If you’ve made the investment in a benchtop CNC machine, or are considering the purchase of one, this class is a great way to start safely and get to know a CNC machine. George will lead you, step-by-step, through two different designs, and also take you through the process of getting the CNC machine ready to make cuts.
The Software
VCarve software from Vectric is design software that many CNC companies use as a companion to their machines. To be more specific, this class uses VCarve Pro. The class is filled with screen captures that will allow you to work alongside George, click by click, to create a design. You’ll learn to take advantage of the software’s features to simplify getting the look you want in your projects.
In addition to designing your project another important aspect of VCarve is creating the toolpath. Again you’ll see, click by click, how to create various tool paths, how to select the correct bit from the bit library, using tabs and ramps, and more.
Understanding the CNC machine
There’s jargon associated specifically with CNC machines that you may not be familiar with, and we’ll take care of teaching you that. We’ll also look at a variety of methods you can use to secure your work to the CNC table, zeroing the machine axes, router bit installation, and cutting the tool path you created in the design portion of the class.
In total, you’ll get over 80 minutes of hands-on CNC video instruction. The class also includes a detailed downloadable Class Guide to print and keep, which reinforces the key points and instruction in the class.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Getting started
21:36
Gantry, spoil board, fly cut…this may all be terminology you’re not familiar with. We’ll take care of that, making sure you understand the important parts of a CNC machine. You’ll also learn about four different methods for securing your work to the table, and each method’s advantages and disadvantages.
Session 2: Designing and Cutting
31:17
Many CNC owners are interested in sign making. This session will help you with that by showing you how to start a new project, add text to it, and how to create the tool path for the text. You’ll learn about choosing the XY origin within the software, and how that relates to positioning the material on the CNC machine.
Session 3: V-Carving a plaque
30:19
V-carving allows you to create the look of relief carving. In this session you’ll learn how to create a design and tool path that leaves your text standing proud of the background. You’ll also how to offset design shapes for perfect reproduction and spacing on your drawing. You’ll see how to reduce down time on the CNC machine by outputting similar files to one tool path.
Your Instructor
George Vondriska
George Vondriska is the Editor in Chief here at Woodworkers Guild of America and has been sharing his woodworking expertise since 1986. Apart from conducting classes at his renowned Vondriska Woodworks School, George's passion for teaching has taken him to woodworking shows nationwide and has led him to teach woodworking for prestigious organizations such as Peace Corps/Swaziland, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines, and the Pentagon. With a wealth of published magazine articles under his belt, encompassing tool reviews and shop improvement projects, George's knowledge and skills continue to inspire woodworkers every day. To discover more about him and his school, visit georgevondriska.com.
Bonus Material
Printable Class Guide PDF
Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class. It’s a good resource for key CNC techniques.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska
Video: CNC Capabilities
Download this short video to hear about the capabilities and versatility of a benchtop CNC machine.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Woodworkers Guild of America to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on WWGOA Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great woodworking videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Woodworkers Guild of America. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and WWGOA contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact WWGOA Academy?
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