Welcome to Our Technical Reference Page.

 

We hope the information provided below will help you save time and be even more successful with your projects. If you have any suggestions for additional info to include here, please let us know by stopping at the front desk, calling us, or sending us an email via the contact page.

CNC Router

Laguna CNC Router Post Processor – Download & Setup Guide
(Compatible with any CAD package; instructions below are for Autodesk Fusion 360)

Downloads

Post-Processing Setup Notes

  • Set the Unit field to Millimeters (do not use “Document Units”)

  • Set Safe Retracts to Clearance Height (do not use G53)

V-Carve Makerspace Edition (updated 6/1/2025)

Members can download VCarve Pro V12.5 below and use it with our Makerspace Master License.

⚠️ Important: Vectric has recently changed the licensing process. As a result, the setup process is slightly more complicated than before.

To access the software, you will need to:

  1. Create your own Vectric account.
  2. Register your account with our Makerspace license using the link below.

Use the link provided to add your account to our Makerspace license and gain access.

How Members Use VCarve

Once your account is connected:

  • You can design your parts at home using the Member version of VCarve.

  • When you come to the shop, you will use the Makerspace Master version to generate the machine toolpaths and machine code.

This workflow allows members to prepare their designs in advance and complete the final machining setup at the shop.

Software Updates

Please Note:
When new versions of VCarve are released, we will update our Makerspace software as soon as possible. However, it typically takes a few months for the Makerspace license version to be updated after the initial public release.

We appreciate your patience, as this delay is outside of our control.

Downloads and Links

V-Carve Pro V-12.5 Member Software Download  (Trial Software): Download V12.5 Trial Version from our Google Drive

Add yourself to our V12 License here: ADD ME!

User Guide
Download the guide created from the official Vectric instructions: V-Carve V12 Makerspace Member User Guide.PDF

CNC Plasma Torchmate 4800

Torchmate 4800 Post Processor for Autodesk Fusion 360

Our team has developed a custom Torchmate 4800 post processor for use with Autodesk Fusion 360, allowing you to design and program your parts directly within Fusion 360.

Download the Post Processor: Download here

Installation & Usage Video
Watch a short tutorial from our instructor Cody on how to install and use the post processor: Watch here

Additional Resource: Cutting Thin Gauge Sheet Metal
Cutting thin gauge sheet metal with a plasma cutter can be challenging—but it’s definitely achievable with the right approach.
Check out this helpful technical bulletin from Lincoln Electric (Torchmate): Read here

Haas CNC Machining

This is the best book we have found to learn how to use the Haas CNC machining center using Autodesk Fusion 360 for programming.  We use it as part of our CNC track.

Down load here: CNC Machining for Engineers and Makers by Davis

 

CAD and Design Tools

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a solid entry level CAD package that includes the full HSM works suite for CNC programming and can generate STL files for 3D printing. It is free to students. https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists

Solidworks is the industry standard CAD  program and offers a free one year license to small businesses if you are corporation or LLC and have less then $1M in annual revenue. https://www.solidworks.com/solution/organization-type/entrepreneurs-startups

Autodesk Tinker CAD is a very entry level CAD program for young students and adults to create basic models and STL files for 3D printing. It can be donwloaded here: www.TinkerCAD.com

If you are looking for CAD files to build on or modify check out these sites:

www.Thingiverse.com

www.Instructables.com

www.gallery.autodesk.com

www.GrabCAD.com

www.Free3D.com

www.CGTrader.com

www.CADBlocksFree.com

www.TurboSquid.com

3D Maker Pro Laser Scanner

3D Scanning with 3D Maker Pro (Moose) & Geomagic Wrap

Our 3D Maker Pro laser scanner, paired with JM Studio software, offers an easy and efficient way to capture highly detailed 3D scan data. When combined with Geomagic Wrap, you can convert that data into solid models ready for use in most advanced engineering and CAD software.

This handheld scanner uses blue LED light to capture geometry and color, producing a dense point cloud with up to 0.03 mm accuracy, 0.07 mm resolution, and 24-bit color texture. The included JM Studio software leverages AI to automatically align scans and generate an accurate, unified 3D point cloud model.

Once your scan is complete, the data can be imported into Geomagic Wrap, where it can be processed into a watertight, editable solid model suitable for design, reverse engineering, or manufacturing workflows.

Helpful Resources

Equipment Access
The 3D Maker Pro scanner and a dedicated laptop with Geomagic Wrap are available for checkout at the front desk for use in the shop.

Laser Etching

Laser Cutting & Etching Design Resources

Below are some helpful resources and libraries for creating or sourcing files for laser cutting and etching:

Laser Basics & Material Guidelines

These guides are especially useful for understanding which materials are safe to cut or engrave, along with recommended settings and best practices.

Free Vector File Libraries

  • 3axis: Free vector files for laser cutting — Browse here

  • Vecteezy / Vexels: Free and premium vector designs — Browse here

These sites offer ready-to-use vector artwork that can save time when creating projects.

Box Generators (Parametric Design Tools)

These tools allow you to quickly generate cut-ready files for boxes and enclosures based on your dimensions and material thickness.

Free Design Software

  • Inkscape: A powerful, free alternative to CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator — Download here

Inkscape is a great option for creating and editing vector files used in laser cutting workflows.

Arduino and Robotics

Arduino is a widely used microcontroller platform that can power everything from simple electronics projects to advanced robotics, IoT systems, and automation. One of its biggest advantages is accessibility—the boards are inexpensive, and the development software is free and beginner-friendly.

Arduino Resources

These resources are great starting points for learning programming, circuit design, and building real-world projects.


Raspberry Pi

Often considered the “big brother” to Arduino, Raspberry Pi is a more powerful single-board computer that runs a full operating system. It’s ideal for more complex projects such as media centers, servers, computer vision, and advanced robotics. While more capable, it is also slightly more complex and typically more expensive than Arduino.

Raspberry Pi Resources


Robotics Projects & Inspiration

If you’re interested in robotics, these projects and communities are worth exploring:

  • InMoov: A 3D-printed humanoid robot project controlled using Arduino — Explore here

  • BuildersDB: A calendar and database for combat robotics competitions — View here

Crypto referral codes

If you are new to crypto, these are some of the services we use on our own rigs and recommend for you to start with.  By using these links you will get access to the same software we use at the same or sometimes reduced pricing. And Urban Workshop will get a small referal reward. We really appreciate that!

HiveOS – A linux based operating system for crypto mining that is easy to use, very reliable, and is free for upto 4 crypto rigs. click on this link to get it:  https://hiveon.com?ref=1200980