ShopBot Resources

Everything you need to know to use the CNC Router

The CNC router (or ShopBot) is a computer-numerically-controlled router that can cut complex digital designs cleanly and quickly out of large material. 

Members have used the tool to make custom engravings, unique furniture, wall art, and more. In order to use the ShopBot, members must complete the wood shop orientation, and a two-part hybrid orientation class specifically for the CNC Router. The ShopBot is best suited for members who have intermediate skills in digital fabrication software.

New to the ShopBot?

  • Read our blog post for an overview of tool 
  • Review the ShopBot FAQ
  • Come to the Forge to see it in action!

Download V-Carve V11 trial edition

Submit your VCarve file for review

Tool libraries last updated: 1/5/23

Getting Access

The ShopBot Hybrid orientation is two-part, 3-hour total orientation. Members who register will receive an invitation to take the 1-hour online portion of the orientation and must complete it prior to the in-person portion. 

***There is currently a waitlist for the ShopBot orientation. Please fill out this form, and you will be contacted when space becomes available. This is a highly anticipated tool, so we appreciate your patience during its initial release.***

ShopBot FAQ

The CNC router can handle material 5′ by 8′, up to approximately 2” thick.

No. We only allow wood from our approved materials list to be milled.

We stock the most commonly used bits. Refer to our standard tool library to find bits available for member use.

If you need a specialized bit, we’ll ask that you provide your own. We recommend Amana tools as they have downloadable tool files. Specialized tooling can be submitted for approval within the file submission form

We regularly access all bits for signs of damage. If you break a bit due to a toolpathing error, operator error, or adjusting our standard tool settings you will be fined for that bit. This will be accessed on a case-by-case basis as many factors can cause a bit to break.

Cutting deeper than ⅛” will result in a fee based on the depth of the cut.

Larger project approval can be done when submitting the CNC Router file submission form.

Check out our Abobe Illustrator Basics class! The wood shop staff is available to support you in the operation of the ShopBot and tool-pathing but instruction on how to create files 2D files is beyond the scope of this class and the support of the wood shop staff.