BADGE – Intro to Rotary CNC
November 20 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Rotary CNC is unique among our CNC routers as it can carve on all sides of a cylinder up to 30″ long. It uses the same carving router and bits as a traditional 3-axis CNC machine, but the ‘Y’ axis is swapped with an ‘A’ axis, enabling precise rotation. Like a traditional CNC router, 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 Rotary CNC, 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.
Course Description:
This class is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to using a rotary CNC router. 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 carves in various materials, including wood & plastic.
Prerequisites*:
- Students must have experience with drafting programs such as V-Carve, AutoCAD, VectorWorks, 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:
Make Santa Fe will provide all necessary materials and tools, including the wood for the maze. However, students may wish to bring laptops with CAD software installed.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the basics of CNC routing and its various applications
- Learn how to import and carve 3D models
- 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, enabling them to use the rotary CNC machine independently.
