Getting Started with CNC is the definitive introduction to working with affordable desktop and benchtop CNCs, written by the creator of the popular open hardware CNC, the Shapeoko. Accessible 3D printing introduced the masses to computer-controlled additive fabrication. But the flip side of that is subtractive fabrication: instead of adding material to create a shape like a 3D printer does, a CNC starts with a solid piece of material and takes away from it. Although inexpensive 3D printers can make great things with plastic, a CNC can carve highly durable pieces out of a block of aluminum, wood, and other materials. This book covers the fundamentals of designing for--and working with--affordable ($500-$3000) CNCs.

Do you like to build things? Are you ever frustrated at having to compromise your designs to fit whatever parts happen to be available? Would you like to fabricate your own parts? Build Your Own CNC Machine is the book to get you started. CNC expert Patrick Hood-Daniel and best-selling author James Kelly team up to show you how to construct your very own CNC machine. Then they go on to show you how to use it, how to document your designs in computer-aided design (CAD) programs, and how to output your designs as specifications and tool paths that feed into the CNC machine, controlling it as it builds whatever parts your imagination can dream up. Don't be intimidated by abbreviations like CNC and terms like computer-aided design. Patrick and James have chosen a CNC-machine design that is simple to fabricate. You need only basic woodworking skills and a budget of perhaps $500 to $1,000 to spend on the wood, a router, and various other parts that you'll need. With some patience and some follow-through, you'll soon be up and running with a really fun machine that'll unleash your creativity and turn your imagination into physical reality. The authors go on to show you how to test your machine, including configuring the software. Provides links for learning how to design and mill whatever you can dream up The perfect parent/child project that is also suitable for scouting groups, clubs, school shop classes, and other organizations that benefit from projects that foster skills development and teamwork No unusual tools needed beyond a circular saw and what you likely already have in your home toolbox Teaches you to design and mill your very own wooden and aluminum parts, toys, gadgets—whatever you can dream up

If you've recently purchased a CNC machine for your shop, or are just wanting to learn more about using one for woodworking and other crafts before you take the plunge, this is the book for you. You'll learn the basics behind the sometimes mystifying world of these fantastic machines, how to design your projects, which tools to use, how to painlessly convert your designs into language the CNC can understand, and pick up some tips on getting started in the shop and using your CNC safely. You'll find everything in simple non-technical language, that will move you from Newbie to Novice in easy-to-understand steps.

· A complete beginner-friendly manual to understanding the fundamentals, machinery, software, tools, and materials of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) · Features hands-on projects that incorporate various concepts and 2-1/2 D carving techniques in CNC machining to truly immerse the reader in several methods and practices, even how to overcome limitations of 3-axis CNC machines · Informational chapters are written in an easy-to-understand format that’s approachable and beginner-friendly · Clear instructions, diagrams, illustrations, software screenshots, and photography provided throughout · General instructions and CNC principles apply to a wide range of software and machine brands

CNC control of milling machines is now available to even the smallest of workshops. This allows designers to be more ambitious and machinists to be more confident of the production of parts, and thereby greatly increase the potential of milling at home.This new accessible guide takes a practical approach to software and techniques, and explains how you can make full use of your CNC mill to produce ambitious work of a high standard. Includes: Authoritative advice on programming and operating a CNC mill; Guide to the major CAD/CAM/CNC software such as Mach3, LinuxCNC and Vectric packages, without being restricted to any particular make of machine; Practical projects throughout and examples of a wide range of finished work; A practical approach to how you can make full use of your CNC mill to produce ambitious work. Aimed at everyone with a workshop - particularly modelmakers and horologists. Superbly illustrated with 280 colour illustrations. Dr Marcus Bowman has been machining metal for forty years and is a lifelong maker of models, clocks and tools.

You can make the furniture you want at a fraction of the price of store-bought furniture. Not only will you save tons of money, but you'll also make environmentally sustainable pieces that are solidly built, using real materials like metal, wood, concrete, and other recycled ready-mades. The projects in this book don't require special skills, prior experience, or even a garage full of tools. You'll be walked step-by-step through the process of making furniture, from where to buy the materials (or where to scavenge) to how to make the most of the tools you own.