Excited to be joining the Carbide 3D Community! I’m just starting out with CNC and recently got hooked on Carbide’s tools and software — it’s been a fun learning curve so far.
I’m here to soak up knowledge, get advice from seasoned makers, and share my journey as I go. The support and creativity I’ve already seen in this forum are super inspiring, and I’m pumped to be part of it.
If you’ve got any beginner tips, go-to tutorials, or cool project ideas to recommend, I’d love to hear them!
Looking forward to learning, experimenting, and building some awesome stuff together.
Want me to tailor it toward a specific machine like the Shapeoko or Nomad, or add a bit more technical curiosity?
When I began I wish I had taken more time building a solid FLAT table for the machine to sit on. I also wish I’d taken more time building the machine and making sure everything was square. I would advise you to, if you haven’t already, to surface your waste board and tram your spindle/router.
Once the machine is setup properly you’ll have years of successful saw dust manufacturing!
Think about what additional tools you might want to use in conjunction with the CNC.
Dust collections is very important, you could get away without it but it’s a huge mess.
I have compressed air available, I use it pretty much every time I use the CNC to clear the remaining particals off the wasteboard, for clearing out fixturing holes, and for clearing our cuts, especially V bit cuts.
I use nylon brushes after most VCarves and 3D carves to clean up sawdust and whiskers.
Depending on where you get your materials, some way to cut them down to a more usable size. Could be as simple as a handsaw, or use a portable saw (jig saw, circular saw), all the way up to a table saw + jointer + planer.
Tools and materials for CNC maintenance. The machine comes with most of what you need, but maybe you like to use (for example) T handle hex keys rather then the traditional ‘L’. Lubrication is a thing.
Finishing is a whole topic in itself. Sanding, stains, clear coats, paints, epoxy are all options.
What I understood…Honestly, biggest thing I learned early on—don’t underestimate the table. If it’s even a hair off, you’ll fight it forever. Surface your wasteboard, tram your spindle, then re-check everything after a few cuts because stuff loosens up.
And yeah, dust collection… man, without it you’ll have chips in your shoes, your coffee, everywhere. I keep a little compressor next to mine too, super handy for blowing out pockets. You know what’s funny? Half the time the “extras” (brushes, clamps, even a decent shop vac) end up being just as important as the machine itself. Thanks for the advice!
I recently (4 months ago) started my CNC journey and quickly realized I had made a great choice purchasing a Shapeoko because off the support from the company and the support of this community right here!
My number one tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I asked some idiot questions at the beginning and the community rallied around me made and me feel like I, in fact, WASN’T an idiot.
I 100% agree with the table flatness. I ended up doing a torsion box table. Love it! A bunch of info here from when I was asking for everyone’s thoughts on tables Table space around CNC
So glad I purchased the spindle from the beginning.
This hand held Rii keyboard is a great tool as well. Was a quick upgrade to help so much in moving the spindle around the table and get right down to it visually to see exactly where the bit is. Amazon.com
