Benchtop CNC: The Next Level
George Vondriska
Class Preview
- In-depth Instruction; over 118 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Session #1: Spoilboard Maintenance
22:50
Whether your machine is brand new or you’ve been using it for a while, you need to take care of your spoilboard. On brand new machines, you need to flycut the spoilboard to make sure it’s in plane with the spindle. On a machine you’ve been using a while, you need to flycut the spoilboard to eliminate unevenness.
Session #2: Isolate Your Post Processor
2:49
The good news is that VCarve comes with lots of post processors so the software can feed toolpaths to many different machines. But you only need one post processor; the one for your machine. Let’s hide the ones you don’t need to make things more simple for you.
Session #3: Making Multiples: Easy Project Placement
28:21
Whether you’re using your CNC as an income source or simply want to know fast and efficient ways to get project blanks on and off the spoilboard, this session is for you. From dirt simple to a make-your-own-jig set up, these techniques will streamline your CNC work.
Session #4: Cutting 3-D Clipart
15:05
Using VCarve to add 3-D clipart to your project is simple, and adds so much value and detail to your work. A large variety of clipart is included with VCarve, and lots more is available online. Drag and drop, some simple toolpath work, and you’re ready to cut. Skills include using the 3-D Roughing and Finishing Toolpaths.
Session #5: Adding Text to 3-D Clipart
8:01
You can personalize your projects by adding 3-D clipart AND adding text to the clipart. Whether it’s a domed box lid, carved wedding rings, or a football, we can use VCarve to place the text on the object. It will conform to the 3-D shape, and we can bend and size the text to scale it for a perfect fit. You’ll learn skills including Edit Text Spacing and Curve.
Session #6: Create Finger Joints
23:39
Finger joints are incredibly strong, thanks to the large amount of glue surface they offer. We’ll look at how to lay out a joint, correct it if it’s too tight or loose, and how to use fillets to complete the inside corners. Skills include learning to use Array Copy.
Session #7: Create an Inlay
16:27
What a nice touch, to inlay one piece into another. The look is especially stunning when the materials contrast. Nearly any shape can be used for the inlay, and you’ll learn how to easily migrate the shape to make certain the pocket and inlay are identical. Skills include Pocket and Profile Toolpaths, and editing bit parameters.
Description
Benchtop CNC routers are quickly becoming a mainstream tool in many shops. This class will make sure you’re getting everything you can out of this amazing machine while teaching you many new skills.
We’re going into this class with the assumption that you have basic CNC router skills. Prior to taking this class you should be comfortable with:
- Zeroing the X, Y and Z axes
- Locating your work on the spoilboard
- Securing your work to the spoilboard
- Basic design work in VCarve
- Basic toolpathing in VCarve
If you feel you’re a little short on any of these topics you should take our Benchtop CNC Fundamentals class before taking this class.
Ready to go to the next level? You’ll learn about:
- Your spoilboard: Repair, routine maintenance, flycutting
- Your post processor: Making VCarve life a little easier by hiding the many post processors you don’t need
- Making multiples: How to easily get project blanks on and off your CNC with repeatability
- 3D clipart: Roughing pass, finishing pass, bit selection
- Adding text to 3D surfaces: Bending text and conforming it to the surface
- Finger joints: Joint layout, optimizing the fit
- Inlay: Duplicating shapes and fitting one part into another
In addition to the detailed video instruction, this class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class, and a Resources document that will give you information on the products you’ll see in class.
If you’re ready to take the next step in building your woodworking skills, this is the class for you.
George Vondriska
Formally trained in technology education, George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986. He has been the managing editor of Woodworkers Guild of America since 2007. In addition to classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for the Peace Corps, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines and the Pentagon.
Bonus materials available after purchase