Metal Fabrication
Lay Out and Cut Numbers with the CNC Plasma Cutter
Lay out and cut a house number or address with the CNC plasma cutter.
Meeting Times
- Sun, 7/30/2023 8:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Sun, 7/30/2023
Closed
About
This introduction to the CNC (computer numerical control) plasma cutter focuses on safety, general principles, start-up, and shut-down procedures of BARN’s CNC plasma cutter. Plasma is an ionized high-temperature arc that cuts through metal when combined with a directed jet of compressed air. Just as with BARN’s other metal fabrication CNC machines, this system is based on the Centroid Acorn CNC controller and has a similar Virtual Control Panel.
The design you bring to class (details below) will be created in Fusion 360 with most any font you wish. Once in Fusion 360, the design will be post-processed to produce the G-code (geometric code) to cut your specific design. G-code is the control language that commands the CNC plasma cutter when and where to cut.
With the G-code created and fundamentals of safe operation out of the way, you’ll learn the basics of machine operation: X- and Y-axis motion of the machine, torch height control, and Centroid’s Virtual Control Panel. Then you’ll cut your masterpiece!
Details
- Come to class with a clear sketch or drawing of the house number or address and the design layout, including the X-Y dimensions of your 256 square inches or less.
- Wear natural fiber clothing, long pants, closed-toe shoes (natural fiber or leather), and tie back long hair. No stretch fabrics.
- While not required, experience with Fusion 360 is advantageous.
- This is a one-session, four-hour class with a 10-minute break.
- See the CNC plasma cutter in action here.
- This class is designed to complement BARN's hand-held plasma cutter classes.
- Next-step classes include "Cutting Designs with BARN's CNC Plasma Cutter and Fusion 360,” which delves into nuances of creating “cuttable” designs and producing detailed art you can be proud of; and “Fusion 360 Sheet Metal Basics,” an introduction to the sheet metal capabilities in Fusion 360 that can be used to cut parts for sheet metal parts that will be bent and formed.
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy
- View BARN's current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
- For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about BARN's Companion Program.
Instructors or Guides
Bob Mathisrud
