Orientation: ShopBot CNC router

Learn the basics of using our ShopBot CnC router. We’ll create a simple design and take it through the machine process. The ShopBot can cut 2D or 2.5D contoured surfaces in materials like wood, metal, foam, and plastic in sizes up to 8’ x 4’ including full sheets of plywood, great for furniture and fabrication projects.

Instructor  Luke Howard

Great For 

• Ages 16+, beginner-friendly, no CNC experience required but computer literacy expected.  

Skills Toolbox

• Overview of Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

• Process for creating a part to be cut, and creating the tool paths on the ShopBot to cut them

• Upload “part” file to ShopBot

• Attaching cut material to work surface

• Learning to “zero” the machine and set z-axis

• Running the machine to cut the part

Tool Clearances 

• Our ShopBot CNC router

(Idea Foundry workshop members who have taken this class are cleared for independent use of these tools in the shop. Learn more about membership here.)

Pairs Well With  

Once you’ve taken this orientation, you can get live practice running a project from start to finish with the Project Lab: Basic Sign-Making on the ShopBot

Plan Your Visit

All materials and safety equipment supplied.  Students are required to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to participate, and sturdy footwear (e.g. tennis shoes or boots) is recommended. Plan to arrive for class about 10-15 min early and check in at the front desk.  Our main entrance is on State Street, with parking lot entrance on State St. as well. IF parking and street parking available.

Tickets:

Idea Foundry Member - $52

Non Member - $68