CNC Overview and Resources

Master CNC Woodworking at the KCWG!

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are incredible tools that bring precision and efficiency to woodworking. Essentially, a computer guides the machine’s movements, allowing it to perform tasks that would typically require many different carpentry machines. This means less waste, fewer errors, and consistently high-quality results for your projects, all while boosting your productivity!

Our CNC Software & Machines

The Guild offers a robust setup for you to design and create your CNC projects. We have six software products available for members:

Design Software (for creating your projects):

  • Vectric Aspire: Perfect for designing and machining both 2D and 3D projects.
  • Vectric VCarve Pro: Ideal for designing and machining 2D projects.
  • C-Cam Pro: Another excellent option for designing and machining 2D projects, notably developed in part by one of our very own Guild members!

Additional Software & Operating Systems:

  • Makerspace (VCarve Pro add-on): Design your projects at home, save them to a USB drive, and easily generate the machine code at the Guild.
  • Mach 3 Operating System: Controls our smaller CNC machine.
  • Delta Operating System: Controls our larger CNC machine.

Getting Certified to Use the CNC

To ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone, you’ll need to be certified in both the design software and the CNC hardware operations before using our machines.

Here’s what you’ll need to demonstrate:

  • Computer Savvy: A good working knowledge of personal computers.
  • Design Skills: The ability to design a project using one of our design software packages.
  • Machine Operation: Training in using both the Mach 3 and/or Delta Operating Systems.
  • Safety First: The ability to safely operate the CNC machines.
  • Your Own Bits: You’ll need to bring your own USB drive and CNC cutting bits. (The Guild does not provide CNC bits.)

Resources for Your CNC Journey

We’ve compiled helpful instructional documents to guide you:

  • CNC Certification Process: Learn all about how to get certified.
  • Online Learning Resources: Discover suggested online materials to help you learn the design software at your own pace.
  • Home Design Setup: Download and configure the free design software so you can create projects at home and bring them to the Guild on a USB drive for machining.
  • Feed Rates & Speeds: Access recommended bit feed rates and speeds to optimize your cuts.

Ready to dive into the world of CNC? These resources will help you get started on your path to proficiency!

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

CNC Special Interest Group

Click above to learn more