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
- Installation Instructions: Download here
- Post Processor File: Download here
Post-Processing Setup Notes
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Set the Unit field to Millimeters (do not use “Document Units”)
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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:
- Create your own Vectric account.
- 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:
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You can design your parts at home using the Member version of VCarve.
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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:
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
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Moose User Guide & JM Studio Software: Download here
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3D Maker Pro Instructional Videos: Watch here
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
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Epilog Laser Material Compatibility Chart: Learn more here
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Epilog Laser Basics & How-To Guides: Learn more here
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
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3axis: Free vector files for laser cutting — Browse here
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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)
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Makeabox: Create custom box designs — Try it here
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MakerCase: Generate laser-cut box plans — Try it here
These tools allow you to quickly generate cut-ready files for boxes and enclosures based on your dimensions and material thickness.
Free Design Software
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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
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Arduino Software (IDE): Download here
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Arduino Project Hub (examples and tutorials): Explore here
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
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Raspberry Pi Software & Downloads: Learn more here
Robotics Projects & Inspiration
If you’re interested in robotics, these projects and communities are worth exploring:
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InMoov: A 3D-printed humanoid robot project controlled using Arduino — Explore here
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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