Today, the program goes by the name SketchUp Make. In 2006, Google acquired the software which quickly made the free program available to millions of users around the world. In fact, in the year 2000, a free CAD program that was named Sketchup was released. In addition to training becoming more available to the average user, the CAD software itself has become more widely available which has dropped the price of it.

However, the increase in training videos on Youtube and other platforms has made learning CAD design much easier for those not interested in obtaining a degree. You can still obtain a degree in the subject and that degree will certainly help you. In addition, the best training available was at local technical schools or community colleges which offered Associate degrees in CAD design. Up until the past 20 years or so, CAD design had been limited to those who could afford expensive software programs. CAD is an acronym for Computer Aided Drawings. The computer programming and design that is needed to create the files that are sent to the CNC machine is often referred to as CAD software. Once the machine setup is completed by the operator, the computer takes over and performs all pre-programmed cuts. This is a fancy term that basically means a computer is used to tell a machine, in our case a saw, drill or router, to cut a predetermined shape, design or hole. It stands for Computer Numerical Control.

The first place we need to start in our quest to learn about CNC router’s is to understand some of the basic terminology that is often used with the machine. In the article below, I will give cover how a CNC router works, what you can do with one, and how you can go about acquiring one! Terminology It does not include the training and expertise needed to actually create the computer file needed which tells the router what to cut. That training is only on the operation of the machine. In the past, a CNC operator would need a significant amount of training. Nowadays, it’s becoming more and more common to see weekend woodworking hobbyists build a small CNC router in their garages.Īnother advantage that has caused their popularity to grow is the fact that the software needed to operate them has become increasingly easy to learn. It was not that long ago that the CNC routers were only owned by large corporations. One reason is due to the low cost to design and create one. CNC routers have become increasing popular over the past couple of decades for a number of reasons.

Free cad program for woodworking