Hello! If you’re just looking for a quick explanation of CNC machining, this is a pretty casual video that I would recommend:
Mach Super – Casually Explained: CNC Machining
Dive Deeper
Below are some helpful resources which I have compiled through the different parts of my resident expert exploration.
Assuming you live in the Jonesboro area and you want to get some experience with CNC machining, the Garage and Shop are both parts of A-State innovate and both have CNC machining capability. The garage is more centered around FDM printing and laser cutting oriented fabrication. And the Shop includes CNC mills, CNC lathes, drill presses, arbor press, welding equipment, etc.
- The Garage
- The Shop Trust me on this one, it is not the Center for Economic Development.
To kickstart your CNC machining algorithm:
Additionally for an understanding of how to design parts for CNC machinability these are some high quality resources and they were both key to inform my structured article.
- adam the machinist
- Adam Bender – How to Design Parts for CNC Machining
You’re also going to need an understanding of feeds and speeds, and the different bit types, this resource is great for that. I didn’t directly reference it in my structured article so I decided to separate it, do not mistake this resource for being of lesser quality, I still highly recommend it.
James Dean Designs – Beginners Guide to CNC Bits – Including Speeds and Feeds
Actually if you watch the video fully he lists 2 other extremely helpful resources for bit selection and Introduction to CNC for a Total Novice(Grahams Guide)
Some useful forums for exploring and troubleshooting your machine and interacting with others in the same area of interest I would suggest:
And if you’re interested in CNC history, this is a fascinating resource that I would highly recommend.
- Jyoti – The history of CNC Machine
I would also highly recommend some of the other subtractive manufacturing related resident experts if your interested:
Seriously, consider taking a look at their work. Oftentimes whenever I need extra clarification on how to execute the different articles I look at their articles as examples. While your at it, check the other listed resident experts, they are all interesting
Can’t forget about the joinery website, super interesting if you’re curious about some of the unique and different ways to CNC machine joinery.
Finally my teacher has a really good CNC CAM tutorial in particular, and has generally been there at every step of the way to ensure that my resident expert is high quality.
Cameron Buckley – Fusion 360 Preparation and CAM for CNC
I would suggest saving this list if you are in a hurry. Take advantage of all of these resources. I chose them because not only are they high quality but they also open up deep rabbit holes for you to explore and find the best angle for getting some experience with CNC machining, so best of luck!
The Learning Repository 
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