The ShopBot Desktop CNC mill can perform a variety of cutting tasks in a variety of materials, all depending on what kind of bit you're using. So when learning to use one, the first physical skill you'll master is how to install and remove a bit in the machine. Whether you've used power tools or not before, it's a pretty simple procedure:

Once you've got a bit installed, you'll need to "zero," or calibrate that bit, so that the machine knows exactly where that bit is in 3D space. Here's how that routine goes:

We've got just a few more basics to cover for first-time CNC millers, then we'll get into cutting our first project. Stay tuned.

Previously: Episode 02 - Setting up the ShopBot Desktop // All Core77 ShopBot Series posts →