CNC Basics - What You Need To Get Started

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CNC Routers for Hobbyists can be intimidating! In this video, I'll cover all the CNC basics that you must know before being able to run the machine. This includes CAD, CAM, Feeds and Speeds, Toolpaths, G-code, and setting up the machine.
My Hobby CNC: bit.ly/longmillcncref
MY FAVORITE BITS AND ACCESSORIES
Surfacing Bit - geni.us/GaBB
Starter Set (8 Piece) - geni.us/starterSet
1/4" End Mill (most common) - geni.us/endMill
Double-Sided CNC Tape - geni.us/cncTape
48" T-track - geni.us/tTrack
T-track Clamps - geni.us/tClamps
DeWalt 611 Router - geni.us/6bmzK7
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - CNC basics overview
00:39 - 3 common steps
01:13 - What is CAD?
02:00 - 3 different cutting strategies
03:05 - What is CAM?
04:11 - Speed and Feed explained
05:04 - What is a toolpath?
06:20 - What is G-Code?
07:24 - Getting the g-code to the machine
07:55 - Setting up the machine
TOP FUSION 360 PLAYLISTS
bit.ly/learn-fusion360
bit.ly/woodworker-playlist
bit.ly/3D-printing-playlist
bit.ly/sculpt-playlist
DISCLAIMER
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps you support the channel at no extra cost to you and allows me to continue to make videos like this.
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#CNC #woodworking #Fusion360 #ProductDesignOnline

[@ProductDesignOnline]

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[@michaelrabon1189]

Love the simple explanation of how to get started and what each step of the process does! Makes me less worried about starting a project 👍🏻

[@bruce-le-smith]

As everyone else said, this is very clearly explained in plain language, and that is probably a more difficult feat than running a CNC! Thank you

[@rhondaallen8654]

This was really great. I’ve watched about 25 others and yours was by far the easiest to follow. Thank you!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Rhonda!

[@BookLoversPizza]

Product design online. Your content is soooo amazing!!! I’ve been following your 30 days tutorial and it’s helped me sooo much. Thanks for all your amazing content!!!

[@secretdad544]

Thank you. Finally a video for beginners that a beginner can actually understand. Every ither video for beginners assumes the beginner knows far more than a true beginner actually does. I simply want to draw tge panels to make a dovetail joined wooden box and then cut the pieces out if a sheet of plywood. Thats all I want to learn for now but cant seem to find any video to show a beginner how to do it.

[@RyanMichaelss]

"The ice cream emoji" 😂 Awesome vid man!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Ryan!

[@asdf35750]

@@ProductDesignOnline You DO know that's not ice cream, don't you?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@asdf35750 Rumor has it... it was supposed to be...but it came out wrong :)

[@AJB2K3]

@@asdf35750 It was actually designed as a chocolate ice cream emoji but well users are warped.

[@JonathanOsorioF]

Actually, in Japan, thats no an icecream emoji. Dr Arale have the answer.

[@Otaku437]

Great video. I assembled an MPCNC eight months ago and have watched a ton of CNC videos to build my proficiency with my machine. This is by far the best introduction video I've seen on the subject. In watching all these videos I've noticed one area that is seldom covered that might fit with your channel: interesting beginner projects created by knowledgeable people focused on one specific area, and using inexpensive materials, common router bits, and that mill in a relatively short time. I've had to create these kinds of projects for myself to learn and would have loved projects where I could compare and contrast my results with someone knowledgeable. I look forward to your future videos.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Robert. Thanks for the suggestions! I do plan on doing several beginner projects to showcase the various CAM features/workflows. I'll definitely keep in mind the 'standard' bits and things so people aren't expected to go buy several items for one project :)

[@ralphlivingston894]

Thank you so much for clearing up some of my misconceptions. Great job!

[@raymacdonaldcreations505]

Great instructions for a newbie like me. Thank you for the simple and understandable information! I learned a lot!

[@nortok00]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to make it and with details that are easy to understand for newbs!

[@institutonovadent9817]

Have a good day Kevin Kennedy, I started learning solidworks to model 3d parts but as you know it was very complex as a beginner, but one day I found your youtube channel and saw that you have the tutorials for learning "Fusion 360 in 30 days" and as soon as I saw your first video, I was amazed by the very goog explanation and the part by part teaching, and because of that, I followed the videos and finished all that series, and now thanks to you, I can design all that I want to or need to and 3d print it and it is great!. Now I bought the 3018 chinese CNC and at the moment I´m using vectric aspire with it, but I think that it will be perfect to learn from you how to CNC directly from Fusion 360 as it looks something intimidating, so, please continue with this project it will be great something like a "Learn CNC in 30 days" or so and THANK YOU VERY MUCH for all the time and effort that you take to make this channel possible, not only for me but for all of us who watch your channel, you are a great great guy! Atte. Jorge

[@ComgrowOfficial]

Wow, so much information in just a few minutes! So cool and informative!! Love it!!!🥰

[@treelife365]

Awesome introduction, Kevin! Thank you.

[@TyWashdaddy]

First vid I'm watching on CNC. I like it. You got a sub

[@nivasylstrongman4352]

Sir: you are clear and to the point and after watching your video for 5 minutes, I knew that you were the person I was looking for to help a novice like me decide on choosing a CNC router and learning software. just brilliant, Thank you, very much, you need to get paid for your work.

[@CK-tb2qs]

I fully agree! He breaks it down very simply. I can't wait to watch more videos

[@cagecatchum3001]

Excellent video. Clear, plain language demo. Excellent video work.

[@gidgemo1869]

This is the best explanation I’ve heard and I’ve been binging CNC vids for a few weeks. Thanks so much! I’m now certain I want to take the plunge!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Best of luck ☺️

[@gamaleissa7657]

I a CNC programmer and you explain that in a awesome way! .. very recommended

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Gamal! What machine(s) do you operate/program for?

[@afrocrypto3538]

Very instructive and clear video on CNC for DIY. Thumbs up!

[@vighneshkumarnadar7000]

Best Vedio for beginners . Thanks for the clear explanation ❤️

[@lylyluvda916]

This video is super informative. I haven’t yet built my cnc machine, but this helps a lot in terms of really understanding how they technically function and the software to start with. Gonna try creating some ideas I have and se show they pan out.

[@hoseinattari2387]

I didn't know anything about cnc.your video was great full for a beginner like me.thank you❤️🙏🏻

[@retiredtom1654]

Lots of videos but this one made more sense to me a s BEGINNER... assume I (we) don't know anything about design to making sawdust, yet I'm building my own CNC.

[@Reg-V]

This is a great introduction to CNC. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikemireles2804]

Very educating . Helpful in every aspect . Thank you so much for this video . If you have any more . Keep them coming !!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Mike! I'll be doing more :)

[@blackbear92201]

Awesome video - thanks for posting!

[@davidfarish4076]

Absolutely great video ! Helps this newbie a lot ! Thank you.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, David! Glad to hear that.

[@stephensmith1988]

Hi, Thanks for such a comprehensive video👌👍

[@michaelkjr3415]

Very informative! I’m considering an education in cnc carpentry, but got sort of scared off thinking it was super complicated. Thank you for simplifying it :)

[@JackInTheShop]

I have had my Longmill CNC fo about 7 months. It has really made my project a lot better and faster. Not that hard once you get into it.

[@CryoftheProphet]

thank you for this, very well explained and I didn't have any problems understanding what you were communicating, thank you very much :)

[@shanelipe2552]

Loved this tutorial.. you made it learnable.. lol You've just gained a new subscriber.

[@cleon6006]

Learned a lot from this, thanks!

[@danimald.2407]

This is a huge help for me. Thank you.

[@ArcticFlies56]

That was the easiest explanation I’ve heard. Thanks for the tips. I gave you a thumbs up and subscribed. I’m an old dog and hoping to learn new tricks!

[@realsocrates5272]

The best VIDEO ever. Great work

[@DolphinLVR60]

I have been contemplating getting a CNC as they really peak my interest, yet I really know absolutely nothing! In doing my usual research, I came across your video and found it so refreshing and informative as a total newb! You now have a subscriber and I look forward to beginning my journey with you!

[@KylesMonitors]

It's really not hard once you learn a bit about it. Just take your time reading and watching videos, double check everything before you run a program and watch your first couple parts get cut.

[@engr.usmanzaeem3727]

After watching the video, i have only one thing to say, I Love you sir.

[@ausgewogen]

Phantastic, all was said.

[@teksight9714]

I'm glad youtube fed me your video. I had no idea this was a multi step process. I thought it just jumped from CAD to the machine somehow.

[@kwaks1979]

New sub here and excited to watch all the other videos on cnc’s. We are looking at buying one and I’m overwhelmed by all the info that makes not much sense. But your video has helped already.

[@SalaziNazz]

Great video! Really helped me understand CNC basics. Excited to start my own projects now! 🔧

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Glad to hear that! Which CNC machine do you have (or plan to get)?

[@ramanlaxman9536]

Very useful video for cnc machine beginners 😊

[@e-train6402]

Awesome! Glad I found you. You've got me as a subscriber. Continue the great work!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks!

[@thepoliticalmechanic2691]

I’m talking to a girl who said she wants to try CNC so I’m doing some research very educational thank you

[@jedcoons9577]

Very clear and helpful 👍👍

[@blake102989]

This is the first time I've seen one of your videos and it is much more easier to comprehend than any other I've came across since purchasing my shapeoko back in 2019. Thank you for making it so understandable because I may be more knowledgeable than most people I personally know, but what they don't know is I don't learn the shit I know from people like Winston Moy lol. When I first came across him I almost started slobering trying to understand just WTH he was saying lol. You earned a like and sub from me and I will be watching more of your content.

[@shereifwagdi7558]

Thanks mate, great video!

[@TheJosa007]

GREAT video. Thank you very much.

[@galendcia]

clear explaination, thank you

[@NeXxtLevelStudiosBD2T]

I really liked how you explained. Also adding the vocabulary helped alot

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Dale!

[@jamessmith84240]

Very good video. I used youtube videos to learn how to operate a hobby level "WorkBee" CNC machine 3 years ago. I use Photoshop to design and VCarve to trace my lines and create G-code. The company I now do work for uses two of these entry level machines in their workshop. We use them to both personalise and more importantly speed up part of the manufacture process of high quality wooden garden gates which are sold online. For me it has become a full time job and just love doing this work.

[@therusticwren9066]

Great video! I ordered a Bob’s Evo 4 and am trying to learn some basics before it arrives. Thanks for breaking this down for us!

[@billgale2264]

Great video!

[@IceCreams62]

It will be a very useful video series for me...i'm building a Workbee CNC router....thanks a lot Kevin

[@hemnat2000]

super narration. i like it

[@abhinavpachpute355]

awesome content!

[@ForTheGreys]

ice cream emoji.. who gonna tell him

[@jonkwilloughby]

Thanks, very helpful!

[@samraa2006]

nice video! good to clear alot of things for beginners ,and reduce the fear to own a CNC machine, i liked this very much, but 2.5D is something more advanced than you described! 2.5 D is close to 3D but with using the bit parameters and how deep can it go or behave into material in reference of the design or victors you made! Yet its a useful and awesome video! i wish i can explain things the way you did, when i train my clients! 👌👌👌👌👌

[@reginaray5334]

This is the only video I actually understand😄

[@jamestakwana9731]

this is wonderful

[@octaviolopez4164]

Excelente video instructivo para iniciarse en el mundo del cnc!!!

[@yiro6577]

thank you this is very educative 👍

[@GodNSense]

Love the video.

[@tombouie]

Again, Well Done

[@hasanalkumaish6940]

You are the best in tutorials

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Hasan :)

[@jaymoraljones3674]

All 3 so we can see what it do an you explain what they do, your teaching me. ( nice)

[@novhallzfilth948]

Wow... it's wonderfull explanation... i hope you increase more tutorials for CAM and CNC Project....i always looking forward for your new video...👍👍i'm your subscribers from indonesian

[@SOUZAELS]

it is a very nice tutorial, i am had built my own cnc router, i believe that your instructions will be welcome, thanks

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks! Happy carving :)

[@bigcityrips7880]

Great video

[@a7xfanben]

Nice vid man!

[@protomanialab]

nice work!

[@WaaboozWoodworx]

WAIT!!! That's the ICE CREAM emoji??!! My mind has been blown! I always thought it was something else!! Hahahahha!!!!

[@Masso1973]

You’re a talented instructor, nice vid

[@ProductDesignOnline]

I appreciate that!

[@jurreteurlings9583]

can you drop a link for feedrate en this like that for different materials i cant find them like in the video like the list in the cam part please

[@fredscott413]

good info thanks.

[@tommc49]

Helpful vid. Thanks for posting. Subscribed but still on the fence about investing in a machine.

[@teckseongchong]

Nice Lesson

[@ilhamdarni6924]

This was recommended by my basic mechanical practice course professor 😁

[@AndrewKmicicz-gl8ud]

Thank you!

[@JerbaCampers]

Hi Can you link a copy of the document you show showing feed speeds etc?

[@fernandesl]

I did NOT expect this video to be about that topic

[@jonharrison640]

This was great. And cleared alot up for me.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Glad to hear that, Jon! What types of projects are you looking to CNC?

[@jonharrison640]

I'm wanting to build my own diy router. I cant justify spending the money when I know that I can build it better in my own shop. It has been hard to settle on a configuration, with all the different options available.

[@jonharrison640]

And I'm wanting to learn everything. As far as projects go, making a business out of it in the future.

[@francisdescent134]

I like this step by step tutorials Any online class to get more information about CNC machine

[@ProductDesignOnline]

I do offer an 'Intro to CAM' course on the PDO Academy - academy.productdesignonline.com/

[@sallerc]

Great stuff, just finished building my MPCNC and is looking for Fusion 360 CAM tutorial videos.

[@MuhammadAmin-ee6se]

Is there any video to learn about the basic working of cnc laser machine (co2)

[@windmillbk]

Great info. I am trying to find one that explains the tool paths. Like what is a peck?

[@kentklapstein9879]

Your definition of feed rate at 4:32 is likely to cause confusion. I am a machinist and when it comes to feed rate on a Mill it always referred to in either ipm (inched per minute) or mmps (millimeters per second) The machine interface will display this value while running. “Feed per rev“ is used on lathes where the tool rides on a carriage which is geared to the spindle. What counts is chip load, the amount each cutting tip (or flute) removes. On a lathe there is only one tooth so it is the same as feed per rev. On a mill the formula to find this is: Feed rate = rpm x number of flutes x chip load Common roughing chip load in steel is .008” on a mill. Many many variables to find a good chip load, rigidity of the machine being a huge factor.

[@reloadNshoot]

This is true. Chip load has everything to do with getting the most life out of your cutting tool. What is seldom mentioned including this video is that the hobby machines are no way capable of running high enough feed rates or being built good enough( spelled rigidity) for a good chip load. Your tools will die a short life due to the heat.

[@z3roxc00l9]

complete noob to the cnc machine world and i just learned more in this 9 minutes than i have in the last couple days searching up videos on the matter. You've def made it very simple to understand with clear instructions on the process. I'm eyeing the onefinity or the ooznest workbee. Which do you think is the better buy? each have a couple months lead time.

[@biteme138]

Wow! I love this video. It really gave me a handle on where to start learning. However, I don't think that emoji is intended to be ice cream...

[@Bianchi77]

Nice video, thanks :)

[@sethhanson5771]

Love your Videos - Would like to see more videos on hobby woodworking cnc. I have fusion 360 so it would be preferable to purchasing Vcarve or Carveco

[@TechDesignWorks]

How do you like your LongMill after using it for an extended period of time? Is there anything you would recommend (or not recommend ) about it? thanks

[@yashdubey9035]

Your videos are quite helpful!!! Can you make a video on importance and usage of python in the mechanical field

[@hoold01]

Liked & subbed, thank you.

[@BigAlNaAlba]

This is a pretty good primer for the future desktop CNC hobbiest. It skipped over the Control part other than to very briefly discuss GRBL. I would like to have also seen LinuxCNC in there. Which is ideal for the hobbiest IMHO. Also how about as a next video a review of 100% free software toolchain products? The cost of software from the hobbiest can come as a shock.

[@naturemedic5856]

I wanna know more. Question: which or what kind of motor do I need to cut or shape stainless steel? And where can I find them?

[@NateNook]

Hey! Could I request for a video on making a benchy? I just wanted to hear your thoughts process. Your videos are amazing !

[@jerryrace4021]

U prob won't see this but thank you for this great vid