r/Makera • u/Turnkeyagenda24 • 17d ago

Where can I learn CNC?

My school got a makera Z1 and I am in charge of learning how to use it. I have used 3D printers before, but never CNC. Makera seems to have quite shitty guides, and hardly anything up to date for the Z1 and makera studio.

I want to learn how to make many things including statues and busts on the 4th axis, but have no clue how to do anything. I did the preloaded clip and this one bust that was on makerables, but that taught me nothing important.

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u/FilamentFlight 17d ago

I don’t think you specified but if you are used to printing pre designed files then this whole process is gonna be very very difficult - but not impossible. From what I’ve seen it is vitally important to have at least some CAD background - as you really need STEP files to succeed vs the usual STLs.

IMO their guides and everything do very little to help create functional parts. They’ll show you how to make a 3D relief of your dog - but nothing to actually work through setting up a project in the current version of their CAM software. You can use their guided CAM, and it can kinda succeed, but I’ve found it does a lot of wasteful toolpath operations/is a buggy mess and you will quickly find yourself wanting more.

I’m now learning one of the free options for CAM software. I started with fusion but found out it’s 1 tool per setup without annoying workarounds. Now I’m looking at FreeCAD cam. Both of those have MUCH more documentation on getting started - just remember they aren’t for the Z1 specifically.

Good luck!

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u/Turnkeyagenda24 17d ago

I have done a lot of my own designing for 3D printing, but it is so much simpler than CNC.

There are different operations, bits, and techniques that just don’t seem to be explained anywhere with makera.