*Maximum: 2 hours over a 1-week period
You may cancel your appointment if necessary through Fusion.
The X-Carve table-top router does not require a reservation.
Ready to use the CNC Routers? Head over to the check-out window, ring the bell, and a staff member will assist you!
Use Requirements are enforced with wiscard swipes or m-passes.
Learning Modules (Optional!) Join the course in Canvas.
X-Carve CNC Router
Laguna CNC Router
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Software
V-Carve
The Laguna and xCarve routers both run gCode created in V-carve (PC only).
The UW Makerspace has a license that will let you create tool paths at home (before you come to the makerspace).
Follow these steps to get the UW makerspace version of Vcarve:
- Download the trial versions of Vcarve here. (Download v11 Trial)
- In the trial version go to “Help – About”, press “Enter Makerspace ID” button on the dialog and enter the UW Makerspace ID 92C2F-2BAE0-A645E-207E7-9E911-31644-1D7F6 (Note: Makerspace ID was updated on 12/19/22).
- Restart Vcarve.
The last page of this PDF has the same instruction with images.
Note: The Makerspace Version of Vcarve does not post gCode. This is intentional, trained makerspace staff will check your tool paths before posting code to run on our machines.
V-Carve Tutorials
Start with this “Wing Spar” tutorial here to learn how to cut 2D profiles.
Vectric, the maker of Vcarve, provides very good tutorials here.
Makerspace Tool Library for V-Carve
A tool database for V-Carve with preset feeds and speeds for common materials can be found here. Currently this database only has imperial end mills.
To use this database you will have to have V-Carve installed (see Software above).
-In V-carve go to the Toolpaths panel and select Display Tool Database.
-Delete all existing tools and import the new tool database.
Easel
The Xcarve router uses a software named Easel. You can design your file in Easel or design it in Vcarve and export the file g-code into Easel. Easel works directly with the router; however, it has less features that Vcarve. If you use Vcarve, Makerspace staff will have to export the g-code due to licensing.
Materials
The Makerspace sells the follow sheet goods in the Mini-Mart. You can also use your own materials on the CNC routers if approved by the staff. If you have questions regarding the machinability of materials, please come to a Project Support Session to contact our CNC router managers.
| Material | Material Type | Thickness | Length & Width | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood - Birch | Wood | 3/4 | 48 x 96 | 51.70 |
| Plywood - Birch | Wood | 1/2 | 48 x 96 | 42.50 |
| Plywood - Birch | Wood | 1/4 | 48 x 96 | 26.41 |
| Plywood - Birch | Wood | 1/2 | 48 x 48 | 35.00 |
| Plywood - Birch | Wood | 1/4 | 48 x 48 | 19.00 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 48 x 96 | 12.40 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 48 x 96 | 8.00 |
| EPS Pink Foam | 1 | 24 x 24 | 3.50 | |
| Polystrene | Plastic | 1/16 | 18 x 20 | 4.50 |
| Polystrene | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 20 | 9.00 |
| PETG | Plastic | 1/16 | 18 x 20 | 7.00 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 2.12 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 4.25 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 3.45 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 6.90 |
| Veneered MDF | Wood | 1/4 | 18x24 | 3.90 |
| Veneered MDF | Wood | 1/4 | 36x24 | 7.80 |
| Plywood | Wood | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 6.00 |
| Plywood | Wood | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 12.00 |
| Foam Core | 3/16 | 30 x 20 | 3.00 | |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 10.75 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 10.75 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 10.75 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 21.50 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 21.50 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 21.50 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 20.00 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 20.00 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/4 | 18 x24 | 18.25 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 40.00 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 40.00 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 36.50 |
| Acetal | Plastic | 1/4 | 12 x 12 | 26.47 |
| Dimensional Lumber | Wood | 2x2 | 8 | 5.25 |
| Dimensional Lumber | Wood | 2x4 | 8 | 9.50 |
| Dimensional Lumber | Wood | 2x6 | 8 | 16.70 |
Useful Links and Guides
CNC Project Support
Check-in during the hours below for questions pertaining to design consultation, materials, and best practices.
CNC Project Support
E-mail maker-machineshop@engr.wisc.edu with questions.