ShopBot Project Track

Duration: 4 sessions (2.5 hours each)
Dates: Saturdays 1/4 - 1/25
Times: 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Class Size: 4 people
Price: $349 *
Ages: 16+ **

* Includes one month membership
* If you have already taken our ShopBot checkout class, use the code ‘MORESHOPBOT’ to take $90 off.
** Ages 13-15 with an adult accompanying, both must sign up for a seat

Just need to learn to use the ShopBot? Consider our single session ShopBot checkout class!

discover the capabilities of a 4’ x 8’ CNC Router!

Join Al in a hands-on, four-part series designed to introduce you to the most exciting tool in the Maker Works’ Woodshop - The ShopBot CNC Router. This machine is capable of easily carving out complex designs in material up to 4’ x 8’. Great for personal and commercial projects. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn new skills or just looking to expand your CNC skill set, this series offers something for everyone.

Each session will step through additional capabilities of the ShopBot CNC Router through hands-on instruction. We’ll cover the basics of using software to convert designs to a format the machine understands, guided operation of the machine, and two projects to complete on your own!

On your own? Yes! This series includes a membership at Maker Works. You will be be able to come in outside of the class to continue learning and working on class projects (or your own)!

You will get the most out of this class if you can come in for two extra hours beyond the class each week. Don’t worry, shop staff will be there to help!

What have people said about our ShopBot class?

Testimonials

“I liked how well structured the SOP’s and information provided were. After taking the course, I know where to find information on the procedures, and who to look to if I run into issues.”

Student in ShopBot class, 5/19/2024

“I liked walking through the whole process from beginning to end. Seeing the software and then moving to the machinery was super helpful.”

Student in ShopBot class, 5/25/2024

“The hands-on section and the explanations about the settings for the files we created helped me feel prepared to make similar decisions on my own in the future.”

Student in ShopBot class, 4/21/2024

“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

Who will your instructor be?

Instructors
Al

Al McWaters received a Bachelors in Furniture Design and turned that into a career designing and fabricating exhibits for the University of Michigan. He currently provides custom solutions through his company SkyShips Design, maintains more than his fair share of industrial equipment at Maker Works, and both designs and teaches classes for Maker Works. Al will be teaching the ShopBot CNC class.

What can you expect with each session?

Engraving a large sign in wood

  • Review of our Principles of Safety so everyone is safe and welcome using the tools at our shop.

  • The feeling of confidence learning from expert instructors to safely operate a new tool!

  • A connection with a community of makers through these shared experiences.

  • Access to the shop beyond the class via a month-long membership, enabling you to continue practicing, or start a project!

By the end of the track, you’ll be checked out on the ShopBot and have basic knowledge in drilling, pocketing, profiling, engraving, and much more!

Join us and gain the confidence to use these powerful tools safely and effectively!

Session 1: intro to v-carve

  • V-Carve Software: Excellent for converting designs to be compatible with the ShopBot CNC Router.

  • Key Concepts: Safety, File Formats, Feeds & Speeds, Tool Path Generation.

  • Takeaway: Resources to start exploring how to create and convert designs on your own!

Session 2: SHOPBOT CNC CHECKOUT

  • ShopBot CNC: A computer controlled router that can engrave, drill, and materials up to 4’ x 8’.

  • Key Concepts: Safety, homing the machine, material placement, tool and work-holding methods.

  • Takeaway: Group build of a stool, and the knowledge to make your own stool in the next week.

Session 3: CHOOSE a PROJECT

  • Projects: Choose from one of three (Sign, Birdhouse, TBD) projects to customize and CAM out in class..

  • Key Concepts: Safety, basic CAD and CAM operations, toolpath generation, more feeds and speeds.

  • Takeaway: Toolpaths for your custom project to mill out on your own in the next week.

Session 4: Review + Tips & Tricks

  • Review: Shared learnings on how everyone’s project went, shared learnings.

  • Key Concepts: Exploring V-Carve layers, sheets, job optimization strategies and more.

  • Takeaway: The knowledge to safely start working on your own projects!



The future is yours to make!