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https://github.com/mhatalski/awesome-cnc

A curated list of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) resources
https://github.com/mhatalski/awesome-cnc

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A curated list of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) resources

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# Awesome CNC

A curated list of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and Digital Fabrication resources.



## Contents

- [Introduction to CNC](#introduction-to-cnc)

  - [Beginner Books](#beginner-books)

  - [Feeds and Speeds](#feeds-and-speeds)

  - [Workholding](#workholding)

  - [Tolerances](#tolerances)

  - [Intro Miscellaneous](#intro-miscellaneous)

- [Software](#software)

- [Designs and Models](#designs-and-models)

  - [Furniture](furniture)

  - [Vector Related](#vector-related)

  - [Photo Techniques](#photo-techniques)

  - [Terrain Related](#terrain-related)

- [YouTube Channels](#youtube-channels)

- [Uncategorized](#uncategorized)

- [Related Awesome Lists](#related-awesome-lists)



## Introduction to CNC

- [Shapeoko CNC A to Z](https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/) - Guide for new Shapeoko CNC users, but lots of good general info on workflow, tooling, feeds & speeds, workholding, etc.

- [PreciseBits Tutorials](https://www.precisebits.com/tutorials.htm) - Collection of Wood & Metal tutorials accumulated by [PreciseBits aka Think & Tinker](https://www.precisebits.com/).

- [AutoDesk Instructables CNC Class](https://www.instructables.com/CNC-Class/) - Teaches basic CNC concepts and flat pack design.

- [CNC Dictionary](https://www.cnccookbook.com/cnc-dictionary/) - Definitions of various arcane terms used in CNC machining. ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

- [Guerrilla guide to CNC and resin casting](https://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/gcnc/) - Home manufacturing tutorial for robot builders, model makers, and other hobbyists. (Michal Zalewski)

- [Vectric for the Absolute Beginner](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLuYLaC3-QRNuVTej2P5emp1D4_Tm774p) - Great series of videos on using Vectric software, starting with job setup...  [Mark Lindsay CNC](https://www.youtube.com/@MarkLindsayCNC)



### Beginner Books

- [Make: Getting Started with CNC](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Getting_Started_with_CNC/wMhlDQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Getting%20Started%20with%20CNC&pg=PP1&printsec=frontcover) - Introduction to working with desktop CNCs, (Edward Ford, creator of the ShapeOKO CNC).

- [Make: Design for CNC](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Design_for_CNC/fRc4DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Make%3A%20Design%20for%20CNC&pg=PP1&printsec=frontcover) - Learn how to design, fabricate, and assemble a wide range of CNC projects

- [Guide to CNC Sign Making](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Guide_to_CNC_Sign_Making/jz7HzQEACAAJ?hl=en) - This book will lead you through the sign-making process with simple non-technical language and show you many examples of great signs...

- [The Hobbyist's Guide to CNC](https://a.co/d/aYKXSjj) - Just published, haven't had a chance to explore fully, but seems to cover the hobby market.

- [Mastering Fusion 360](https://www.cadclass.org/pages/book) - Step by step projects for Fusion 360 for CNC and 3D printing. ([Jake Sugden & Joshua Manley, SliceForm LLC](https://www.cadclass.org/))



### Feeds and Speeds

- [Fablab Speed and Feeds Calculator](https://pub.pages.cba.mit.edu/feed_speeds/) - Basic feeds & speeds calculator. Not a replacement for understanding feeds & speeds.

- [G-Wizard](https://www.cnccookbook.com/cnccookbook-g-wizard-software/) - Feeds & Speeds calculator running on Windows. ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

- [PreciseBits Feed and Speed Calculators](https://www.precisebits.com/calc)

- [Making sense of Feeds and Speeds](https://www.grbl.org/single-post/making-sense-of-feeds-and-speeds) - What is Chip Load and why is it important?

- [CNC Feeds and Speeds Calculator Wood](https://www.cnccookbook.com/feeds-speeds-cnc-wood-cutting/) - Guide + Easy Tips ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

- [16 Tips to Avoid Tearout and Splintering / CNC Machining Plywood](https://www.cnccookbook.com/16-cnc-router-tips-to-avoid-tearout-and-splintering/) - Choice of bits, feeds & speeds, cut direction etc. ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

- [SFM to RPM](https://www.cnccookbook.com/what-is-sfm-plus-sfm-to-rpm/) - What is Surface Feet per Minute and converting to spindle speed. ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

- [CNC Routing: Speeds and Feeds](https://calbryant.uk/blog/cnc-routing-speeds-and-feeds/) - Chip load, feeds and speeds, flute types, DOC (Depth Of Cut), oh my! ([Cal Bryant](https://calbryant.uk/))

- [Understanding V-Bits for VCarving](https://www.learnyourcnc.com/blog/cnc-tip-understanding-vcarving) - Good visual for understanding cut width vs cut depth for different angle V-Bits. ([Kyle Ely, Learn Your CNC](https://www.learnyourcnc.com/)



### Workholding

- [8 Ways to Hold Material in Place...](https://www.learnyourcnc.com/blog/8-ways-to-hold-material-in-place-while-machining-with-a-cnc-router) - ...While Machining with a CNC Router ([Kyle Ely, Learn Your CNC](https://www.learnyourcnc.com/).

- [Hold Down Clamps](https://youtu.be/TZDieOgEApI) - Quick & easy hold down clamps from scraps ([Dave Gatton](https://www.youtube.com/@DaveGatton))

- [Hold Down Clamps (DXF file)](https://mhatalski.github.io/awesome-cnc/holddown clamps.dxf) - Hold down clamps based roughly on Dave Gatton's design.

- [How to Use Tabs in Vcarve for Woodworking](https://youtu.be/o9wcDoIv5FY) - A variety of techniques for using tabs with Vcarve ([Avid CNC](https://www.youtube.com/@AvidCNC))

- [7 CNC Fixturing Tips for a Small Shop](https://makezine.com/article/workshop/7-cnc-fixturing-tips-small-shop/) - Clamps, Vacuum, Double-Sided Tape, CA Glue... ([Make:](https://makezine.com/))

- [Get a Grip on CNC Work](https://www.woodmagazine.com/tool-reviews/cnc-machines/get-a-grip-on-cnc-work) = old-downs, wedges, screws, double sided tape, hotmelt glue...



### Tolerances

- [Using OpenDesk.CC to Create CNC Furniture](https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/machining/opendesk-cnc-furniture/) - What kind of fit do you want? -0.60mm Mallet-tight, -0.00mm Press-fit, +0.20mm Push-fit, +0.50mm Slide-fit. ([Make:](https://makezine.com/))

- [More elegant CNC dogbones](https://fablab.ruc.dk/more-elegant-cnc-dogbones/) - Useing slightly smaller dogbone fillets, since wood is soft and compressible.



### Intro Miscellaneous

 - [Climb vs Conventional Milling](https://www.cnccookbook.com/climb-milling-versus-conventional-milling/) - Which way? ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

 - [16 CNC Router Tips to Avoid Tearout & Splintering](https://blog.tormach.com/16-cnc-router-tips-to-avoid-tearout-splintering) - Common causes & solutions of wood tearout. ([Tormach](https://tormach.com/))

 - [Surfacing / Spoilboard cutters / fly cutting](https://www.cnccookbook.com/spoilboard-cutter/) - Reviews of several spoilboard cutters and tips for using them. ([CNC Cookbook](https://www.cnccookbook.com/))

 - [Conventional Milling vs Climb Milling](https://harveyperformance.widen.net/s/nifm3p7ym0) - Good explanation of chip formation during machining, and climb vs conventional milling. ([Harvey Tool Company](https://www.harveytool.com/))



## Software

 - [Aspire & VCarvePro, Vectric](https://www.vectric.com/) - CAD/CAM. (Windows)

 - [Fusion 360, Autodesk](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview) - CAD/CAM/CAE/PCB. (Windows/Mac)

 - [Carbide Create, Carvide 3D](https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/) - CAD/CAM. (Windows/Mac)

 - [Easel, Inventables](https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel) - CAD/CAM. (cloud)

 - [PixelCNC: CAM For Artists](https://www.deftware.org/) - CAD/CAM. (Windows) 

 - [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org/) - CAD, 3D parametric modeler. (Windows/Mac/Linux, opensource)

   - [Freecad User Book](https://bassmatifreecad.github.io/FreecadUserBook/en/) - A users journey learning Freecad.

 - [Mach3/Mach4, Newfangled Solutions](https://www.machsupport.com/) - CNC Control software. (Windows) 

 - [grbl](https://github.com/grbl/grbl) - CNC control software. (Atmega 328, Arduino)

 - [NCneticNpp (NotePad++ GCode plugin)](https://github.com/NCalu/NCneticNpp) - Simulate/Plot g-code files directly in Notepad++



## Designs and Models

- [Design & Make 3D Clipart](https://www.designandmake.com/) - Collection of 3D clipart models, both free and paid. ([Vectric](https://www.vectric.com/))

- [Carbide 3D Elements](https://elements.carbide3d.com/) - Collection of free SVG files ([Carbide 3D](https://carbide3d.com/))



### Furniture

- [OpenDesk](https://www.opendesk.cc/) - Opendesk connects a library of downloadable designs to makers to customers.

- [OpenDesk.cc Design Files](https://github.com/timrolls/Opendesk) - Collection of OpenDesk.cc design files.

- [SketchChair](http://www.sketchchair.cc/) - Design and build digitally fabricated furniture with open-source software.

- [Layer Chair](http://www.dyvikdesign.com/site/portfolio-jens/products/the-layer-chair) - Parametric chair built out of stacked layers.

- [Italic Shelf](https://www.ronen-kadushin.com/italic-shelf) - Easy to fabricate, easy to assemble Knock down shelving system.

- [CNC Workstation Cart](https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2012/cnc-workstation/) - Standing-height computer workstation. ([Evil mad Scientist](https://www.evilmadscientist.com/))

- [SketchChair](http://www.sketchchair.cc/) - free, open-source software tool that allows anyone to easily design and build their own digitally fabricated furniture.



### Vector Related

- [CNC Hershey Font (Single Line Font) Tool](https://msurguy.github.io/cnc-text-tool/) - Single line (instead of outline) fonts are great for fast CNC engraving and also work better for things like LED signs. Browser based tool producing SVG output ([Maksim Surguy](https://github.com/msurguy))

- [Calligrapher.ai](https://www.calligrapher.ai/?) - Realistic computer-generated handwriting, SVG output.

- [MakerCase](https://www.makercase.com/) - web-based application for designing boxes or project cases for laser cutters and CNC routers. Generates SVG or DXF files.

- [Maze Generator](https://www.mazegenerator.net/) - Maze Generator, free to use for private projects, commercial license available.

- [Rad Lines](https://github.com/msurguy/rad-lines) - Generats vector line artworks for plotting / laser engraving / CNC machining or marketing purposes. ([Maksim Surguy](https://github.com/msurguy))

- [Flow Lines](https://github.com/msurguy/flow-lines) - Flow field / streamlines / flow lines visualization. ([Maksim Surguy](https://github.com/msurguy))

- [Converting line art for drawing](https://community.carbide3d.com/t/converting-line-art-for-drawing/9493) - Tips for converting vector clip art for CNCing. ([Carbide 3D](https://carbide3d.com/))



### Photo Techniques

Software to process images to something that can be CNC'd.

- [StippleGen](https://github.com/evil-mad/stipplegen) - Processing application that can create stipple drawings and “TSP art,” from image files. ([Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories](https://www.evilmadscientist.com/))

- [PicPerf](http://gofabmo.org/fabmo-picperf-app/) - Simular to Photo VCarve, but with circle/square/hex dots instead of lines. ([FabMo](http://gofabmo.org/))

- [Vector Halftone Maker](https://halftone.xoihazard.com/) - Dot halftone generator, with many options.

- [F-Engrave](https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html) - G-Code generator for Engraving and V-Carving. Input can be text with a font (CXF or TTF font), image (bitmap, PNG etc.) or DXF data.

- [Halftoner, Reactor](https://jasondorie.com/page_cnc.html) = Halftone & Reaction/diffusion image generators.



### Terrain Related

Working with maps, terestrial and other

- [Carving 3D Terrain Topographic Relief Maps on a CNC Machine](https://www.instructables.com/Carving-3D-Terrain-Topographic-Relief-Maps-on-a-CN/) - Step by Step Instructable.

- [Terrain Relief Models, Unabridged](https://community.carbide3d.com/t/terrain-relief-models-unabridged/14713) - Tips & workflow for working with terrain maps. ([Carbide 3D](https://carbide3d.com/))

- [Moon Trek](https://trek.nasa.gov/moon/#v=0.1&x=-20.13793907748061&y=9.525146306697042&z=7&p=urn%3Aogc%3Adef%3Acrs%3AEPSG%3A%3A104903&d=&locale=&b=moon) - NASA provide tools to explore lunar maps & data, including download digital models that can be CNC carved or 3D printed.

- [3D Printed Moon Copernicus Crater Desk Décor](https://www.instructables.com/3D-Printed-Moon-Copernicus-Crater-Desk-D%C3%A9cor/) - Instructable for 3D printing a lunar landscape, but applicable for CNC machining.

- [How to Carve the Lunar Surface](https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Carve-the-Lunar-Surface-with-CNC/) - Instructable for CNC carving a lunar surface.



### YouTube Channels

- [Learn Your CNC](https://www.youtube.com/@LearnYourCNC) - Lot's of good Vectric tips & tricks by Kyle Ely, who also teaches master and group Vectric classes at [LearnYourCNC.com](https://www.learnyourcnc.com/).

- [Vectric Ltd](https://www.youtube.com/@vectric) - Makers of Aspire/VCarvePro/Cut2D CAD/CAM software. Tips, tricks, tutorials, & projects videos.

- [Avid CNC](https://www.youtube.com/@AvidCNC) - (Formerly CNC Router Parts) Makers of Avid CNC machines. Tips/tricks/tutorials/project videos.

- [ShopBot Tools](https://www.youtube.com/@shopbottools) - Makers of ShopBot CNC routers & tools. Tips/tricks/tutorials/projects/interviews on ShopBot CNC machines, but not machines specific.

- [Hobby CNC with Dave Gatton](https://www.youtube.com/@DaveGatton) - Big projects and small.



### Uncategorized

- [Maker.js](https://maker.js.org/) - JavaScript library, *Your compass and straightedge in JavaScript*. Exports SVG, DXF, PDF.

- [Paper.js](http://paperjs.org/) - Javascript library for working with vector graphics. *The Swiss Army Knife of Vector Graphics Scripting*

- [Rough.js](https://roughjs.com/) - JavaScript library for *sketchy hand-drawn-like style*.

- [lasercut.scad](https://github.com/bmsleight/lasercut) - OpenSCAD module allowing 3d models to be created from 2d lasercut parts, with a flat file automatically generated.

- [Design into 3D](https://willadams.gitbook.io/design-into-3d/) - A system for parametric design of projects for CNC or traditional techniques.

- [TouchTerrain](https://touchterrain.geol.iastate.edu/) - TouchTerrain converts digital elevation data into digital model files (STL or OBJ) suitable for 3D printing or CNCing.

- [Deepnest.io](https://deepnest.io/) - Opensource nesting app (Win/OSX/Linux) for CNC/Laser?plasma cutting. Reads DXF/SVG/CDR files, exports DXF/SVG. Uses the [SVGNest](https://github.com/Jack000/SVGnest) libary. ([Jack Qiao](https://github.com/Jack000))

- [Digital Fabrication for Designers](http://mkmra2.blogspot.com/2014/08/cnc-cut-wood-joinery.html?m=1) - Discussion of the design and cutting of wood joints with a CNC.

- [Lithophane Makers](https://lithophanemaker.com/) - A lithophane is carved or 3D printed artwork in a thin translucent material that reveals an image only when back lit.

- [Tapered Inlays](https://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?p=4146) - A method of doing inlays with sharp corners by using tapered V-bits. (Paul Zank)

- [Tapered Inlay Plug with Clearing(Vectric gadget)](https://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?t=38767) - Cutting the plug for a tapered (Paul Zank method) inlay can be a problem because of the first pass depth. This Vectric gadget adds roughing passes.

- [Tailmaker Software Free Downloads](https://fabrikisto.com/tailmaker-software/) - Guillochograph (Guilloche generator), Puzzle My Joint (jigsaw patterns & frames),  Fingermaker (design complex finger joints), and misc. patterns.



### Related Awesome Lists

- [Awesome Plotters](https://github.com/beardicus/awesome-plotters) - What is a plotter but a CNC machine with a pen?

- [DrawingBots Resources](https://drawingbots.net/resources) - List of resources and tools for plotter and drawing robot enthusiasts