If you've thought about adding a CNC to your shop and wondered how it could fit into your workflow, this course is for you. We start with the machine itself — what the major components are, what to look for when you're shopping, and how to get set up correctly every time. We look at the difference between zero and home, zeroing with and without a touch probe, and where CAD and CAM software fit into the workflow. From there we demonstrate how to build real projects in both V-Carve and Carbide Create, starting with a 2.5D sharpening board, then moving into joinery: box joints programmed and cut from start to finish, and then mortise-and-tenons.

The class closes with honest, hands-on assessments of three popular machines — the Carbide 3D Shapeoko Pro 5.1, the Onefinity Woodworker, and the Nextwave Shark — so you can judge what to look for and what fits your shop, your budget, and the kind of work you want to do.

You will learn:

• Basic anatomy of a CNC
• Methods to “Zero” the machine
• The difference between C.A.D. and C.A.M.
• An overview of 2 different CAM programs
• Using a CNC to create a 2.5D project
• Using a CNC to create traditional joint for furniture
• An assessment of 3 different CNCs

Approximate running time: 3 hours