Computer automation can simplify a lot of things in a woodworking business, but getting started can be very complicated and daunting. 

How do you choose a CNC router? What can you do with it? What kind of software do you need? How do you learn to use the CNC and the software that runs it? 

What kind of tooling should you buy and how do you know what tool settings to use?

What do you need for dust collection and securing your workpieces? What’s a typical learning curve? 

We will answer all of those questions and more in the CNC Bootcamp slated for June 21 at the AWFS Fair the day before the show floor opens to regular attendees. The CNC Bootcamp features a carefully chosen collection of industry experts to answer your questions and help you get off to a smooth start on your CNC automation.

With 25 years of experience covering CNC manufacturing in the woodworking industry and more than two years of hands-on experience operating my own CNC, I’ve carefully chosen the presenters and topics for this workshop to appeal to the widest segments of professional woodworking. Here’s what’s on tap.

CNC overview
I’ll share the stage with a representative from Carbide 3D to talk about the huge range of CNC options in the marketplace from small desktop machines to massive systems designed for high-production factories. Carbide 3D sells machines from desktop models to machines capable of machining full panels. We will poll the audience to be sure we emphasize the range of machines that interest Bootcamp attendees the most.

Software
One of the most crucial decisions you have to make is what software to use with your CNC. Ken Frye, a veteran of the industry from KCD Software, will kick off the discussion, emphasizing software for cabinet and closet applications. 

A representative from Vectric will talk about the seemingly limitless software applications outside of mainstream manufacturing. 

Training
Everybody talks about the steep learning curve to get up to speed with a new CNC system. Ted Bruning, an instructor in the Fine Woodworking department at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, Colorado, will share his extensive experience teaching new CNC users, offering tips to help you avoid common mistakes and problems.

Tooling
Following a networking lunch, the program resumes with what most attendees call the most useful and interesting part of the CNC Bootcamp. Mark Alster, regional sales manager for Leitz Tooling Systems, will get into the nitty-gritty of tooling. He will address what kinds of tools you need for different applications, what devices you should have to securely hold those tools in your machine, and what kinds of speeds and feeds you need to use for best results. Don’t be surprised when what you hear from Alster sounds a bit counterintuitive. Welcome to CNC machining!

Dust collection
CNC machines generate a lot of chips and dust. If you don’t have the right equipment to handle it, that dust and debris can affect your quality of cut, your tooling life, and even your health and safety. Jeff Hill, a 29-year veteran at Oneida Air shares his in-depth knowledge to make sure you take the steps necessary to deal with dust.

Vacuum hold-down
Whether you are machining full panels or individual parts, it’s absolutely critical to secure the work properly. Some machines depend on mechanical hold-downs, but most users prefer vacuum systems for professional work. A representative from All*Star CNC, a company that specializes in gasketing for vacuum hold-down systems, will talk about how to get the best performance out of vacuum systems.

First-person advice
I will wind up the day with an account of my own first-person experiences learning to operate a CNC router over the last couple of years. We will talk about setup, software, a variety of projects, alternative hold-down strategies, and dust collection. I’ll even share a hack I did to my machine to allow it do things that it was never intended to do in the first place.

Throughout the daylong workshop, there will be plenty of opportunities for asking questions and interacting directly with the speakers. All of the participating presenters are dedicated to helping you be successful in your use of CNC automation.

After the CNC Bootcamp concludes at 4:30 p.m., attendees are invited to stick around for the 40 Under 40 Leadership Reception, a great opportunity for networking and to meet the next generation of leaders in the woodworking industry.

Learn more and register at awfsfair.org/education.