; and what kind of bits to use for various materials. Each student will have hands-on time on the machine in the second and third sessions to practice actual machine operation.
Tool testing is not included in this class time. Students must schedule a separate one-hour tool testing session with the instructor before being authorized to use the machine independently.
Material Fee
The materials fee for this class is $5. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash, checks, or payment through Venmo.
Class Goals
Safe operation of the ShopBot CNC router, the path from project concept to cutting parts, and proper use of the shop space.
Material Supplied
Wood, Bits, and end-mills for use during class.
Students Should Bring
E ar and eye protection if they have it. If they do not have their own, ear and eye protection will be provided.
Prerequisites
Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.
Prior experience with a CAD or vector drawing software is helpful, but not required.
Students should come dressed in appropriate attire closed toed shoes (leather steel-toed boots are best), have long hair tied back, no loose-fitting clothes, and should expect to remove rings and dangling jewelry.
Class Policies
Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.
Please email education@artisansasylum.com with any questions.
*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.
Frequently asked questions
Students may withdraw from a class up to 7 days prior to the start of the class via Eventbrite’s refund feature. In extenuating circumstances, students may contact education@artisansasylum.com to request an exception.
To request a class or ticket transfer, either use the “contact the organizer” feature offered by Eventbrite or email Education@artisansasylum.com with your name, ticket information, and transfer request. Transfer requests are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Artisans Asylum reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes in the event the minimum number of students for the class is not reached, an emergency, such as illness, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. Communication for canceled and rescheduled classes is sent via email.
If another class is available at a later date, or if the class has been rescheduled, your class fee will automatically apply to the next class session unless the session is already full or you specifically request a refund. No refunds are given for changes to location or Instructor.
All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult.
We occasionally capture photos of students during our classes to use in promotional materials, online, and on social media platforms. By enrolling in a class, you are giving us permission to do so.