CNC or Computer Numerical Control is growing in importance in
schools. This section is an introduction to CNC Router machining and explains
in simple terms the equipment needed and how it can be used.
The most common questions that I hear
are about how to go about learning to use digital woodworking tools? And,
as woodworkers how do you use these tools to get the best out of them? In this
post and the one following, I’ll point out different ways to learn how to use
these tools. First an overall view. Then some suggestions on different ways to
learn how to use digital tools.
Digital Tools are Different
Comparatively,
using these tools well is similar to being really on top of hand tool and
hybrid woodworking. It’s that magic point where your skill and experience have
reached a level so that on any project, you think through what needs to be done
and know how to build it right with the tools and techniques you have. That’s
very satisfying. It’s exciting when it sinks in that you know that you can
pretty much create anything that you can design. When you really get
comfortable with digital woodworking, it’s that way too. It becomes almost a
different kind of thinking.
From
the outside perspective, there’s a lot going on in digital woodworking. It
looks complicated. Unlike simpler tools that usually have a single purpose and
the focus on using them is on physical skills and techniques, the digital world
has a lot of new and different parts, processes to keep track of and
possibilities to think about. That means there are new things for woodworkers
to learn. The good news is there are some excellent resources to learn from.
Digital
woodworking is about computer controlled hardware, software, new processes,
procedures and how you apply it and create with it when working with wood.
That’s different than the hybrid and hand tool woodworking methods most of us
use.
First,
some excellent news. In practice, both old and new methods have far more in
common than you’d think. Woodworking is ultimately a problem-solving adventure
involving thinking your way through mechanical problems. For many of us, that
adventure is part of the fun of woodworking.
The
differences between old and new are mostly about the tools and the order of how
things are done. When using hand and hybrid tools, you work through your
challenges during the process of making and assembling a project. In digital
woodworking, much of that same kind of problem solving takes place up front, as
you’re designing, planning and preparing. That’s where software and computers
come in. Like you may have learned your hand tool skills, there’s proven ways
to learn digital skills. And, I think you’ll find them familiar.
Apply Mechanical Thinking
All
types of woodworking, even digital, use the same kind of logical
mechanical thinking. Figuring out how to make something with a CNC Router is
similar to what you’re doing now using other tools. As with any tool, it’s
important to understand how the tool should be used. The limitations of what
can be done with a CNC Router is close to a tool you probably already know, a
router. So, if you think about what a router can do using your woodworking
knowledge and experience, you’ve got a pretty good idea of what’s
possible with a CNC Router. The difference is that a digitally controlled
router works very precisely in 3 dimensions pretty much anywhere
within the working envelope of the machine you’re using. Even on one of the
smaller hobbyist focused machines that would be 24” x 36” x 6”. That’s a lot of
space. And a lot of possibilities. And even more fun.
Different Tools Require New Learning
Since
this new world involves computers, software and digitally controlled machines,
the process is naturally different. So, expect that adding digital tools means
that there are new things to learn and new skills to develop. Learning to work
with software tools during the design and planning phases of a project is the
first task. Working with the mechanics and capabilities of the CNC Router machine
and applying woodworking know-how is the next task.
We’ll
get into choosing and learning software are subjects in themselves with good
classroom and self-paced online learning options at a later time. Learning the
overall concepts and the fundamentals of the mechanical processes for setting
up and running a CNC Router properly, benefits from some kind of instruction.
Just like you might pick up a particular technique or new skills in a hand tool
class or workshop, the approach to learning works in digital woodworking.
Where to start
Obviously,
you should always start by reading your manual that comes with your machine.
Unfortunately, I’ve yet to see one that is well designed and barely more than
safety procedures and specifications. There is no real content to help you get
started. None of them walks you through basic routines or provides you with
step-by-step examples of simple tasks. This could be done much better. I really
hope manufacturers work on this.
What
about the internet? The internet works well for certain kinds of learning. But,
so far, there are few solutions for the interactive learning needed to get the
best out of digital tools. Learning online is usually limited to watching
videos. Think of it this way, if you’ve ever taken a hand tool skills class
where the instructor works directly with you on every little detail from how to
hold and use a dovetail saw for perfect cuts to tricks for chopping out pins
and tails then you’ll understand the difference between learning a skill online
and in person.
There
are several in person solutions to learning how to use digital woodworking
tools. I’ve got a nice list of suggestions that I’ll share in my next post.
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