Leap Coderz Summer Camp 2026 — CNC Router

FTC SUB-PROGRAM · MANUFACTURING

CNC Router

DESIGN · TOOLPATH · CUT · INSPECT

Students go beyond the screen and cut real parts on a professional 2×2 Shapeoko CNC Router with VFD Spindle. From CAD model to physical robot component — this is real manufacturing, real skills, real results.

2×2

SHAPEOKO

VFD

SPINDLE

REAL

PARTS CUT

SAFE

SUPERVISED

THE MACHINE

Shapeoko CNC Router Specs

We run a professional-grade Shapeoko 2×2 CNC Router equipped with a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Spindle — the same type of machine used in small shops and makerspaces worldwide.

🔧 MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS

MACHINEShapeoko 2×2 CNC Router

SPINDLEVFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Spindle — variable RPM control

WORK AREA24" × 24" (2 ft × 2 ft) cutting area

MATERIALSHDPE, plywood, acrylic, aluminum (with proper tooling)

CAM SOFTWARECarbide Create, Fusion 360 CAM

CONTROLLERCarbide Motion (gcode sender & machine control)

OPERATIONSupervised by instructor at all times. One student operates, one observes.

SAFETY FIRST

CNC Safety Protocol

All students complete a mandatory safety briefing and written acknowledgment before operating or being near the CNC machine.

⚠ PPE REQUIREMENTS

Safety glasses required at all times
No loose clothing or dangling items
Hair must be tied back
Closed-toe shoes mandatory
Hearing protection available

⚠ MACHINE RULES

Instructor supervises every cut
No touching moving spindle or bit
E-stop location known before operation
Machine must be homed before each job
Verify toolpath on screen before cutting

⚠ MATERIAL HANDLING

Workpiece must be securely clamped
Check stock thickness before loading file
Chips are hot — use brush, not hands
Never leave machine unattended during cut
Post-operation: vacuum chips, inspect bit

CURRICULUM

CNC Manufacturing Learning Phases

Students progress from understanding what a CNC machine is through designing, generating toolpaths, and physically cutting their own FTC robot parts.

PHASE 01

Machine Fundamentals

Theory · Safety · Setup

How CNC machines work (axes, gcode basics)
Shapeoko overview: frame, spindle, controller
Safety briefing and PPE walkthrough
Machine homing, zeroing (X, Y, Z)
Understanding feeds, speeds & depth of cut

PHASE 02

CAM Toolpath Generation

Carbide Create · Feeds & Speeds

Import DXF from CAD into Carbide Create
Set stock material and dimensions
Create contour, pocket, and drill toolpaths
Assign feeds, speeds, and depth per pass
Simulate toolpath and check for errors

PHASE 03

Supervised Cutting

Material · Clamping · Run

Select and measure stock material (HDPE, plywood)
Secure workpiece with clamps and tabs
Set Z-zero with paper/probe method
Load and run gcode in Carbide Motion
Monitor cut: listen for chatter, check depth

PHASE 04

Post-Processing & FTC Parts

Deburr · Inspect · Assemble

Remove tabs, deburr edges safely
Dimensional inspection with calipers
Test-fit part in robot assembly
Iterate design if fit is incorrect
Complete FTC part cut and assembly ready

🎯 WHAT STUDENTS BUILD

Each student cuts at least one real FTC robot component during this course — typically a custom chassis plate, arm bracket, or mounting panel. They take their physical part with them as a camp keepsake and proof of manufacturing skill. The entire workflow from CAD sketch → DXF export → toolpath → cut part is experienced hands-on.

Cut Your First Real Part on a CNC Machine

CNC Manufacturing is part of the FTC Robotics track. Enroll today to access this course and all FTC sub-programs.

ENROLL IN FTC TRACK ← FTC OVERVIEW