ShopBot 4’ x 8’ CNC Router Checkout CLASS
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Class Size: 3 people
Price: $90/person
Ages: 16+ (13-15 with guardian)
This class will introduce you to the ShopBot CNC Router — as well as VCarve software — by walking you through making a stool! With the successful completion of this class, you will be authorized to use our ShopBot CNC Router with membership.
Agenda:
Introduction & Overview (15 minutes): What’s a CNC router? How does it work? What are axes, and what does it mean to home them? We answer all of these questions and more.
Creating Our File in VCarve (1 hour): We go over the purpose of VCarve; importing, aligning, and altering vectors; and the most important toolpaths you will need, such as drilling, pocketing, and profiling. We recommend watching the VCarve Pro tutorial videos by Vectric for an introduction to the software we will use in class.
Hands-on ShopBot Use (75 minutes): We cover machine safety, different ways to workhold (an offset jig, plastic nails, cams, clamps, etc.), homing X/Y, installing a bit, touching off Z, running toolpaths, and using a pneumatic plastic nail gun.
Wrap Up & Clean Up (15 minutes): Once all the toolpaths are completed, we use a laminate hand router to remove the tabs and then assemble the stool. One lucky student gets to take it home! If you’re interested, we can provide the files so that you can create the stool on your own outside of class.
More information on the ShopBot:
What can it make? The ShopBot is a powerful CNC router capable of handling large-scale (and small-scale!) projects. Examples of what you can do with it include: furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets, etc.), custom signage, art and decor, prototypes or machine parts, molds for manufacturing processes, educational projects, etc. The ShopBot can also do 3D surfaces on wood or high density foam, meaning it can create something like a life-sized 3D wooden battleaxe (first thing you see at the front door, on the right!).
What materials can it cut? Woods, plastics, foams (high density is preferable), and composites. You could also swap out the bit for a non-cutting bit, like a Sharpie, and use the ShopBot’s precision to draw on a giant whiteboard or paper. Some people even put a razor on it and precisely cut leather — the possibilities are endless.
How accurate is it? Thousandths of an inch!
Your registration confirmation email will contain directions on how to install VCarve Pro on your home computer (Windows only).
People ages 13-15 may take this tool checkout class with their parent/guardian (both adult and minor must register and pay). A guardian who has taken the checkout class must also accompany them when operating the tool. Ages 16 and up are encouraged to take checkout classes in any area they wish, with guardian approval.