Intro to VCarve and the ShopBot CNC Router

John Houghton is the ShopBot shop lead, and has been making things like plywood furniture, signs, sculptural surfaces and various machine parts for himself and customers since the ShopBot was first installed.

Learn to use the Asylum’s ShopBot CNC Router and the VCarve Pro design and drawing package to design and machine 2D projects from flat material like plywood. We'll work through a simple project to explore cutting shapes, engraving surfaces, and machining pockets, as well as what processes are best on the ShopBot and which are more easily done with other woodworking tools.

The Asylum’s ShopBot is a PRSalpha 96×48 model with full 3-axis CNC capability and an 8ft x 4ft x 6in work envelope. It can cut wood, plastic, plywood, MDF, and other materials.

This class meets three times for three hours each meeting. We will work through creating drawings that can generate tool-paths for machining; how to operate the ShopBot itself without damaging the machine or yourself; how to attach your raw material to the machine bed; and what kind of bits to use for various materials. Each student will have hands-on time on the machine in the second and third sessions to practice actual machine operation.

Tool testing is not included in this class time. Students must schedule a separate one-hour tool testing session with the instructor before being authorized to use the machine independently.

The materials fee for this class is $5. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash, checks, or payment through Venmo.

Safe operation of the ShopBot CNC router, the path from project concept to cutting parts, and proper use of the shop space.

Wood, Bits, and end-mills for use during class.

E ar and eye protection if they have it. If they do not have their own, ear and eye protection will be provided.

Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

Prior experience with a CAD or vector drawing software is helpful, but not required.

Students should come dressed in appropriate attire closed toed shoes (leather steel-toed boots are best), have long hair tied back, no loose-fitting clothes, and should expect to remove rings and dangling jewelry.

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.

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Artisan's Asylum, 96 Holton Street, Boston, United States

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