12 lessons · About 36 min reading, plus practice
CNC 101
From choosing your first CNC router to making a name plaque and a shallow tray. Learn bits, software, holding, settings and economical practice.
Explore CNC 101 →Learn in order, or look up a lesson
Lessons & courses
New to machines? Start with a complete 101 course. For woodworking, pricing or running a shop, choose a focused learning path below. You can also search the individual path lessons.
From curious to your first project
Two complete beginner courses.
12 lessons · About 36 min reading, plus practice
Laser 101
Choose between diode, CO₂ and fiber, understand heads and lenses, prepare known materials and make your first engraved and cut tags.
Explore Laser 101 →The 101 courses cover choosing equipment through a first project. The shorter CNC and laser paths below revisit setup and job costing. Their progress records are separate.
A good place to begin
Prepare a safer workspace
5 min estimated reading · Practice at your own pace
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Choose a focused learning path
Search path lessonsStart woodworkingChoose wood, measure clearly and understand how pieces fit together.Your goal: Plan a small shelf, with a list of parts and an estimate of its cost.6 lessons · 0 reviewedExplore this path →Get started with a CNC machineLearn how a computer-controlled cutting machine turns a drawing into a part.Your goal: Prepare a test-part plan, record the setup and work out the job cost.4 lessons · 0 reviewedExplore this path →Learn laser cutting and engravingUnderstand material tests, job order and LightBurn, a program for preparing laser work.Your goal: Prepare a labeled test sample and a simple plan for making several items.4 lessons · 0 reviewedExplore this path →Start a small woodworking businessChoose something to sell, plan your tools and prepare your first order.Your goal: Write a first-month plan with one product, a tool budget and a first customer in mind.4 lessons · 0 reviewedExplore this path →Price your work with confidenceCount materials, time and shop costs, then decide what to charge.Your goal: Prepare a clear quote and check whether the work can cover its costs.3 lessons · 0 reviewedExplore this path →Find customers and growShow your work, answer enquiries and prepare for markets and larger orders.Your goal: Build a simple customer plan and decide whether an event or order is worthwhile.5 lessons · 0 reviewedExplore this path →
- 01 / UnderstandStart with a clear explanation. Unfamiliar words are explained along the way.
- 02 / Try an exampleFollow a worked example and check what the result means.
- 03 / Make it yoursPractice with your project and save notes for next time.
Search learning-path lessons
Read an explanation, try an example and put it into practice26 lessons across all paths
Prepare a safer workspace
Plan the work area, dust collection and setup checks for a familiar operation.
Why wood changes size
Understand how grain and moisture affect panel sizing and movement clearance.
Measure from the same edge
Use consistent reference faces and edges to keep measurements and repeated parts accurate.
Plan your parts and allow for each cut
Check whether parts fit your stock after allowing for kerf, trim and rough milling.
Join pieces while allowing wood to move
Choose joint clearances and fastening details that accommodate wood movement.
Compare your estimate with the finished job
Build a complete estimate and use actual job costs to improve the next quote.
Match your drawing to the machine
Align stock dimensions, toolpaths and work zero before running a CNC job.
Hold the wood and set a starting point
Keep the workpiece and offcuts secure throughout the cut, including when parts separate.
Understand cutting speed and chip size
Calculate nominal chip load and understand which setup details the formula leaves out.
Work out the cost of a CNC job
Allocate programming, setup, machine time and labor across the order.
Prepare your first laser job
Check material suitability, focus, job position and enabled operations before a laser test.
Read a laser material test
Compare labeled samples and select settings that meet the project’s quality requirements.
Choose the order of laser cuts and marks
Sequence engraving and cuts so the work stays aligned and supported.
Price a set of laser-made items
Calculate the cost of each saleable item, including setup, finishing and rejected pieces.
Where do I start?
Choose one achievable woodworking offer, test demand and plan your first paid pilot.
Decide which tools to buy or borrow
Build an operation-based tool plan and decide which capability to own, access or outsource.
Get your business off the ground
Prepare a practical launch checklist, startup budget and customer-to-delivery process.
Friends, referrals & practical help
Ask for useful introductions and feedback, and set clear boundaries when friends help your business.
Work out what an hour should earn
Calculate an internal labor recovery rate using productive hours and a clearly defined cost base.
Price the whole job and explain the quote
Turn a full cost estimate into a clear customer quote with scope boundaries and priced options.
Cover your costs and plan when money arrives
Calculate a simple break-even quantity and plan when a job needs cash before final payment.
Find your first clients
Choose relevant customer channels and turn an enquiry into a qualified, scoped project.
Set up business social media
Set up a useful business presence and a simple path from a post or message to a quote.
Content that supports sales
Create a repeatable content routine and evaluate it by suitable enquiries and accepted work.
Local markets & craft fairs
Evaluate a market, cost the event and prepare stock, display and follow-up before booking.
Explore trade shows and selling to businesses
Distinguish supplier shows from buyer events and prepare a wholesale offer the shop can fulfill.