maker works cnc weekend

This is a 2-day intensive (9am–5:30pm Saturday and Sunday) where you learn the ins and outs of CNC operation and get checked out on the: ShopBot CNC Router, Tormach CNC Mill, CNC Plasma Cutter, and CNC Laser Cutter.

When: UNSCHEDULED
Where: 3765 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor, MI
Price: $499

Your Problem

Our Solution

 

Do you want to learn CAD, CAM, and CNC but don’t know where to start?

 

We provide a comprehensive introduction to the CAD-CAM-CNC toolchain, so you can cram weeks of self-learning into two days.

 

Are you wanting to buy a CNC machine but not sure if it’s the right move for you, or what machine to get?

 

We offer hands-on training with multiple different CNC machines, so you can make informed purchase decisions down the line.

 
 

Are you working laboriously by hand to do woodworking, metalworking, arts/crafts, and more?

 

We will equip you with the skills necessary to incorporate CNC techniques into your creative work, so you can spend your time coming up with more ideas instead of drilling that same hole over and over again.

 
Going through our Checkout & Safety Training class for the CNC Plasma Cutter

Training on our CNC Plasma Cutter

By the end of the weekend, you'll know the basics of the CAD-CAM-CNC toolchain, be able to read and modify G-code programs, and have operated a variety of well-known industry-standard CNC tools.

The instruction at Maker Works comes from decades of experience operating, designing, and teaching in the world of CNC. This is an excellent opportunity for you to launch into CNC operation regardless of experience level.

 

Day 1

Agenda (9am–5:30pm):

  • Fusion 360 CAD Class

  • CNC Mill Class OR CNC Router Class

  • CNC Laser Class OR CNC Plasma Cutter Class

Lunch, dinner, and a shop tour are included!

 

Day 2

Agenda (9am–5:30pm):

  • Fusion 360 CAM Class

  • G-Code Class

  • CNC Mill Class OR CNC Router Class

  • CNC Laser Class OR CNC Plasma Cutter Class

Lunch included!

 

What have people said about our CNC classes?

Testimonials

“This track helped me gain a lot of knowledge with working on the lasers. Nova was very professional and she's able to provide well detail answers. Pam's puzzle making class was very informative. I would recommend this track to others!”

Student in Laser Project Track, 9/29/2024

“Our instructor was clear and concise, and good about checking in with us on what knowledge we were starting with.”

Student in Epilog Laser class, 6/27/2024

“I came in feeling like Fusion 360 was something that would take days to become familiar with, but after only a few hours I felt like an expert. Marty's style of teaching is fantastic for guiding you through the steps of learning the software, helping you understand, and giving you a great foundation for any project.”

Student in Fusion 360 CAD class, 6/4/2019

“Dale successfully condensed what could have been weeks of community college courses into a concise, four-hour class. I believe that with the help of the machine-specific SOPs, a newcomer could start machining simple parts shortly after completing the class.”

Student in Mills class, 12/23/2022

“Very comprehensive and lots to learn, flexible instruction depending on experience level.”

Student in Mills class, 10/4/2023

“Individual, hands-on instructional experience. The range of possibilities presented are incredible! Randy's expertise and the examples he presented informed perfectly. I didn't feel intimidated by the complexity of this high-tech tool.”

Student in Epilog Laser class, 1/12/2024

“Often people tell you it's okay to fail and learn, this felt genuine in all ways and then some. Class size was good too, as well as accessibility despite different degrees of knowledge.”

Student in ShopBot class, 2/26/2024

What can you expect to leave with on Sunday evening?

  • Permission to use the four CNC machines with Maker Works membership

  • A week-long membership to continue your CNC practice on the same machines

  • Over 100 pages of detailed class notes

  • Comprehensive knowledge from hands-on classes, including understanding of:

    • Parametric 3D CAD using Fusion 360

    • 2D and 3D CAM using Fusion 360

    • Basics of G-code for reading, writing, and modifying

    • Operation of a vertical CNC mill (Tormach PCNC1100, PathPilot), CNC plasma cutter (LinuxCNC), CNC wood/plastics router (ShopBot), and CNC laser cutter/engraver (Epilog)

Do you have a scheduling inquiry or want a special offer?

💼 Group Discount:

 

📅 Flexible Scheduling:

  • Are you interested in scheduling a course outside of the agenda? Contact us!

 

Who should attend?

Beginners in CNC Technology

Receive a comprehensive introduction to CAD, CAM, and CNC operations.

Aspiring CNC Machine Owners

Get hands-on experience before you commit!

Machinists and Fabricators

Expand your skills in milling, plasma cutting, laser engraving, and routing.

Students and Educators

Combine theory and practice to enhance your curriculum.

Who will your instructors be?

Instructors
Marty

Marty Hedler is a long-time member and Guest Instructor at Maker Works. You’ll often find him prototyping and building museum exhibits, consulting with members, maintaining equipment, and teaching everything from Inkscape and Intro to CNC to Fusion 360. Marty will be teaching the Fusion 360 CAD class.

Dale Grover

Dale Grover, co-founder of Maker Works, has a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and a background in rehabilitative engineering. Dale has been building and updating CNC machines since 2008 and teaches several classes at Maker Works on CNC machines and software. Dale will be teaching the Fusion 360 CAM, Tormach CNC mill, and G-code classes.

What are these tools and why do we think they work?

We offer the same tools that many successful businesses use today, and we’ve spent years tweaking our instruction. Whether you’re an expert looking for a compact weekend to expand your skills, or a beginner ready to take a deep dive, this course is for you.

Artists like Kelly O’Neill [Fusion of Iron and Earth] and Erika Cross have created award winning sculptures using our CNC Plasma Cutter and ShopBot CNC Router. Gravilogic and PicoSpray researched and prototyped their initial products using our Tormach PCNC 1100, while business owners and Quentin Weir [Elderwood Academy] and Gail Winger [GW Stichin Depot] ran their initial production runs on our 50 Watt Epilog Laser Engraver before purchasing their own equipment!

About Maker Works

Opened in September 2011, Maker Works is a 14,000 square-foot makerspace with tools and shops covering metalworking, woodworking, electronics, computing, jewelry, powder coating, and plastics and fabric fabrication. More than 1,300 paid members have joined since 2011, with many additional students and others receiving free or low-cost access. Maker Works serves businesses, hobbyists, craftspeople, and students of many ages. It is a non-profit organization that believes in and uses Lean business practices, and practices open book management.

Getting Here

Maker Works is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, about 25 minutes from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and just 2 minutes off I-94.  Refer to this map to find us in our industrial park.

While there is a bus stop about 3/4 of a mile from the shop and transportation options to and from the Detroit airport, many people find renting a car at the airport a bit more convenient for getting around the Ann Arbor area.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, a vibrant downtown with plenty of dining and entertainment. Evenings are free for relaxing, or exploring the area. Destination Ann Arbor is a great resource to find activities, food, lodging and more. Speaking of lodging….

Lodging

There are several hotels and motels near Maker Works including:

Ann Arbor has a wide variety of options for accommodations, and since it is not a very large city, few are more than 10-15 minutes away.  Let us know if you are looking for something else.

For more details, email membership@maker-works.com, or call us at 734-222-4911.

The future is yours to make!