The Gerber 408 CNC Router and Sketchup Class
Instructor: Jeff DeJarnette
Email: jeffdbeats@gmail.com
Phone: 802-342-9421 (Text is best)
Cost: $150 per person (Includes help with your personal project)
In this 2 week class you will learn the basics as well as how to create .dxf files using SketchUp (Free Version) for operation with the Gerber 408 CNC Router. Every participant will receive hands on training as well as have the chance to create a personal project for homework. We will also work on a class project for the Mint as a demonstration. Space is limited to 5 participants.
Each participant will also receive free one on one help with their personal project / homework for this class!
If you complete this course and homework assignments, and can show that you are able to safely operate the machine alone, you will be certified to use the CNC router at anytime. (This may require that we complete a few projects together to make sure you are comfortable with the machine before being signed off)
Week 1:
Time: Friday, March 9th 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Bring a laptop + a mouse with you! (If you don’t have a laptop we have some computers here that can be used.) The first week we will learn the basics of creating .dxf files in the free version of Google Sketchup to be cut on the CNC. Being able to create files to cut on the CNC is a crucial step in knowing how to operate and use the CNC.
Outline:
- Introduction to Sketchup Make download @ https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-free
- How to install free .dxf plugin for .dxf file creation within Sketchup Make (.dxf is the 2D CAD File used for importing into CNC software)
Plugin link:
https://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl
- Creating a simple design for and laying out your shapes on a piece of plywood.
- Start your personal design, ask questions, get help
Homework: Create and lay out your own design to cut on the CNC. It can be up to a 4’ x 8’ sheet of wood or smaller. We have a lot of different sizes of wood in stock that can be used. I will be available to help if you need.
Week 2:
Time: Friday, March 16th 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
The topics we will go over are safety, changing bits, acceptable materials, how to properly position your material on the bed, how to secure your work to the table, importing files into ArtPath (the software used to run CNC), setting toolpaths in ArtPath, setting your home / z positions, and finishing with an actual live demonstration of the machine.
Outline:
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The Materials you can cut
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The different Bits you can use
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Using the clamp
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Double Sided Tape
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Dust Collection
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ArtCam software
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How to import a .dxf
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Setting tool paths and different types of tool paths
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How to do a tool change / the collet / the bit choice
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How to set the table z and the material z
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How to set home
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Live demo cut
Homework: Schedule a time with me to cut your sketchup project on the CNC. I will help guide you through the entire process!
