BADGE – Intro to CNC Router

Think of the X-Carve as a robotic arm for your workshop. It uses a spinning bit to carve intricate designs and patterns into various materials, from wood and plastics to metals and composites. And the best part? You can control it all from your computer!

With the X-Carve, you can unleash your inner artist and create stunning pieces for your home, office, or business. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a maker, or a professional designer, this tool will take your creations to the next level.

So, are you ready to get started with the X-Carve? Let’s carve out some fun!

Course Description: 

This class is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to using a CNC router while creating a fun Marble Maze project. Students will learn how to create 2D designs in CAD software, prepare files for cutting, operate the CNC router, and troubleshoot common issues that arise during the cutting process. By the end of the class, students will have the skills necessary to create precision cuts in various materials, including wood & plastic, and will have completed their unique marble maze.

Prerequisites*:

• Students must have experience with 2-dimensional drawing or drafting programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Fusion 360, Inkscape, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Easel, Corel Draw, etc. This is not a drafting class, but we will use one of these software in the class!
• Students must have basic computer skills, including navigating file systems, exporting files, managing files, and using Mac and PC software programs. 
• No prior experience with CNC routers is required.

*Please reach out if you have questions about these prerequisites or your eligibility.

Materials:

All necessary materials and tools will be provided by Make Santa Fe, including the wood for the maze. However, students may wish to bring their laptops with CAD software installed.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the basics of CNC routing and its various applications
• Learn how to create 2D and 3D designs
• Develop skills in preparing files for cutting and operating the CNC router
• Gain an understanding of the materials that can be cut with a CNC router and their limitations
• Learn how to troubleshoot common issues that arise during the cutting process
• Gain hands-on experience with the CNC router, including creating precision cuts to make a marble maze.

Badge:

Upon completing the class, students will receive a Badge of completion from Make Santa Fe and will have their custom-made marble maze.

About the Instructor

Think of the X-Carve as a robotic arm for your workshop. It uses a spinning bit to carve intricate designs and patterns into various materials, from wood and plastics to metals and composites. And the best part? You can control it all from your computer!

With the X-Carve, you can unleash your inner artist and create stunning pieces for your home, office, or business. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a maker, or a professional designer, this tool will take your creations to the next level.

So, are you ready to get started with the X-Carve? Let’s carve out some fun!

Course Description: 

This class is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to using a CNC router while creating a fun Marble Maze project. Students will learn how to create 2D designs in CAD software, prepare files for cutting, operate the CNC router, and troubleshoot common issues that arise during the cutting process. By the end of the class, students will have the skills necessary to create precision cuts in various materials, including wood & plastic, and will have completed their unique marble maze.

Prerequisites*:

• Students must have experience with 2-dimensional drawing or drafting programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Fusion 360, Inkscape, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Easel, Corel Draw, etc. This is not a drafting class, but we will use one of these software in the class!
• Students must have basic computer skills, including navigating file systems, exporting files, managing files, and using Mac and PC software programs. 
• No prior experience with CNC routers is required.

*Please reach out if you have questions about these prerequisites or your eligibility.

Materials:

All necessary materials and tools will be provided by Make Santa Fe, including the wood for the maze. However, students may wish to bring their laptops with CAD software installed.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the basics of CNC routing and its various applications
• Learn how to create 2D and 3D designs
• Develop skills in preparing files for cutting and operating the CNC router
• Gain an understanding of the materials that can be cut with a CNC router and their limitations
• Learn how to troubleshoot common issues that arise during the cutting process
• Gain hands-on experience with the CNC router, including creating precision cuts to make a marble maze.

Badge:

Upon completing the class, students will receive a Badge of completion from Make Santa Fe and will have their custom-made marble maze.

About the Instructor

Gene Reese is a maker with a passion for technology. He has designed Django-based websites & file-encryption systems, designs in CAD and CAM- especially Fusion 360, fabricates with CNC milling, 3D printing, and other manufacturing techniques. He loves working with all kinds of technology such as AI applications, robots and has extensive experience with CNC mills including inlay, 3D carvings, and flat-pack furniture! He teaches both our X-Carve CNC badge and our Shop-Bot CNC 4-week class.