CNC stands for computer numeric control, which means computer control of machine tools. CNC can generally refer to routers, mills, lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers, and many other tools that are computer-controlled. However, at the Hack Factory, the CNC shop specifically refers to CNC routers.
Check our Eventbrite page for orientation:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/twin-cities-maker-440413464
Wood of all types, plastics, foams, composites, aluminum, brass, and more.
When in doubt, email [email protected]
Accuracy is a complicated topic, and we cannot make a general statement about how accurate the machine is.
For the X-Carve, take a class, or watch the video and take the quiz.
For the 4×8, attend a “help session”, where you can get in-person help running the machine. If after the help session you feel comfortable using the machine, and the shop manager or volunteer determines that you have demonstrated sufficient care for the machine to use it safely, you will be signed off. You can attend an unlimited number of help sessions, but if you are very new to CNC, we recommend learning on the X-Carve.
The X-Carve is free to use.
There is a $5/hr fee to use the 4×8.
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Sometimes more info is posted on the CNC Slack channel by members.
https://wiki.tcmaker.org/shop_departments/cnc
There are usually some available at the shop, but community-use bits tend to be in poor condition, so we recommend you purchase your own.
http://www.toolstoday.com has a large selection of bits online. You might try eBay or Amazon.
Regular router bits usually work okay for wood.
For CAD, Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, CorelDraw, are good for 2D. Fusion 360, SolidWorks, SketchUp and a huge selection of other programs can be used for 3D.
For CAM, there is a lot of software out there. We have a license for VCarve Pro that is available to all members. Fusion 360 is another option that is free for hobbyists. You need a GRBL post-processor for the X-Carve, and a Centroid post-processor for the 4×8.