Kids have a LOT of different interests. Last summer I bought a set of CDs that have (they claim although I haven't counted them) 600,000 images. I am letting the kids select an image that appeals to them, we bring the image into DesignCad 3000 and use the auto trace function to create a vector image of the bit map. Fine tuning is done as necessary, this image didn't require hardly any noodling but the shotguns in the previous picture needed a LOT of touch up. The image is then exported out as an IGS file and brought in to MasterCam 9.0 for tool-pathing. We then post the file for the mill using the MPBASIC post that I found on the MasterCam website and do the machining. I am waiting at the moment for delivery of V9.1 which has a built in Raster to Vector function that I am anxious to try out.
I try to let the kids do as much as possible of the hands on machining. I talk them through the setup procedure and most kids can do a creditabld job of it. Sometime it is all I can do to keep from bumping the student aside and taking over but I try very hard to not do that. The best way to learn after all is by doing!
