Welcome to Joe's CNC WorkShop:
Welcome to my Computer Controlled Workshop. Here in my workshop you will find machinery that I have modified and retrofitted with computer controls. Computer Controlled machinery is known as "CNC" machinery. The acronymn "CNC" stands for Computer Numerical Control, a term given to the automation of equipment. In my workshop, I can go from "art" to "part". If you have a design that needs machined of metal, wood, or plastic - I can fabricate this for you. If you need 1 or 1,000 - I can make as many precisely identical parts that you may need.
CAD - Computer Aided Design:
First, a design must be developed using a CAD (Computer Aided Design) package. I use a variety of CAD packages: CATIA, AutoCAD, IntelliCAD/ProgeCAD, BobCADCAM, or Inventor.
For two-dimensional work, I prefer to work in AutoCAD or IntelliCAD - just because they are simpler and faster at producing the work and filetypes that are needed. For 3-dimensional work, I use CATIA and AutoDesk's Inventor. I prefer to work in CATIA, though. CATIA is a very high-end CAD program, capable of designing the most complex three-dimensional surfaces. CATIA is used widely throughout the automotive and aerospace industry.
CAM - Computer Aided Machining:
After the design work is done, the next step is to take this design - and develop a way of manufacturing this. This is called Computer Aided Machining - or the acronymn CAM. I machine my work on either a cnc controlled milling machine, router, or lathe. I use a variety of CAM software, depending on what the project requires.
For two-dimensional (ie "flat" work, like sign engraving, cutting out the silhouette of various objects, etc.) I use either VCarve, or DeskCNC. For complex designs, I use either Cut3D, MeshCAM, or BobCAD.
Summary:
In summary, if you have a design and manufacturing need - I may be able to help you put your idea into reality. Please have a look around the website, at the various software tools that I use, and my workshop, and Feel free to contact me, me if you have further questions.
