Introduction to CNC – Session 1

Instructor: Bill Chismar
Length: 8 hours
Cost: $70, including supplies 
When: Thursday, 9/5, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Sunday, 9/8, 10:00 pm – 4:00 pm (1-hour lunch break)
Class size limit: 6 — Open to current Shed members only

Description:

This 2-day class will introduce you to computer aided design (CAD) and using the CNC router for beginners. The goal of this class is to get you skilled enough to do design work on your computer, understand the capabilities of the CNC router, and get you started on producing pieces with the CNC router.

In the first session, we will cover the basics of using a CNC router, with an emphasis on computer aided design using the Vcarve Pro software. We will then discuss the types of projects you may do on the CNC. Finally, you will work on designing your first piece of work for the CNC. The second session, you will work on the CNC to produce your piece, and then sand and finish the piece.

In order to do the CAD work, you will need to bring a Windows laptop. Two participants can share a computer, which will allow someone without a laptop to participate and then later work on their desktop computer at home.

Prerequisite Skills/Knowledge: Basic computer skills

Required Equipment: Laptop computer running Windows; a USB/flash drive

Required Software: Vcarve Pro. While the Vcarve Pro software is available on the Shed’s computer in the CNC Room, it is easiest to have a copy on your own computer to do the design work. You can then bring your project file on a USB drive to run the CNC machine. The Vcarve Pro software is free using the Shed’s license. However, you must have an account registered with the Shed. To do so, please send an email to Bill Chismar and he will have an invitation sent to you from the company.

Also note that the Vcarve Pro software only runs under Windows. If you have a Mac machine, you will need to have it set up to run a virtual Windows machine. This is how I operate, using the Parallels software (https://www.parallels.com/), which is the only software approves by Microsoft. Unfortunately, the software license is $99.99/year. We will not cover how to do set this up in class, but I’m happy to meet with anyone wanting to do so.

Instructor Bio:

Bill is an emeritus professor of information technology management and a retired dean at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He has taught many university courses since starting in 1980. Since joining the Shed last year, he has been busy making inlayed boxes, end grain cutting boards, etched trays, and other things. He helped set up the laser and the CNC machines, and has been teaching digital woodworking using the CNC and laser. In addition to woodworking, he enjoys sailing, biking, hiking, baking, and Italian cooking.

Please contact me at bchismar2@gmail.com with questions.