CNC Router

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. A computer converts a two or three dimensional design to coordinates on a graph. Technically, the laser cutter and 3D printers are also CNC machines, but since wood carvers have been around for far longer, they’ve adopted the name. The machine then uses motors to move the manufacturing device (extruder, laser lens, router bit) to those coordinates to produce the desired result. This, folks, is why math is AWESOME. Learn  how this works.

Patrons can reserve time on the Carvey by clicking the ‘reserve the CNC’ button above. If you’ve never used it before and/or are unsure of the process, feel free to stop by the MakerSpace and speak with our staff about your project.

Patrons will provide their own items to be cut/engraved. We have included a list below of allowable materials. Patrons will also need to have files in order to create the cutting tracks. The machine uses an online program called Easel to prepare files for cutting. See the section ‘How do I set up my files?’ below.

We provide the bits required for all allowable materials including smaller, more precise printed circuit board bits for making circuit boards.

Be prepared to spend your first session working on your file and testing! MakerSpace staff can help you with settings and some amount of setup. Also know that since this method cuts materials, you may want to bring scrap or extra for your first project.

The Carvey is paired with a very easy-to-use cloud-based free software called Easel. With Easel, you can create simple files (words, shapes, etc.), import SVG files, or even import CAM files directly. You can set up your own account and create projects and log in from the MakerSpace computers OR you can come with your files and use the library’s account. If you’re working on a project you’d like to keep over time or do again, we recommend creating an account. It is free to set up an account.

You will find a list of allowable materials below. Please note that ONLY these materials can be cut. If you’re unsure of what a material is, we will not cut it. MakerSpace staff is not qualified to determine what materials are made of. Some materials can break bits and/or are not appropriate for this kind of technique.

Of course! We don’t expect everyone to be familiar with CNC machines. Feel free to stop by with questions about your project or if you’d like to stop by just to see how it works and get some ideas, we’ll be happy to help.

It can accommodate materials eight inches by twelve inches and can cut up to a 2.75 inches deep. It does require some space around the design to allow for clamping, so you’ll get less mileage out of that piece than, say, the laser cutter.

The time it takes varies on the size of the project, whether you are cutting or engraving, and the file. We haven’t spent a lot of time with it yet, so we don’t really know! It seems to take a while, though, depending on how large, deep, and surface area intensive your design is.

The CNC is free to use. Patrons must bring their own materials for cutting/engraving. We provide the bits.

Check out our section above called ‘How do I set up my files?’. Basically, you can create files using the free software Easel by importing SVG files into it. You can also download cutting projects from various sources on the web including Thingiverse and Inventables.You can find many SVG files online or make them using software like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Corel Draw (you can find all of these in the MakerSpace).

Learn how to create files in Easel to work with the Carvey.

Don’t know how to use the software? Check out Lynda.com with free online tutorials for all patrons with a library card!

• ABS
• Acrylic
• HDPE
• Wood (hard and soft woods of any natural species, including plywoods)
• Aluminum (safe limits must be followed)
• Corian
• Machinable Circuit Board Blanks
• Delrin
• Expanded PVC
• Machinable Foam
• Machinable Wax