Advanced Metal CNC

Checkout scheduling appears after you pass this badge quiz and your badge is marked pending.

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.

Prerequisite

Shapeoko Mill

Bridgeport

Watch Video

Badge Video

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

Print Badge Checklist

Badge Checkout Requirement

Submit documentation or complete a workshop

Documentation

Training_Documentation

Submit Metal CNC Training and Experience Documentation

Facilitator Checkout

DEPRICATED OLD Checklist

Checkout Checklist

Metal Shop & 3D Printing

Sun, Apr 12 2026, 10am - 1pm

Request Appointment

Printmaking

Mon, Apr 13 2026, 2 - 5pm

Request Appointment

Earn Badge at Upcoming Event

Participation in this event take the place of meeting with a facilitator for a checkout, but you must still watch video and pass quiz in advance to earn badge.

Saturday, April 18th

CNC Your Way to Success: Intro to Tormach CNC Metal Mill

Unlock the power of CNC milling with our hands-on workshop dedicated to the fundamentals of safe and practical use of the Tormach PCNC 440 Metal Mill. Whether you're a seasoned machinist or new to the world of CNC milling, this class is designed to elevate your skills and confidence in operating the Tormach CNC Mill.

Badges Earned