Benchtop CNC routers are quickly becoming a mainstream tool in many shops. This class will make sure you’re getting everything you can out of this amazing machine while teaching you many new skills.
We’re going into this class with the assumption that you have basic CNC router skills. Prior to taking this class you should be comfortable with:
Zeroing the X, Y and Z axes
Locating your work on the spoilboard
Securing your work to the spoilboard
Basic design work in VCarve
Basic toolpathing in VCarve
If you feel you’re a little short on any of these topics you should take our Benchtop CNC Fundamentals class before taking this class.
Ready to go to the next level? You’ll learn about:
Your spoilboard: Repair, routine maintenance, flycutting
Your post processor: Making VCarve life a little easier by hiding the many post processors you don’t need
Making multiples: How to easily get project blanks on and off your CNC with repeatability
3D clipart: Roughing pass, finishing pass, bit selection
Adding text to 3D surfaces: Bending text and conforming it to the surface
Finger joints: Joint layout, optimizing the fit
Inlay: Duplicating shapes and fitting one part into another
In addition to the detailed video instruction, this class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class, and a Resources document that will give you information on the products you’ll see in class.
If you’re ready to take the next step in building your woodworking skills, this is the class for you.
Class Sessions
Session #1: Spoilboard Maintenance
22:50
Whether your machine is brand new or you’ve been using it for a while, you need to take care of your spoilboard. On brand new machines, you need to flycut the spoilboard to make sure it’s in plane with the spindle. On a machine you’ve been using a while, you need to flycut the spoilboard to eliminate unevenness.
Session #2: Isolate Your Post Processor
2:49
The good news is that VCarve comes with lots of post processors so the software can feed toolpaths to many different machines. But you only need one post processor; the one for your machine. Let’s hide the ones you don’t need to make things more simple for you.
Session #3: Making Multiples: Easy Project Placement
28:21
Whether you’re using your CNC as an income source or simply want to know fast and efficient ways to get project blanks on and off the spoilboard, this session is for you. From dirt simple to a make-your-own-jig set up, these techniques will streamline your CNC work.
Session #4: Cutting 3-D Clipart
15:05
Using VCarve to add 3-D clipart to your project is simple, and adds so much value and detail to your work. A large variety of clipart is included with VCarve, and lots more is available online. Drag and drop, some simple toolpath work, and you’re ready to cut. Skills include using the 3-D Roughing and Finishing Toolpaths.
Session #5: Adding Text to 3-D Clipart
8:01
You can personalize your projects by adding 3-D clipart AND adding text to the clipart. Whether it’s a domed box lid, carved wedding rings, or a football, we can use VCarve to place the text on the object. It will conform to the 3-D shape, and we can bend and size the text to scale it for a perfect fit. You’ll learn skills including Edit Text Spacing and Curve.
Session #6: Create Finger Joints
23:39
Finger joints are incredibly strong, thanks to the large amount of glue surface they offer. We’ll look at how to lay out a joint, correct it if it’s too tight or loose, and how to use fillets to complete the inside corners. Skills include learning to use Array Copy.
Session #7: Create an Inlay
16:27
What a nice touch, to inlay one piece into another. The look is especially stunning when the materials contrast. Nearly any shape can be used for the inlay, and you’ll learn how to easily migrate the shape to make certain the pocket and inlay are identical. Skills include Pocket and Profile Toolpaths, and editing bit parameters.
Your Instructor
George Vondriska
George Vondriska is the Editor in Chief here at Woodworkers Guild of America and has been sharing his woodworking expertise since 1986. Apart from conducting classes at his renowned Vondriska Woodworks School, George's passion for teaching has taken him to woodworking shows nationwide and has led him to teach woodworking for prestigious organizations such as Peace Corps/Swaziland, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines, and the Pentagon. With a wealth of published magazine articles under his belt, encompassing tool reviews and shop improvement projects, George's knowledge and skills continue to inspire woodworkers every day. To discover more about him and his school, visit georgevondriska.com.
Bonus Material
Printable Class Guide PDF
Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class. It’s a great reference for using the techniques you’ll see in this class.
Printable Class Resources PDF
Download and print this PDF to complement your Class. It includes a list of products and materials you’ll see in this class.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: More about CNC Versatility
Download this short video to hear George talk about how using a CNC machine can add fun and interesting elements to your projects.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Woodworkers Guild of America to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on WWGOA Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great woodworking videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Woodworkers Guild of America. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Woodworkers Guild of America, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and WWGOA contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to WWGOA.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Woodworkers Guild of America from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact WWGOA Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at wwgoasubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-253-0822. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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