CNC Routing
HackRVA has two CNC routing machines in the workshop that can be used for milling wood and various plastics. Both of these tools require training to operate.
X-Carve
CNC Router by Inventables This is a small, easier-to-use CNC router. It is run by the software Easel, also from Inventables. Easel requires a free account with Inventables.
The router is a standard wood router. Several kinds of bit are provided. Materials to be cut should be wood.
A vacuum is wired into the switch that controls the router. Without the vacuum, large amounts of fine dust are generated.
The bed is a board with a grid of threaded holes. Hold down devices are attached to the bed with thumb screws. All of thes are in small bins along the front of the bed. A waste board must always be used when cutting to prevent damage to the bed.
Avid PRO6096
The Avid Pro Router is a 5' x 8' bed router that has a Plug-and-Play 2.2kW (3HP) Spindle. The CNC router was purchased in 2019 and completed assembly and installation in early 2020.
Dress appropriately
- Safety glasses.
- Closed toed shoes or boots.
- Long hair must be tied back, tucked in, or otherwise wrangled so that it will not be wrapped or snagged by the machine.
- No loose clothes such as ties, draw strings, bolos, skirts, sleeves, hoods, or capes. Roll long sleeves to the elbow or wear short sleeves.
- Do not wear heavy gloves while operating machines. Thick nitrile gloves are appropriate, but leather or work gloves are a snagging hazard.
Learning Resources
Follow the links below for more details on the capabilities of each machine, operating manuals, and learning resources.