Whirrrrrr Wednesday - Shopbot CNC Router Basics

This wooden Maryland flag was carved in about 15 minutes by a computer controlled machine called a CNC Router:

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Have you noticed that giant blue machine in our space and have been wondering what it does? Do you want to learn how a CNC router works, what it's capabilities are, and how to tell it to make stuff for you?

Then this basics class is for you! It's a general overview of CNC routing. This demonstration will give you a better idea of what the machine is used for, how to design for it, and what you can do with it.

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Whirrr Wednesday typically takes place on the third Wednesday of every month.

This class is free for dues-paying members of the Node, and costs $25 for non-members of the general public. It is a lead-in class to our full CNC Routing classes which are taught 1-on-1 by appointment.

Please RSVP and bring a laptop with design software, AutoCAD, inkscape, or Adobe Illustrator.

You may either bring cash or and grab a ticket here: https://whir.eventbrite.com

While we don't allow non-members to operate the CNC router themselves, once you have a design, a member can operate the router for you at a rate of $30/hr. If you'd like to run the machine yourself, we encourage you to join the Node as a regular dues-paying member.

The Baltimore Node is a member-run maker space or ‘hacker space’ where people can hack, craft, and make interesting things in a supportive and collaborative environment. Members receive a key providing them with 24/7 access to the space, which is stocked with shared and donated tools and equipment. Our shop features a 3’x2’ 80 watt laser cutter, a 5’x12’ ShopBot CNC router, 3D printers, a full woodshop, metal working equipment, In addition to the informal exchange of wisdom and experience that comes from simply working in a shared space, the Node sponsors regular workshops and events (http://baltimorenode.org/events) on a broad range of topics.

As of May 2015, the Node has ventured to it’s newest space, 2600 sqft at 2106 N Lovegrove Street (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=2106+N.+Lovegrove+St.+Baltimore). Part of Baltimore’s Station North Arts District (http://www.stationnorth.org/), the Node is centrally located and accessible by light rail, bus, or bike. If you’re driving to the Node, from 21st street you’ll see a convenience store on the corner of Lovegrove street with a lit NODE sign sticking out into the alley. There is free on-street parking available around the adjacent blocks.

The Node pays the bills through membership dues, donations, and revenue from community workshops. Membership dues are $50 a month and reduced rates can be arranged based on need. In addition to a key, members get the ability to host workshops, and have voting rights and an equal say in how the organization is run. If you'd like to join, tell us!

If you have questions, tools, supplies, or some interesting object you’d like to donate, get in touch on our discussion list (http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion) or send an email directly to root@baltimorenode.org.