The CNC Symposium is designed to provide an intensive look at CNC manufacturing for the woodworking industry. Whether you are just starting to shop for your first CNC or you are a CNC veteran and looking for a new edge, this daylong event is designed to put you face-to-face with the experts who can answer your questions and help you get the most out of this important investment.
9:00 a.m. – Introduction (Will Sampson, Woodworking Network)
9:15 a.m. — Buying your first CNC (Ryan Patterson, ShopBot; Joe Leugers, JKL Machinery-Casadei-Busellato)
A nuts-and-bolts discussion about what you need to know to select your first CNC router and get started in CNC manufacturing, including an overview of entry-level machines, how to calculate your return on investment, and how to connect with community and support to grow in CNC manufacturing.
10:15 a.m. — Break
10: 30 a.m. Software for CNC manufacturing (Ken Frye, KCD Software; Bern De Lille, Ardis)
A discussion of what kinds of software are available to drive a CNC manufacturing process from design to fabrication. Topics will include matching software to your operation, how software connects design to manufacturing, and how to use software effectively as a sales tool working with customers.
11:30 a.m. — Getting the most from your CNC tooling (Mark Alster, Leitz)
Information about the kinds of tooling specifically designed for CNC manufacturing, how to calculate chip loads and feed rates, how to manage your tooling, and tips for getting the most out of your tooling investment.
12:10 p.m. — Lunch
1:15 p.m. — Nesting vs. pod and rails, choosing the right CNC for advanced production (TBD, Castaly)
Two basic CNC types dominate automated wood manufacturing, but which one is the right one for your operation. Take a trip through the decision tree based on what you manufacture and what your goals are. You might be surprised at what option is best for you, or maybe you need both.
2:15 p.m. — Why you need to know about additive manufacturing (Brent East, Thermwood)
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing isn’t just about plastic. There are now companies and machines 3D printing wood-based material. Is this an opportunity you should explore?
3:15 p.m. — Break
3:30 p.m. What they don’t tell you when you buy a CNC (Jeff Hill, Oneida; Michael Camber, Kaeser Compressors)
While CNC salesman might wow you with numbers on cut rates and production speed, some of the less sexy parts of setting up and running a CNC need special attention. Do you have enough vacuum to hold down your work? Are you set up for efficient and safe loading and unloading? What are the options for labeling and part handling?
4:30 p.m. — Symposium ends