Gary Beckwith hosted this 2 Day Camp at his shop in Derby,KS. In a departure from prior Camps he concentrated heavily on the idea of using specific software packages to design, and create files for cutting in both 2 and 3D.
James Booth from Carve 3D kicked things off on Friday with a lengthy session that explained how to use Vectric and Delcam software to design and create cutting files. (Then Gary used some of those files to show how the cutting process worked the following day…). James also showed a variety of methods to obtain 3D files from clip art and design services and incorporate them into these packages, which will enable people who are not inclined to spend time doing their own designs to remain competitive…
Gary’s local Onsrud tooling rep came in and gave a good presentation regarding the choice of router bits, cutting speeds, and feed rates.
I followed the software session up with a short survey of the various vacuum methods available, and in use by Shopbotters around the country.
On Saturday Chris Burns led off with some ideas on how to establish a pricing structure for CNC work, as well as pointing out some time saving shop tips.
John Johnson of EZ Router then gave a session which explained the nuances of using Mach 3 software, and how it could be implemented in the CAM phase of the design/cutting process.
After a “home cooked” Bar-B-Que lunch Joe Crumley stepped in and gave demonstrations in the art of sign design and layout. He and Doug Strickland also gave a hands on demo of a new paint masking technique Joe has been working on which involves the use of standard “transfer tape”, and rubber cement. While this was going on Joe also had a couple of signs prepped for the application of gold leaf, and he walked us all through the process of properly applying the sizing and leaf to a variety of shapes.
Chris Burns and Jarred Koch then did a demo of Shopbot’s new “Buddy” bench top machine with the optional “Powerstick” feature that allows users to extend the size of the table to much greater lengths, while still preserving a small footprint.
Throughout the Camp there was a good display of “Show and Tell”projects which many of the “Campers” had brought with them. you’ll be able to see many of these projects on the Shopbot Flickr page at- http://www.flickr.com/photos/campshopbot
It was a good mix of both experienced, and neophyte users, and as a group everyone was equally impressed with how clean Gary is able to maintain his shop while still pumping out a high volume of quality products !
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