This means that the physical movements of the CNC are controlled by a computer.  The CNC machines can perform the task of many carpentry shop machines.  A CNC can reduce waste, the frequency of errors, and the time it takes to complete a project.  A CNC typically produces consistent and high-quality work and improves productivity.

The Guild has obtained six software products for our members to use to create their CNC projects.  

There are three design software packages:

• Vectric Aspire – used to design/machine 2 and 3 dimensional projects
• Vectric VCarve Pro – used to design/machine 2 dimensional projects
• C-Cam Pro – used to design/machine 2 dimensional projects (and written in part by one of our Guild members)

In addition:

• Makerspace – this is an add-on to VCarve Pro and allows Guild members to design their projects outside of the Guild, then bring their project to the Guild on a USB drive and generate the machine code for the CNC.
• Mach 3 Operating System – the machine control software for our smaller CNC
• Delta Operating System – the machine control software for our larger CNC

For any Guild member to use the CNC the member must first be certified in competency with the design software and the CNC hardware and operations. 

To certify the Guild member must:

• Have a working competency of personal computers.
• Demonstrate the ability to design a project with the design software.
• Be trained in using Mach 3 and/or the Delta Operating System.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely operate the CNC.
• Have their own USB drive and CNC cutting bits.  (The Guild does not provide CNC bits.)

Linked below are instructional documents that: 

• • Explain the CNC orientation/certification process
  • Provide suggested instructional resources that are available online to assist Guild members in learning the design software.
  • Will allow Guild members to download and configure the free design software so they can create their projects at home and then bring the projects to the Guild on a USB Drive to machine their design. 
  • Provide suggested bit feed rates and speeds

These documents can be viewed or downloaded using the links below…

• Overview of the Design Software
• Obtaining your Free Copy of VCarve Pro
• Instructions for configuring your free VCarve Pro software
• Getting Started at home with Makerspace VCarve Pro
• Online Resources for the CNC
• The CNC Orientation Process
• Using Makerspace version VCarve Pro at the Guild
• Understanding CNC Bits
• Suggested Starter Bits
• Bit Feed and Speed