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CNC Tutorials & Webinars

CNC Tutorials & Webinars

Part 1 – For Beginners

Thinking about getting into CNC milling and don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of the most helpful beginners’ tutorials and webinars we’ve found on the web. Let’s get started!

General CNC Information

CNC Basics What you need to get started

Simple no frills discussions, and tutorials on the most basic elements of operating your machine.

CNC Tutorial 1 of 3: Introduction to Machining

From Columbia University. Covers safety, cutting tools, materials, costs, tool holders, & examples of parts made on a CNC mill.

Ben Heck’s CNC Router Tutorial

Ben explains the ins and outs of CNC milling using only a Shapeoko and a laptop. Areas of focus include an overview of the parts, creating design files, execution and other CNC tips.

Intro to CNC (Playlist)

5 very short videos review basic concepts, machines & other hardware, software, machine setup, and feeds & speeds.

Software for Beginners


You won’t get far with CNC (Computer-Numerical-Control) without software for your computer. It’s literally in the name.


Fusion 360 CAM Tutorial for Beginners!

If you are new to CNC Machining or trying to start using Fusion 360 CAM, this how-to video tutorial showing how to get started with Fusion 360 CAM is the right place to start! Let's walk through setting up our part, selecting our CAM tool and our CAM operations to machine this part on a Tormach 440!

Fusion 360 CAM Basics

Autodesk makes sure you get comfortable with the basic steps of creating CNC toolpaths from your model.

AutoCAD Tutorials for Beginners - Playlist

191 short videos teach AutoCAD from ground up to operational level so that you can work in any organization comfortably and have all the basic knowledge. Covers 2D Drawing Concepts, Isometric Drawing & 3D Modeling.

Buying Your First CNC Mill Machine


Videos about buying a CNC machine are often nothing more than glorified commercials and a waste of time. Start with these videos to help figure out the right machine for you.


WATCH THIS before you buy a CNC machine for 3D carving!

Not every machine comes with the software you'll need to do what you want to do. Watch this short video before you invest.

CNC Machine Kit Build

Building the 2' x 3' Benchtop Standard CNC Machine Kit from CNCRouterparts.com, and a first test milling a circle and square from MDF.

Tested: Carvey Desktop CNC Machine Review

Tested tests the Carvey, a desktop CNC machine from Inventables. Unlike the X-Carve, this three-axis mill is enclosed for office use and designed for simplicity and safety. Using the web-based Easel software, you're able to create a design and cut it on a sheet of plastic in just a few minutes. The simplicity limits its versatility, so it may be better suited for classrooms than large working shops.

CNC Machining - What You Need to Get Started - A Basic Guide

In this video, knife maker Walter Sorrells guides you through the basic components of a small CNC machining system. This video is aimed specifically at knife makers...but there's something here for anybody wanting an introduction to the basics of CNC machining.

Meet Maslow, the $350 CNC Cutting Machine

Tested welcomes Bar Smith and Hannah Teagle to show us their Maslow CNC cutting machine, which comes in a $350 kit. This CNC uses an upright design to hold a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood, and is completely open source. See more at https://www.maslowcnc.com/

Ultimate X-Carve Vs Shapoko - Part 3 : Running Them Side By Side // Tool Review

Final part of a 3-part series; runs both popular machines side by side cutting a square. Also goes into detail showing the pros and cons of both machines.

Choosing Router Bits – Beginners

CNC V-Bits Explained

Explains the differences in CNC V-Bits. They come in several different sizes and angles. The most common V-Bits are the 60* and 90* , but this video suggests getting a 30* V-Bit if you are going to do small lettering.

CNC Router Bit Types and Their Uses

Why so many router bits ? What’s their purpose ? Which bit do I use for a specific function ? Does the material I use make any difference in which router bit I use ? What is a router bit profile ? How long go they last, what’s their longevity ?