CC_P01: CNC 101 - An Introduction to CNC Machining

This class introduces the beginner to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) concepts. If you think you might want to make your projects more accurate, faster, or repeatable, come learn more about how these computer-driven tools work. You can make just about anything on a CNC, including DIY home improvement decor, custom kitchen items, custom electric guitars, stainless steel or aluminum car parts, sailboat parts, motorcycle parts, flooring inlays, or hard-to-find parts. 

Nova Labs has 6 CNC milling machines and 2 machines for fiber arts. What maker projects are a good fit for these tools? What is the sign-off process? How can the maker go from zero to machining like a boss on these tools using our mentorship processes?

Our CNC tools include:

1. A Shop Sabre 48x48 CNC Router for cutting Wood, Plastic, and Aluminum
2. A CNC 3018 “baby” CNC milling/engraving machine for educational purposes
3. A Matsura 508 Tiger Machining Center with Tool Changer, and Flood Coolant
4. A CNC Jr. a smaller milling machine with a 8x15” table.
5. A 4x8 Gerber CNC Router with Vacuum Table
6. A 4x8 Maslow CNC Router
7. The Crafter's Cove CNC Silhouette
8. The Crafter's Cove Happy and Pfaff embroidery machines

Prerequisites: None 

***Your instructor, Jonathon Thacher, is co-Steward of the CNC Shop.