In this course we will cast a number of small objects from patterns using sand molds. We will discuss pattern design, mold troubleshooting, and most importantly safety.

After completion of this course, you will be certified to use the equipment to cast safely on your own.

Molten aluminum will be handled, so at a minimum leather footwear, preferably boots, long sleeves and pants are required.

This class is for people who might not know exactly what a microcontroller is but want to learn all about them and use them in their projects. Some minimal programming experience is recommended but not necessarily required.

In the course of three hours, this class will cover everything a student will need to know to get started hacking, programming, tweaking, and fiddling with the Arduino series of microcontrollers. From installing the VERY basic and cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux) software to making LEDs blink and fade in and out and even interfacing the Arduino with a computer.

You might be saying to yourself "I'm an artist" or "I'm into sewing, not electronics, what interest do I have in this?". Plenty! Have you ever wanted a T-shirt that uses electroluminescent wire that glows brighter as the noise level in a room gets louder? How about a sculpture that moves in certain ways based upon its surroundings? Then this class (and of course a TechShop membership) will help you turn those ideas into reality. All you need to do is sign up below!

This class isn't just meant for artists though, maybe you are a garage-mad-scientist or weekend-engineer and want to build a powerful CNC machine that will enable you to CNC control your plant watering duties or change diapers for you. The Arduino has an unlimited number of applications and this class aims to teach you all about them.

If you are still on the fence for this class then check out this handy link on instructables.com for more Arduino based ideas and then hurry up and sign up for this class before all of the seats vanish!

One last thing, at the end of this class you have the option of taking home your very own Arduino microcontroller (and a handy USB cable for it) for $25 + tax.

This class is NOT meant for expert programmers.

We invite you to come join us in the TechShop Electronics area to learn the basics of soldering.

Learn how to solder electronic "through-hole" components for electronic printed circuit board assembly (PCB's) and to use a soldering iron. You will learn basic solder and flux types along with safe soldering practices and soldering iron maintenance. Learn to de-solder using various techniques, including a "solder sucker" tool and/or solder braid.

If you have ever wondered if there might be something better to do with all those 'worn out' batteries that you have lying around or if you have ever wanted to do something cool with the latest LED devices then you want to join this class!
Come join us in building your very own "Joule Thief" circuit that takes your 'dead' batteries and squeezes enough juice out of each one to light up an LED for many hours. Typical LED flashlights use at least three alkaline cells. Our circuit will light up a white LED with just one cell.

Bring any "dead" cells you may have on hand and we'll build a nice night light.

Using CorelDraw, we'll show you how to import and design your ideal etched, engraved, or cut product on the Epilog Helix. The Epilog can be used on a myriad of items.

For cutting, the materials list includes:

• Wood
• Rubber
• Natural fiber cloth and leather
• Paper products
• Acrylic

If your preference is to engrave or etch, the Epilog can handle that as well!
Ideal etching and engraving materials include everything listed above and:

• Glass
• Corian
• Painted & coated metals

We will provide materials for the class to etch and cut. Just bring yourself and a pen for notes!

The laser cutter is great for etching and cutting complex 2 dimensional patterns in various materials. But with a bit of additional software, it's also great for making 3-dimensional objects! This class will use a program called Pugilist (developed at Techshop RDU) to construct some basic 3D boxes. These shapes form the basis for hundreds of projects!

Other concepts covered in the class will include working with vector objects in Corel Draw, color mapped laser control, double cutting, and kerf.

Class Prerequisite: You MUST successfully complete the Laser Cutting & Etching SBU in order to take this class.

Note: The cost of the software is included in the $15 Materials fee.

Want to etch wine glasses, bottles, flashlights, drumsticks and other cylindrical objects with your own images, text, and logos? Take this class and learn how to use the Epilog Helix laser cutter's Rotary Attachment. You'll also learn more Helix machine features and related lasing techniques to enhance your lasing results that can be applied to rotary as well as flatbed lasing. Bring a glass or clean bottle to etch and take home.

Class Prerequisite: You MUST take and pass the TechShop Laser Cutting and Etching SBU class before taking this class.

This project class demonstrates the steps necessary to precisely cut out printed material using the Epilogue Laser. We will discuss why and when this method would be used and discuss examples using this technique.

Examples of projects that can be done with these skills are:

• Dimensionalizing photographs (Simulating 3D)
• Paper tole.
• Making refrigerator magnets.
• Or any time there is a need to precisely align the laser to a printed piece for etching or cutting.

This class does not require the Laser Cutting & Etching SBU. This project class does not count as a Laser Cutting & Etching SBU.

In this Safety and Basic Use class (SBU), you will learn to translate parts designed in PartWorks into physical reality using our CNC (computer numeric controlled) Tormach milling machine. Parts can be made from aluminum, steel and most ferrous metals.

Prerequisites: You must pass the ShopBot SBU and the Vertical Mill SBU to be eligible to take this class.

This SBU covers the belt sander, cold saw, drill press, grinders, and horizontal & vertical band saws.

A precision jack screw is a versatile tool, used for precision adjustment and leveling of parts to be machined or measured. In this class, each student will build their own jack screw while practicing their lathe technique. We will discuss and practice the use of drilling, boring, single point threading, tapped threads, and form tools for creating curved surfaces. We will also discuss how to read a shop drawing, material selection, and the use of the finished jack screw.

The Metal Lathe SBU is required for all students taking this class. Students are expected to have taken Lathe Skills #3 or otherwise be familiar with the basics of the single-point threading operation.

Choosing a proper lathe tool can be overwhelming. There are a wide variety of tool shapes, materials, standards and sizes to choose from. Much more important than knowing these shapes and sizes though, is understanding the fundamentals of what makes a lathe tool. In this class, we will explore the basics of lathe tooling by grinding our own High Speed Steel lathe bit using the machine shop grinders.

Class Prerequisite: You MUST successfully complete the General Metal Shop SBU in order to take this class.

In this class, you will learn the skills needed to safely operate a full-sized metal turning lathe.

For your safety please wear a short-sleeved shirt for this class and while using this machine, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you may use all non-CNC metal lathes at Techshop.

In the Lathe SBU course you were introduced to the Manual Lathe, its function, and its fundamental operations. Lathe 2 and 3 fill out the rest of the basic skills needed to more fully utilize this machine. If you are new to the lathe, you could think of Lathe 2 and Lathe 3 as the rest of the SBU.

By the end of this course, you will understand:

• Drilling
• Boring
• Taper attachment use
• 4 jaw chuck installation and use

The Metal Lathe SBU is required for this class.

In the Lathe SBU course you were introduced to the Manual Lathe, its function, and its fundamental operations. Lathe 2 and 3 fill out the rest of the basic skills needed to more fully utilize this machine. If you are new to the lathe, you could think of Lathe 2 and Lathe 3 as the rest of the SBU.

By the end of this course, you will understand:

• Single point threading (both inch and metric)
• Steady Rest
• Follow Rest

The Metal Lathe SBU is required for this class.

Learn how to turn sheet metal into useful components in this class.
We cover bending, shearing, cutting, snipping, punching, and notching sheet metal.

This SBU certifies you on the hydraulic shear, roller press, throatless shear, turret punch, bending brake, and notching shear.
The class project undertaken will be building generic enclosure boxes.

The vertical milling machine is one of the most popular and versatile tools at TechShop. Once you have successfully been checked out on the TechShop milling machine through this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, you will have the confidence and knowledge needed to use these machines to precisely shape steel, aluminum, brass, plastics, and more.

For your safety please wear a short-sleeved shirt for this class and while using this machine, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you may use all non-CNC mills at TechShop.

In the Mill SBU course you were introduced to the Vertical Mill, its function, and its fundamental operations. In this course, we will examine the mill's function and fundamental operation with regard to achieving the high level of precision that can be expected of such a machine. By the end of the course, you will understand tramming the head of the mill, tramming the vise, and squaring a piece of work.

Simply stated, this second in the series of skills classes on the mill and will give you the ability to set up the mill to do precision work.

This class requires that you have taken the Milling Machine SBU before you take it.

This class covers the basics of:

• Keyway set-up and cutting
• Boring head use
• Pocket milling

This class requires that you have taken the Milling Machine SBU before you take it.

Applying an anodize coating to aluminum can improve the durability, corrosion resistance, and visual appearance of the part. Anodization is a common feature of commercial aluminum products, as it makes the parts more scratch resistant and allows for a wide variety of highly durable colors. We will cover the basics of hard-coat anodizing, including part preparation, anodizing, dyeing, and sealing.

Electrochemical etching is the process of using an electrolyte and an electrical current to etch away a metals' surface. The use of an electrical current avoids the use of strong corrosive chemicals, and with the proper application of a resist, letters and images can be permanently etched into the surface.

This class covers the basics of etching in two metals (brass and steel) using commonly available equipment and materials. Two methods of creating designs will be covered:

• Removing a painted resist with the Epilog laser
• Applying a vinyl resist which has been cut on the vinyl cutter

After this class participants should be able to easily set up their own etching equipment and reliably etch their own designs.

You do not need to have taken the Laser or Vinyl SBUs to take this class!

Images and metals will be provided.

In this Safety and Basic Use class (SBU), we will cover forge and tool safety and basic blacksmithing techniques. For this class we will be operating a small DIY style propane forge.

In this class the project we will be doing is a classic introductory piece: the drive hook. This project is a favorite of teaching smiths everywhere as it provides the student with an introduction to several basic techniques while producing a functional (and decorative) piece.

The propane gas forge is a common forge design for the hobbiest blacksmith. They are simple to construct and fuel is readily available in the form of gas grill bottles. NC. The small gas forge we use weighs a little less than 20 lbs and can perform its job of heating metal admirably.

For your safety, long pants and long sleeved shirt in natural fibers are required for blacksmithing, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

This class is labor intensive; if you are unsure that you can use a large hammer for over an hour and a half, please let us know and we will make accommodations to suit you.

Ever opened your favorite drill index only to find that the bit you needed was dull? Learn to use the Drill Doctor at TechShop to sharpen drill bits. Bits provided, or bring your own.

Silk Painting is a three hour class that reviews silk painting using the Serti Technique. Each student will be provided with inks, dyes, resist, and a silk scarf. Types of paint, resist, dyes, and fabrics will be covered. This is a highly creative and fun class. Please bring a few line drawings or images to transfer to the silk. Wear clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting 'inked'.

In this Safety and Basic Use class you will learn the concept and technique of silk screen printing. This is a creative tool that can produce prints on a variety of materials. You will learn how to operate the silk screen printing facility safely and efficiently. We will discuss Stock Setup Methods and how your creative ideas will become reality!

An in-depth instruction on the CNC controlled Plasma Arc cutting process. Learn how the Plasma Arc process works and how to control it to make the best cuts possible.

This class will cover the use of both CAD software to design a 2D part and CAM software to generate toolpaths for the CNC Plasma table to follow. It will also include a substantial hands-on portion where you will learn to set up and operate the TechShop CNC Plasma Arc Cutting machine to maximize its potential. You will be taught how to operate the Automatic Torch Height Controller, the Hypertherm Plasma Power Supply, The Torchmate X/Y Gantry and control mechanism, and how to load and manage sheet goods.

Learn how to minimize or eliminate common plasma cutting issues such as the Plasma Hole bevel, and how to effectively cut thin and thick material. The class will also cover nesting of parts for maximum sheet yield, the best location and style for lead-ins, and how to set the travel speed and cutting amperage for the Plasma Cutter.

Class Prerequisite: You MUST successfully complete the CNC Plasma Cutter SBU before you can take this class.

Learn how to cut metal with the TechShop CNC plasma cutter. Flat CAD drawings can be saved in DXF format and used to easily control the CNC plasma cutter to cut out any shape from sheet metal, steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and other metals. The possibilities are endless. Please read the suggested prerequisites here.

For your safety please wear a long sleeve shirt or jacket, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

You'll learn how to operate three plastic hotworking machines safely, and perform basic operations on:

• Strip Bender: bends crisp, smooth edges in plastics.
• Heat Press: melts vinyl graphics into tshirts and fabrics.
• Vacuum-Former: sucks hot plastic over custom 3d forms to create complex shapes.

In this 3-hour MEMBERS ONLY class, you will install the Autodesk Inventor Suite of software on your computer so you can use it any time you want to for the next 6 months! This class is the starting place for the Inventor Series of free classes.

Understand what it will take to run the Autodesk Inventor Suite on your home computer. Check out the DVDs to make it quicker to install the software. Participate in the Jump Start and Discussion on Autodesk Inventor. Autodesk® Inventor® products offer a comprehensive, flexible set of software for 3D mechanical design, product simulation, tooling creation, and design communication. Inventor takes you beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping by enabling you to design, visualize, and simulate your products or even works of art.

This is a free class for members only. You must be a member in good standing (paid through the month you are taking the class) to reserve a seat, as well as at the time you take the class. If you sign up for this class without a membership, we will remove you from the class with no notice.

This MEMBERS ONLY class will provide an accelerated and intense introduction to Sketching in Autodesk Inventor.

Autodesk® Inventor® products offer a comprehensive, flexible set of software for 3D mechanical design, product simulation, tooling creation, and design communication. Inventor takes you beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping by enabling you to design, visualize, and simulate your products.

• Design—Integrate all design data into a single digital model
• Visualize—Create a virtual representation of your final product to market it before it’s built
• Simulate—Digitally simulate your product's real-world performance

This is a free class for members only. You must be a member in good standing (paid through the month you are taking the class) to reserve a seat, as well as at the time you take the class. If you sign up for this class without a membership, we will remove you from the class with no notice.

In this 3-hour hands-on computer lab class, you will learn to create simple assembly files. Additionally, some advanced techniques on how to combine multiple part drawings and sub-assemblies into an assembly will be taught. Put parts together on screen and see how they interact! Learn to constrain them to have the parts act as one. Learn how a change to one part links back to the original part file.

This is a free class for members only. You must be a member in good standing (paid through the month you are taking the class) to reserve a seat, as well as at the time you take the class. If you sign up for this class without a membership, we will remove you from the class with no notice.

In this class, you will rapidly transition from being a power SolidWorks user to Autodesk Inventor. Learn the similarities and differences between these two industry-leading CAD programs. You will gain an understanding of the following:

• Autodesk Inventor interface
• Basic workflow of creating parts
• Different workflows for creating assemblies
• Managing large assemblies
• Authoring configurations
• Data management with Autodesk Vault®
• Copying existing designs

You must be very proficient in SolidWorks to take this class.

This is a free class for members only. You must be a member in good standing (paid through the month you are taking the class) to reserve a seat, as well as at the time you take the class. If you sign up for this class without a membership, we will remove you from the class with no notice.

Learn sewing safety and the basics of using a sewing machine. Install a new needle, thread the Janome 3050 sewing machine, wind a bobbin, select the right scissors and other tools, lay out a pattern and cut the fabric, use several of the most popular utility stitches - and make yourself a sturdy reusable shopping bag you can use every day - at home or at Tech Shop. This is an SBU class; upon completion Tech Shop members will be able to use the 2 Janome 3050 sewing machines for their own projects.

If you have experience with machine sewing, you may want to consider the shorter "Janome 3050 and Singer 20u Professional Sewing Machine SBU" class, which is strictly an introduction to the machines.

In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, you will learn how to:

• Safely operate the Janome MemoryCraft 350e CNC embroidery machine
• Change the needle
• Change the thread
• Hoop your fabric
• Select from the built-in stitch patterns for decorative embroidery

If you are interested in using the embroidery software to define and develop your own designs, watch for the embroidery workshop.

If you would like a monogram of your initials on something, please bring it with you for this class.

Building on the basics you learned in the Embroidery SBU, this class will concentrate on the more powerful customization abilities of the Janome MemoryCraft 350e and the Customizer software package. There are several techniques and tips that make the custom embroidery process much easier, and after this workshop you should have no problem in converting any image to an embroidery pattern.

In this workshop you will learn:

• Use of the expanded script and monogram capabilities of Customizer EasyEdit
• How to clean up and prepare a Windows bitmap (.bmp) image for best results in EasyImport
• How to use EasyImport to outline your image, select color and stitch styles, and manually "register" your image into automatic embroidery stitches
• How to convert the stitches into a file for the Janome MemoryCraft 350e and stitch the multicolored embroidery design

Each student may work with his/her own embroidery design of no more than 3-4 colors, but must email the instructor at embroidery@techshoprdu.com a windows bitmap image of the design at least 2 days before the class. This will allow time for the instructor to evaluate it and make suggestions to ensure that all images can be handled in the time allowed. For this class it is suggested that the students stitch the image onto a separate piece of fabric and then apply it to the desired garment at a later time.

This class requires that you have taken the Embroidery SBU before you take it.

Is your closet is full of ripped ex-favorite pairs of jeans or skirts that just aren't quite the right length? Learn mending and alteration skills such as sewing on buttons, hemming pants, adding cuffs, and sewing up minor rips. Bring a garment of your own to repair or alter!

This workshop will include both hand and machine sewing; the workshop is open to all, but successful completion of the appropriate SBUs is required to use TechShop machines.

This SBU will teach you the proper use of our professional straight and zigzag stitch Singer 20U as well as our Janome 3050 sewing machines.

The Singer is ideal for larger projects that require consistant, expedient construction whereas the Janome offers a wider range of stitches, buttonholes and ease of use. In this course we will discuss:

• Safety for professional speed machines
• Proper speed and material control
• Proper operation of a flywheel motor powered machine
• Installing a needle
• Threading of the machines
• Winding bobbins

Upon completion of this SBU, you will be qualified for the Janome 3050 machines and the Singer 20U Professional machine.

For anyone completely new to machine sewing, we recommend the slower-paced "Beginning Sewing with SBU" class.

This SBU will teach you the proper use of our Janome 3050 sewing machines.

The Janome offers a wide range of stitches, buttonholes and ease of use. In this course we will discuss:

• Proper speed and material control
• Installing a needle
• Threading of the machines
• Winding bobbins

Upon completion of this SBU, you will be qualified for the Janome 3050 machines.

For anyone completely new to machine sewing, we recommend the slower-paced "Beginning Sewing with SBU" class.

The Janome My Lock Serger is a smaller machine that packs a lot of power. Despite being the smaller of the sergers, it is still able to handle upwards of 6 layers of denim at a time. This machine is ideal for smaller serging projects. The cutting and seam edge finishing on the Janome is on par with the serging machines used for commercial clothing and textile products.

In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, you will learn how to:

• Safely operate the Janome MyLock Serger
• Change the needles
• Change all threads
• Select and use a serged edge or rolled hem
• Secure and lock off a seam

What is a vinyl cutter? Commercially, its most common use is to cut out custom designs and letters for creating signs. If you see a bold graphic on a plastic sign, a banner, or a window, chances are it was cut on a vinyl cutter.

But that's just the beginning!

The vinyl cutter is like the ShopBot or Epilog laser: an extremely open-ended, computer-controlled device with many applications. A more accurate description would be "A CNC Exacto-Knife," that will cut flexible media that the laser cutter simply can't.

Applications include:

• Signs and window decorations
• Car "wraps" and decorations
• Heat transfer designs for custom T-shirts and uniforms
• Custom adhesive masks for airbrushing, etching, and other surface treatments

In this SBU we'll show you how to set up the vinyl and cutter, how to adjust the knife pressure for various materials, how to create a simple design (your name or initials) and send it to the cutter.

In this Safety and Basic Use class (SBU), you will learn how to use a basic MIG welding equipment setup with solid wire and shielding gas to create a quality weld bead on mild steel under 1/4" thick.

Welding is the process of fusing materials together. "MIG" stands for "Metal Inert Gas". Other names for MIG include Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Wire Feed welding. MIG welding is a semi-automatic method of welding, using a solid wire and shielding gas. With some equipment changes, MIG welding can be used for a small variety of different metals, such as Stainless Steel and Aluminum. Many MIG welding machines can also run a tubular, flux cored wire that does not require a shielding gas, which is called Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).

For your safety, long pants and long sleeved shirt in natural fibers are required in the Hot Shop, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you can use this equipment for your projects whenever you work at TechShop as a member!

In this Safety and Basic Usage class (SBU), you will learn how to set up an oxy-acetylene torch to weld and cut steel. Imagine the possibilities for creating anything you want with steel and this amazing torch!

For your safety, long pants and long sleeved shirt in natural fibers are required in the Hot Shop, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you can use this equipment for your projects whenever you work at TechShop as a member!

Stick welding (SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding) is an electric welding procedure that uses consumable stick electrodes that act as the electrode, filler medium and shielding mechanism all in one. This course will go through the arc welder setup, weld preparation, electrode size/type selection, and post weld slag cleanup/removal.

In this Safety and Basic Use class (SBU), you will learn the fundamental safety procedures accompanying arc welding as well as how to weld mild steel with commonly available electrodes.

After completing the TIG Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, students can try their skills in a different material. Aluminum has characteristics that require specific equipment setup, metal preparation and torch operation. Students will practice specific joints and improve weld bead quality under guidance of an instructor. Lap, butt, corner, and fillet welds will all be discussed and individual students will perform at their own rates. Emphasis will be placed on visual inspection of welds and heat zone theory, giving students a better understanding of what a quality weld joint really looks like.

For your safety, long pants and long sleeved shirt in natural fibers are required in the Hot Shop, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

Class Prerequisite: You MUST successfully complete the TIG Welding SBU in order to take this class.

In this Safety and Basic Use class (SBU), you will learn how to use a basic TIG welding equipment setup to create a quality weld bead on mild steel under 1/8" thick.

Welding is the process of fusing materials together. "TIG" stands for "Tungsten Inert Gas." Other names for TIG include Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Heliarc. TIG welding can be used for a wide variety of different metals, and can produce a very pure, precise, and attractive weld with extensive practice.

For your safety, long pants and long sleeved shirt in natural fibers are required in the Hot Shop, and remember to always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you can use this equipment for your projects whenever you work at TechShop as a member!

Introduction to the design and Construction of wood cabinets and cabinet style furniture.

The class will teach you the basics of Cabinet design and construction with emphasis on today's techniques. The student will learn about the parts of a cabinet and discuss how and what woodshop tools to use to create the parts. Next the student will learn various techniques for assembly of the cabinet.

Design and planning techniques are discussed for the student to prepare a design and plan for their first project. Students should have an idea of what they would like to build for a project.

Part A: (3 hours)(Classroom)
History overview of cabinets and their uses. Introduction to cabinet styles, the parts of cabinets and the construction techniques used to build the cabinet.

Part B: (3 hours)(Classroom)
Discussion of different design software and the different parts of the design and planning paper work. Each student will a complete set of designs and plans for their project.

Learn how to turn decorative wooden bottle stoppers for wine and other glass containers. Each student will leave with their own hand-turned stopper based on their own unique design choices. These make great gifts for friends and family and open the door to myriad design ideas. Because they require so little material, you can use more exotic wood species that always make people ask "what is that wood and how did you do that?"

Class Prerequisite: You MUST successfully complete the Wood Lathe SBU before you can take this class.

In this Project class, you will learn how to make a hand-crafted pen on the wood lathe, using one of the many kits available to wood turners. The class will use a Wall Street II kit from Woodcraft, but the principals and techniques used will equip you to complete any of the myriad types of pens and pencil kits available from this vendor and others online.

Class Prerequisite: You MUST successfully complete the Wood Lathe SBU before you can take this class.

Learn the basics of the wood turning on TechShop's Wood Lathe. This class will cover material preparation for turning as well as the basics for spindle and bowl turning.

Learn to sharpen various chisels and gouges for the wood lathe. Successful turning projects require sharp tools. Working with a dull edge makes it nearly impossible to get a quality cut or to control the tool with any accuracy.

This SBU teaches you to sharpen wood lathe tools safely and accurately, which is something experienced woodturners do throughout the turning process. You will learn to use special jigs TechShop has recently purchased to maintain the proper angles and profiles on roughing gouges, skews, parting tools and even the fingernail grinds on spindle and bowl gouges.

Learn to safely perform basic operations on four major stationary tools in the wood shop. These include the SawStop table saw, the DeWalt sliding miter saw, the jointer, and the planer.

Your instructor will provide an overview of wood shop safety and safety guidelines specific to each machine. The instructor will demonstrate basic wood shop operations for these machines. Each participant will perform those operations which will prepare them for many common wood working tasks and are the foundation for learning the advanced techniques covered in future TechShop classes.

Students must wear close-toed shoes, long pants, short sleeve shirt. No loose-fitting clothes or jewelry is permitted. TechShop will provide safety glasses and hearing protection.

Students may use these major wood shop tools after successfully completing the required operations and scoring 75 percent or higher on the final exam.

Learn to safely perform basic operations on five major stationary tools in the wood shop. These include the bandsaw, the stationary belt/disk sander, the oscillating spindle sander, the router table, and the drill press.

Your instructor will provide an overview of wood shop safety and safety guidelines specific to each machine. The instructor will demonstrate basic wood shop operations for these machines. Each participant will perform those operations which will prepare them for many common wood working tasks and are the foundation for learning the advanced techniques covered in future TechShop classes.

Students must wear close-toed shoes, long pants, short sleeve shirt. No loose-fitting clothes or jewelry is permitted. TechShop will provide safety glasses and hearing protection.

Students may use these major wood shop tools after successfully completing the required operations and scoring 75 percent or higher on the final exam.

You have been watching the ShopBot CNC woodworking tool through the window, and want to know how to get to the other side of the glass. Try one of the Project Classes to get an introduction to the ShopBot and the PartWorks CAD/CAM software while you create a personalized piece of furniture or birdhouse to take home with you.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced CAD user, these project classes will give you tips on how to make the ShopBot work for you.

Individual class descriptions:
ShopBot - Birdhouse.pdf
ShopBot - Birdhouse (Kid & Adult Pairs).pdf (3 hours)
ShopBot - Bookshelf.pdf
ShopBot - Game Time.pdf
ShopBot - Stool.pdf

The ShopBot SBU is NOT a part of the Project classes.

Introduction to ShopBot computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) woodworking and ShopBot SBU

Who should take this course: Anyone who is interested in learning the basics of woodworking using the computer-controlled ShopBot Workshop Robot (www.shopbottools.com). After a brief introduction to the ShopBot itself, you will be introduced to the software that you use to create your design on the computer (Part A) and tell the computer how to cut out your design (Part B). During Part C, we will go through the TechShop ShopBot SBU so that you can be checked out to use the ShopBot on your own.

Part A: (4 hours)
Overview of computer-controlled woodworking, and introduction to Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) using PartWorks and/or Aspire. We'll use the tools in the software to create an object to cut.

Part B: (2 hours)
Now that you have the design on the computer screen, you need to tell the ShopBot how you would like it to cut out the parts. Using the Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) side of PartWorks software, you will learn to "Tool Path" those designs and generate ShopBot Part (.sbp) files that the ShopBot Control software will use to machine the parts.
Toolpathing options include:

• "Profiling" to cut out parts the size you want
• "V-Carving" with a V-bit to engrave letters and designs
• "Pocketing" to create dados or pocketed/raised letters
• "Drilling"

Part C: ShopBot SBU (2 hours)
You must complete the ShopBot SBU before you can sign in to use the ShopBot on your own. If you have successfully created the appropriate .sbp files AND it is a simple sign that can be cut out in a reasonable time, you will use your design as your SBU file. Otherwise, TechShop will provide the .sbp file. See the "ShopBot SBU Only" class below for a more complete description of the SBU.

We have 2 versions of this class -- The basic version and a version with an emphasis on 3D carving. Details on each are listed below.

Basic:
In this class you will create a sign of your own design using the drawing tools in the PartWorks software to create a sign shape and put text in the sign.

3D Carving Emphasis:
This class emphasisizes 3D carving such as for molds or architectural details. In addition to PartWorks CAD/CAM software you will also be working with Aspire CAD/CAM software, PartWorks 3D, and 3D clipart or .stl files.

We'll start with PartWorks software for 2D and V-carving, then once you are comfortable with that, we'll jump to using PartWorks 3D and Aspire to carve in 3D.

*This class will sometimes be a two day class.

Computer-Aided Machining/Milling (CAM) and ShopBot SBU

Folks with experience with Computer-Aided Design (AutoCAD, Rhino, Solid Works, AutoDesk) or Drawing (Corel Draw, Illustrator) programs may feel that they do not need to learn how to use PartWorks to draw their parts, but they do need to bring their files into a CAM program such as PartWorks to lay out their parts on the material, toolpath them, and create part files for the ShopBot to cut out.

This class assumes that:

• You are comfortable using computer-aided design or drawing programs such as Part Works, V-Carve Pro, Solid Works, AutoDesk, AutoCAD, Corel Draw or Illustrator
• You know the difference between a vector and a bitmap, and that you can save your design as a dxf or (vector) eps file
• If you do not have a strong CAD background (or even if you do), please consider taking one of the project classes or the full 8 hour CAD/CAM class. See requirements below.

Requirements: In order to save time and be fair to all the participants, at least 24 hours prior to the class, you MUST email to the instructor

• A simple part or design that that you have designed saved as either a dxf or eps (vectors) file
• A brief description of the software you used to design the part
• A brief description of how you would like the part/design cut out
• If we have time, we may demonstrate how to convert a .jpg (bitmap) file to a vector, but you must email the jpg to the instructor before class

Part B: ShopBot SBU (2 hours)
You must complete the ShopBot SBU before you can sign in to use the ShopBot on your own. If you have successfully created the .sbp files for your design, and the part is a simple part, you may cut it out as your demonstration file in the SBU. If not, TechShop will provide the .sbp file for you to cut out. See below for full description of the SBU.

Please do not sign up for this class unless you are an experienced CAD user. Try one of the Project Classes or the 8 hour CAD/CAM class instead.

One MUST complete the ShopBot SBU before one can use the ShopBot without direct supervision. The topics we cover during the SBU include:

• Safety
• Pre-use walk through of area and equipment
• Identification of the components of the ShopBot CNC equipment including spindle, bit selection, computer, and dust collection
• Hold down
• ShopBot Control software, including
• Previewing a ShopBot part (.sbp) file on screen
• Moving the X, Y and Z axes around using the ShopBot Control Software
• Calibrating the ShopBot (zeroing the X and Y, zeroing the Z)
• Running a ShopBot Part (.sbp) file
• Preparation for cutting
• Changing the bit
• How to stop the ShopBot should you need to
• Clean up for the next person

*SBU only is not a class where you get to exercise your creative side. If you are taking the SBU only, TechShop will provide the .sbp file that you cut out.

This class assumes you have experience with CAD and CAM.
Please arrive 15 minutes early for a pre-test. You must pass the pre-test in order to take this class.