CNC with Wood
An Introduction to Computer Numerical Control -CNC
Key Points
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control.
It automates the control of machines like drills, lathes, and 3D printers.
A computer guides CNC machines to process materials without manual operation.
CNC machines are computer-controlled tools or platforms.
They follow programmed instructions like G-code and M-code.
These instructions are created by people or computer-aided design (CAD) software.
3D printers also use G-code.
CNC improves over manual or mechanical machining.
CAD software defines part dimensions, and CAM software translates them.
A "post processor" converts directives into specific machine commands.
Please follow this link to learn more! Wikipedia Intro on Numerical Control taken on 7/24/2020
MakeHaven Badges for the unit:
Minimum: Shapeoko (pronounced sha-po-ko)
Full (wood) suite: Shapeoko, Gerber CNC
Extreme: Shapeoko, Gerber CNC , Tormach PCNC440
For the course, we recommend that you get as many of the badges above as is practical. Also, it is really helpful if you have earned them before the needed unit, so their acquisition does not eat in to your time to finish assignments. Coordinate with facilitators to complete badges.
Unit
The first steps into CNC cutting should be done in wood: with a small effort, and only moderate tech skills, beautiful products can be made fairly quickly.
Easel is the design software that is used with the Shapeoko at MakeHaven. This software is web-based and available here. All of your design work can be done remotely, and then the control of the machine will happen in MakeHaven.
The Shapeoko provides a good foundation for exploring larger CNC machines, how to hold down work pieces, selecting the right tools, feeds and speeds, and imagining toolpaths to go along with designs. Since most beginners work entirely within Easel, many of the complexities of these processes are abstracted away (which is good for beginners).
There is a lot of design capability on the Shapeoko and, at MakeHaven, it is a prerequisite badge for the larger, more complex CNC machines available.
Make your first CNC project on the Shapeoko using Easel
Engrave a surface or cut through some material
Avoid hitting the hold-down clamps with the endmill
Try using tabs to secure workpieces
Explore the difference between up-cut and down-cut endmills