For some people trying to add CNC to their operation, those letters might stand for Completely New Concept or Confused ‘N’ Crazy. Certainly there is a lot to learn about CNC, including that the letters stand for Computer Numerically Controlled. Now there is help to make the transition easier.

I will be hosting what we are calling a CNC Bootcamp on July 24 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s an all-day symposium focused on getting started with CNC. The presentations will feature industry experts talking about all the things that keep new CNC adopters awake at night. Consequently, it’s the perfect opportunity for people trying to get their first CNC operating efficiently or even people who have just started shopping for their first CNC machine.

The event is sponsored by Laguna Tools, Lobo/Castaly, and KCD Software, all of whom are committed to your CNC success.

Here's a look at some of the presentations on tap.

Match your machine to your needs
CNC automation encompasses a huge array of options that can be bewildering for people new to CNC. Chris Cold, Texas sales manager, Laguna Tools, will walk you through the many kinds of CNC you might want to consider and why one kind, size, or specifically equipped machine might be more appropriate to your enterprise and products. For example, there are CNC machines that are small enough to fit on top of desk or benchtop. Just on size, machines range from those tiny footprints up to 7x12 feet and larger.

When we say CNC, we aren’t just talking about nested based routers. There are pod and rail based machining centers. There are machines oriented vertically to save space. There are enclosed and open machines. And not all machines use cutting bits. Some CNC machines use lasers to cut, burn, or engrave wood. Cold will give you a primer to better see which machine or machines you should consider.

CNC software
You can’t run a CNC machine without computer software. The good news is that the latest software programs are easier to use and easier to own than they have ever been. 

Most woodworking companies tend to want to use CNC for panel processing to make parts for cabinets and closets and the like. Following in that vein, Ken Frye of KCD Software will talk about software choices for cabinets and closets. He’ll talk not just about how software is a tool to manufacture parts, but also how it is a valuable sales and presentation resource to help you sell your work.

Some CNC companies provide software packages or proprietary software, or partner with different software companies to meet your programming needs. We’ll have other experts to talk about software options beyond just cabinets.

Learning how to use your CNC
One of the biggest challenges facing new CNC adopters is learning how to use that sophisticated new machine. Some companies might offer training, but there is a wide range of options to learn how to operate your machine and the software you need to learn, too. 

Stuart Kent will help lead you through all of that. He has been a furniture and cabinet maker for 32 years. Over the arc of his career, he has taught for seven universities in five countries, was a partner in a high-volume custom cabinet shop, and now owns a custom design firm specializing in large scale and complex commissions. 

Stuart holds a Master’s degree from East Carolina University, has done multidisciplinary graduate studies in Furniture Design and Sculpture, and is a U.S. Fulbright Core Scholar. He has authored multiple undergraduate college design curricula, developed international pedagogical methods in design, and directed study abroad initiatives for U.S. colleges to Central America and Europe. He is currently the Director of the North Carolina Furniture School, a private woodworking academy and key CNC training partner with ShopBot Tools of Durham, NC. 

ShopBot has been a leader in multi-disciplinary training for all levels of CNC users. Stuart will talk about using forums, online training, videos, networking, and a universe of education opportunities. Jim Petrin of ShopBot will also be on hand to answer questions.

Tooling for your CNC
In previous presentations we have found that the discussion on tooling has been the most eye-opening for new CNC adopters. They are so focused on the machine that they overlook the crucial importance of the piece of equipment that actually contacts the work — the tool bit.

Mark Alster from Leitz Tooling has decades of experience helping shops of all sized match their tooling to their products and equipment. He can demystify the science of tool feeds and speeds, chip loads, and different tool holding strategies. He’ll offer tips for getting the most out of your tooling and your machine.

CNC accessories 
When people first shop for CNC routers, they focus on the machine and perhaps max out their budget with the machine purchase alone. They quickly find that they need another budget for necessary and useful accessories.

Jeff Ou of Lobo/Castaly will introduce you to the wide array of accessories that can make your CNC more functional, efficient, and safe. They include such things as dust collection, vacuum and mechanical hold-down options, and material handling to load workpieces onto your CNC and offload finished parts.

Taking the next step
While most of the attendees to this bootcamp are expected to be dealing with entry-level CNC equipment, many will eventually move into bigger, faster, more industrial CNC machines. It helps starting out to know what you might be getting into for the long haul.

Experts from Weinig Holz-Her, a major supplier of industrial CNC machinery, will share what a modern, state of the art, full production CNC operation looks like.

A work in progress
While up to this point, my personal experience with CNC has been mostly second hand, I’ve recently embarked on a CNC journey of my own, installing a small professional-grade CNC in my shop. I’ll share my experiences, answer questions, and act as the official newbie advocate throughout the bootcamp.

Registration for the CNC Bootcamp includes admission to lunch, the Woodworking Network Leadership Reception after the bootcamp and AWFS Fair exhibit hall registration. To register for the CNC Bootcamp, first register for the AWFS Fair and then click on the link to "Add Symposia." See you there.