Getting started with your first CNC router is not easy. There’s a lot to learn and a lot of choices to make. But the Woodworking Network CNC Bootcamp at IWF can kickstart your automation journey.

Specifically designed for those new to CNC or even just considering buying their first CNC router, the CNC Bootcamp brings attendees together with CNC experts in a daylong intensive workshop. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5, the day before IWF opens to the general public, the CNC Bootcamp is an opportunity to really focus on the nitty gritty of getting your first CNC up and running and productive as quickly as possible.

This year’s bootcamp is sponsored by KCD Software and ShopBot, along with Woodworking Network.

Experts on hand will include representatives from multiple software companies, tooling providers, CNC manufacturers, and even a company that rebuilds older CNC machines to bring them up to the latest specifications.

To add a reality check throughout the day, I’ll be sharing my own experiences from my two decades of covering developments in CNC manufacturing and my first year of actually running my own CNC router in my shop. Let’s look a little closer at what will be on tap.

New horizons
We will start the day with a broad overview of the state of the CNC industry today, talking about the huge variety of CNC machines available in all price ranges and configurations. We will talk about what CNC routers can do, what they can make, and how they can expand the horizons of your woodworking business. Even if you think you know what you want to do with your new CNC, you likely will be surprised to learn about other opportunities to extend the value of the machine in your operation.

CNC routers can do a lot more than just build cabinets. Whole businesses have been launched based on niche products built by CNC routers. Even experienced cabinet manufacturers are learning new ways to use their CNC routers to add value to their products or expand their product offerings.

Software is key
No CNC machine can work without software, and there are almost as many choices in software as there are different CNC machines. Ken Frye from KCD will kick off the discussion by talking about software for building cabinets and closets, two of the most popular and profitable products manufactured with CNC routers.

Ken Frye has an extensive background of over 30 years in the custom woodworking industry beginning as a cabinetmaker and installer. With his combined knowledge of computers, programming, and cabinetmaking, he plays an integral role in the development and marketing of KCD Software. He provides valuable setup support and empowers cabinet and closet professionals to grow their businesses using web-based training and tutorials for CAD technology. He’s ready and willing to answer your CNC questions.

Next up will be Todd Bailey, an application engineer at Vectric, a software company based in the U.K. that caters to an extensive variety of CNC users from hobbyists to manufacturing companies that make a seemingly infinite array of products with their CNC machines. He’s been involved with CNC since 1999. He had his own business, creating custom relief models for people all over the world until Vectric found him and brought him into their operation. Bailey says, “Making is part of my DNA, and working at Vectric helps me to scratch that itch.”

Learning your CNC
ShopBot is not only a leader in affordable CNC machines, but the company has always been at the forefront of CNC training, with an enthusiastic user community. Experts from ShopBot will be on hand talking about how you can learn to use your CNC quickly and confidently.

They’ll also likely surprise you with the breadth of products and procedures that can be done with CNCs.

Tooling tips
The right tooling and the right setups for that tooling are crucial to the success of machining on the CNC, but it can be very confusing for the newcomer to the technology. Mark Alster from Leitz has extensive experience in CNC tooling and shares the kind of information that will help you get the most out of your CNC.

He’ll talk about tooling selection, tool holders, and understanding speed and feed rates depending on the kinds of materials and projects you are working on. Some of the information he’ll share can be counter-intuitive, making it more valuable for the new user.

Technology marches on
In technology-driven manufacturing, one might wonder how long today’s CNC machines can last as technology changes so quickly. John Mitteer from MachMotion, will talk about how his company takes older CNC machines and rebuilds them, updating the controllers and electronics to the latest specifications and extending the life of the machine.

For those considering buying a used CNC machine to start their CNC adventure, Mitteer will have valuable information about evaluating machines and what’s involved in upgrading older machines to the latest standards.

First-person case history
For those who are especially nervous about dipping their toes in the CNC waters, I will share my own first-person account of starting to operate my own CNC a little over a year ago. 

Even with all of my experience in the industry, I had a lot to learn and made a number of mistakes. I will share the good and bad, the triumphs and failures, giving you a chance to avoid my mistakes and learn more.

That’s a rough overview of the CNC Bootcamp. There will be additional speakers and presentations, and plenty of opportunities for questions and networking. Come join us to launch your CNC adventure. Register for the CNC Bootcamp along with your registration for IWF.