Introduction to CNC Routers Workshop

Ben will be giving a 3 part workshop on using the CNC router.  This is the first set of workshops for this topic, and is currently only available to Makerspace members.  This is a free workshop for members.  Currently limited to 10 people, so be sure to contact Ben via Slack to let him know you are attending!  Future workshops will be available to the public.  The dates and topics are as follows:

• Tuesday 9/22/2026 6:30 – 8:30pm Introduction to modeling with FreeCAD, an open source CAD/CAM program for modeling objects for use in CNC and 3D printing.  Bring your Laptop with a charger (Windows, Mac or Linux) with a charger, mouse and mouse pad.   If you do not have a laptop available, the Makerspace has a couple of them to lend out for this workshop.  Go ahead and install the latest version of FreeCAD and gSender on your laptop for the first session on Modeling.  Students will learn to use FreeCAD to model a drink coaster with the Mobile Makerspace logo on it.
• Tuesday 9/29/2026 6:30 – 8:30pm Introduction to CAM/tooling settings and GCode.  Bring your laptop pieces again to learn how to use the CAM part of FreeCAD to prepare your model for cutting on the CNC machine.  Also will be going over GCode and gSender.
• Tuesday 10/6/2026 6:30 – 8:30pm Cutting your model on the CNC.  Learn how to use the CNC to cut your model into wood.  You may bring your own piece of wood or a piece of pine will be provided.