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Building the ShopNotes CNC Machine

From Marc Hopkins and Chris Fitch

COURSE CONTENT AVAILABLE NOW.

Bring CNC technology to your workshop by building your own CNC Machine or Build the ultimate workshop project –  the ShopNotes CNC Machine.

This package includes the Shop-Made CNC Router 2.0 Woodsmith Plan (A $49.95 value!)

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Building the ShopNotes CNC Machine

$79

Course Overview:

A CNC router is an amazing machine to add to your workshop. Sure, you can buy one, but the cost is high. Building a CNC router can add this woodworking technology to your shop at a much lower cost and is a cool project that any woodworker will enjoy. Building a CNC router is not difficult, but it can be intimidating. This video is designed to help guide anyone who has basic woodworking skills and a desire to learn to successfully build their own woodworking CNC machine following the tested ShopNotes plans. Professional woodworker Marc Hopkins will guide the builder through the process with sound advice and insight. Avid CNC fan Chris Fitch will show the viewer how to wire and set up the software that operates the machine. To get the builder started using their machine we will offer a few downloadable projects and go through the process of setting up the machine and putting it to work making project parts. This video is meant as a companion to the printed plans.

PLUS! This package includes the Shop-Made CNC Router 2.0 Woodsmith Plan (A $49.95 value!)

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What You Will Learn:

  • You will learn the basics of CNC technology – the heart of the new industrial revolution found in 3D printers, lasers, milling machines and more.
  • Professional craftsman Marc Hopkins will guide you through the process of building the ShopNotes CNC machine from the woodworking to installing the lead screws and stepper motors. Marc offers the tips and insights of someone who has “been there” to help you with a successful build in your home shop.
  • All those wires! A CNC router can seem complicated to wire but not to worry, Chris will break it down to a straightforward and understandable process.
  • Control software sends the signals that make the stepper motors turn. This video will teach you to set up the basic configuration of the Mach3 control software.
  • You built this machine to make cool stuff so let’s get started with a few simple projects that are ready-to-cut. Building these projects will teach you the basic workflow and operation of your CNC router.
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Extras:

Project downloads will be available for the sample projects shown to help the builder get started using their CNC machine. The projects will include a dust boot for the machine to keep things clean, a tray for the router wrenches and a dozen router bits to keep things organized and a tab and slot tool tote. Downloads will be DXF files of the parts and ready-to-cut g-code files. This package also includes the Shop-Made CNC Router 2.0 Woodsmith Plan (A $49.95 value!)

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In this course, you'll get:

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to your courses anytime, anywhere, with a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Unlimited

access. Take your courses at your time and pace.

Videos

designed for a proven learning experience.

About and Chris Fitch and  Marc Hopkins

Chris Fitch
Chris' passion began with his father’s Shopsmith Mark V. Being a creative, left–brain sort, that machine was his gateway to many happy hours. He's had a varied career working with wood as a carpenter, cabinetmaker, and folk artist before joining Woodsmith and Shopnotes 24 years ago where he currently serves as the Creative Director. Of the hundreds of projects that he has designed and built for Woodsmith and Shopnotes over the years, he believes that the machines are the most intriguing and satisfying.

Marc Hopkins 
Originally from Coventry, England, he completed his Carpentry and Joinery training with the City & Guilds of London Institute. He worked as a self-employed carpenter and for a remodeling company before transitioning to the finer side of woodworking when joining Woodsmith as a Shop Craftsman then onto Shop Manager.
His favorite project builds include a modern chess set turned on the lathe and a 14’ plywood boat, which he later acquired – company perk! If he can escape the honey-do list and home remodeling projects he loves to travel and spend time with his family. 

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