Intro to CNC: Making a Custom Dish 1F25
Intro to CNC will teach you the basics of 2D and 2.5D designing for CNC machines as you create your own custom design. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines process information received from a computer to cut, carve, or otherwise affect a material. In this class, we'll be using a CNC router and wood as the main material. This course will outline how to create and adjust vectors (lines) and how to program tool paths to these vectors to create cutouts and pockets.
Learn CNC basic by designing a dish with different shaped dips in it. For example, a dip may be the size of your keys, or some change, your wallet, or any smaller sized objects may fit. The dish and the dips can be any shape, whatever is possible to design in 2D is the limit! Once you have your design, go through how import, run a file on, and operate the CNC, including safe use of the machine, best practices, and how to change drill bits.
Students will walk away with experience designing a simple object using 2D vectors/lines and be able to operate the CNC. Upon completing the course they will also have a custom made dish that they have designed themselves.
Skip (No Class): 11/15/25
No make up date.
Miguel Caba
My name is Miguel and I’m an artist based in Boston with a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. My work explores how experiences and relationships can be mediated through technology. I specialize in digital fabrication (laser engraving, CNC cutting/carving, and 3D printing) and woodworking. Ask me anything about digital fabrication and I’ll try my best to answer!
A laptop is required for this class. The Eliot School can lend up to 3 laptops during class time; other students must bring their own. You must choose during registration which option you would like.
All other materials are provided in class.