Advanced Metal CNC Badge

Two ways to earn this badge:

Attend a class — upcoming sessions appear below.
Already experienced? Submit the Training Documentation form (linked further down this page) to request a prior-experience opt-out.

Documentation

Training_Documentation

Submit Metal CNC Training and Experience Documentation

This badge is required to use the Tormach PCNC 440.

Unlike many other badges this can't be learned in a single session.

To earn this badge your options are:

1. Earn both the Shapeoko CNC and the Bridgeport Badge, take the metal CNC class when offered (or request a private class).

2. Submit evidence of professional/education experiences with a similar machine and then pass test out with facilitator.

Review materials

Badge Video

Timestamps

badge Video Timestamps

Safety measures and tool holders

Installing and removing tools

Powering on and referencing axes

Addressing homing switch errors

Securing workpiece and parallels setup

Setting work offsets and zeroing axes

Tool measurement and diameter offset

Setting Z offset with shim stock

Cutting fluid and program run precautions

Dealing with broken end mills

Lubrication, maintenance, and cleaning

Feeds, speeds, and cutting operations

Drilling cycles and operation differences

Final cleanup and shutdown

Pass Quiz

7 questions · You can retake if you don't pass.

Badge Checkout Requirement

Submit documentation or complete a workshop

Facilitator Checkout

Pick a checkout time below. All bookings flow through the appointment system — please do not arrange checkouts via Slack.

Day	Morning (before 12 PM)	Afternoon (12 - 5 PM)
Sunday August 16, 2026	Facilitator badge checkout Schedule 10:00am With Nathan Rawling
Monday August 17, 2026		Facilitator badge checkout Schedule 2:00pm With Austin Larkin
Sunday August 23, 2026	Facilitator badge checkout Schedule 10:00am With Nathan Rawling
Monday August 24, 2026		Facilitator badge checkout Schedule 2:00pm With Austin Larkin

DEPRICATED OLD Checklist

Checkout Checklist

Badge Checklist

Complete these items to earn the badge.

Bridgeport Milling Machine
Quiz taken, hair/clothing properly restrained?
Demonstration of control box and pneumatic drawbar
Identify:
Power
Way Locks (X, Y, knee, and quill)
Identify Tools and know purpose
Drill Chuck, Collet, Vise, Clamp
End Mill
Oil Ways
Pump & Fitting*
How would you tram the head and indicate the vise
Look at the part drawing
Square up workpiece (check for the following)
Secure workpiece (that is rough cut)
Do they account for not being square
Using wood/cardboard/dowel as a shim for unknown/rough geometry
Do they use parallels when needed
Using rubber mallet/dead blow to tap down part
When should you do this?
Installing Tools
Pick tool, why one or the other?
Picking Collet
CLEAN Collet and spindle
Use rag then hands, to make sure completely clean
Change the Drive Speed*
What speed do they choose
Belt Bridgeport
Keep belt straight
Tension belt
Variable Speed Bridgeport
Make sure machine is running
If this were steel, how would you change your tool, speed, feed and depth of cut?
Make Cuts
When and how would you brush on cutting oil if this was Al?
Face Mill
Side Mill
Please explain Climb vs Conventional Mill
Which direction is which
Conventional is for bulk material
Climb is for light finish passes (could break tool due to backlash otherwise)
Slot Mill the island
To the depth + dimensions shown in drawing
Explain how you would clamp to Table
Make sure you won’t drill/mill table
Bolts close to the workpiece
Clamp at a declined angle to workpiece
Demonstrate Quill Power Feed
Using Back Gears
When to use what speed (same principles as Drill Press)
Look up feed/speed in Machinery’s Handbook
Cleaning up tool
Replacing accessories
Vacuumed up after use