Advanced CNC Router Class

Woodshop
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The Woodshop is planning to offer a new “Advanced CNC Router” class very soon. Yes, this class will cover plastics, as well as several other topics. We’re essentially just waiting for the new bit inventory to arrive, and then it will show up on the schedule.

What would you like to see in such a class? Remember, time will be limited by the already planned topics, but what could we add that would help you?

Basic CNC Router will be a pre-requisite for this class.

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What are the already planned topics?

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Correctly setting feeds and speeds to improve performance and finish (and not break or dull tools), dealing with problems in F&S at run time, Machining plastics, bringing your own bits, and eventually, using the diamond drag bits. There will probably be a few smaller topics added, but learning how to use and manipulate chipload is probably the most important (or authorizing you to cut plastics, use your own bits, or use the drag bit).

We’ll probably also discuss who makes the best link sammich in town.

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Link sammich have any prereq’s? Seems like too much info. Might need its own class…

Aside from that, plastics and the drag bit are really appealing.

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That would be Smoke Shop Basics…

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I immediately went to the wrong kind of “Smoke Shop”…
:smiley:

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Looks like a pretty solid agenda; any thoughts on class size limits and any follow up test(s)?

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There are still quite a few details to be worked out by the “CNC Supervisors” group. I would expect some more useful additions, and a class size determined by how interactive the class ends up being.

Mainly looking for wants and desires here.

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Hey, this is the perfect opportunity to grill some damn link sammiches, on class day/night…

Tap,

As this is an advanced CNC, I would go over how to re calibrate the laser and resurfacing as well.

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Seconding the laser calibration. It usually seems to just be pointed in a random direction when I try to use it.

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I’d like to learn to surface a tabletop. I would also be interested in learning drilling operations for applications where hole alignment is key. The current class only said not to use end mills for drilling, nothing on how to properly do it. Thus far I have done larger holes by doing a spiral with an endmill. I have ideas for applications where I would like precise alignment of smaller holes though.

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I’m not sure if people are tweaking it for some unknown reason or if the screws aren’t holding etc. I’m sure this will get covered in the class, but the basic method is:

  1. Do the normal setting of heights after changing bits (always do this before allowing the machine to go to a home)
  2. Identify a visual home (put a small pencil mark/cross on spoil or material typically)
  3. Set a home on that without the laser, typically vbits are best for visually setting it (jog spindle over point, “Shift” “Green Home” and number)
  4. Turn the laser on and move to the home (“Green Home” and number used above). This moves to an offset where the laser should be pointing to the home.
  5. Adjust laser so it’s pointing at the visual home you used
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I’m really interested in this class. I’d list to use the CNC with sign plastics.

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No thoughts as yet. There will be some discussion about it among the CNC supervisors first, so the parameters of the class will be defined at that time. I see no reason why the class couldn’t be a bit larger than the Basic CNC Router class however, and we will likely offer it pretty often at first, to “catch up” on whatever demand it generates.

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I still have to find my way into the basics class but I have a few table slabs that I would like to level and would like to learn that.

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No hurry there, the cutter you’d want to use is currently being sharpened, so be a week before it’s back in stock.