FusionCAM Coaster Project
- Date
- 2026-02-03
- Location
- Please check-in in Room 101 (main shop), then class will meet in Room 105, Brookline, MA, USA
- Host
- EPIC Events
About this event
Make something real in a single evening. FusionCAM Coaster Project is a hands-on meetup where you’ll move from idea to toolpath to finished coaster, while getting comfortable with the practical workflow behind digital fabrication. If you’ve been curious about CAM, CNC workflows, or just want a focused project that lets you learn by doing, this session gives you a clear entry point. It’s social, approachable, and structured around a concrete result you can actually take pride in. About the Event This event centers on a simple but useful project: designing and preparing a coaster in FusionCAM. That makes it a strong format for learning, because you’re not dealing with abstract menus or disconnected demos. Instead, you’ll see how the software supports an actual making process from start to finish. The project format keeps the session grounded. Rather than trying to cover everything at once, the class uses a manageable object to introduce core concepts in a way that’s easier to follow, easier to remember, and easier to build on later. Because this is an in-person meetup, there’s also a community element built in. You’ll be in the room with other people who are learning, experimenting, and comparing approaches, which makes it easier to ask questions and get unstuck quickly. Expect a mix of instruction, observation, and project-based work. Whether you’re attending for the software skills, the shop connection, or the chance to make something tangible, the structure is built to give you a practical experience rather than a passive one. What to Expect The evening begins with check-in in Room 101 (main shop), and the class itself will meet in Room 105. That small detail matters: arriving at the right place first will help the session start smoothly and make it easier for you to get oriented before the project begins. Once the session gets underway, expect the coaster project to serve as the backbone for the class. The focus will likely be on understanding the workflow needed to prepare a project in FusionCAM, with the coaster acting as a concrete example you can follow step by step. You can expect the experience to include: A clear introduction to the project goal and what the finished workflow is meant to accomplish Guided exploration of how FusionCAM fits into a fabrication process Time to follow along with the coaster project and understand each stage in context Informal opportunities to ask questions, compare notes, and learn from others in the room Because it’s a meetup-style session, the pace should feel more interactive than a lecture. You’re not just showing up to watch; you’re showing up to engage with a process, build familiarity, and leave with a much clearer sense of how this kind of project comes together. There’s also value in seeing how a small project can reveal larger principles. A coaster may be compact, but it’s a useful vehicle for understanding setup, decision-making, and workflow discipline in a way that scales to more ambitious projects later. Why Attend A project like this is useful because it lowers the barrier to entry without lowering the quality of the learning. You get to work on something approachable, but the skills and habits behind it are the same kinds of skills that matter in more advanced fabrication work. If software-based making tools have ever felt intimidating, this format helps make them feel more concrete. Instead of trying to learn every feature at once, you’ll see how a single project can guide you through the parts that matter most in practice. Attending can be especially valuable if you want to: Build confidence with FusionCAM through a focused, real example Understand how digital design decisions connect to fabrication outcomes Learn more effectively by being in the room with other makers and learners Turn general curiosity about CAM or CNC workflows into practical familiarity Spend an evening making progress on a specific skill instead of just reading about it There’s also a networking and community dimension here that shouldn’t be overlooked. Events like this are often where people find collaborators, discover related classes or shop resources, and get a better feel for the local making community in Brookline. Practical Details When: Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 PM EST Where: In person in Brookline, USA Check-in: Room 101 (main shop) Class location: Room 105 This is an in-person event, so plan to arrive with enough time to check in before heading to the classroom. Since the check-in and meeting rooms are different, paying attention to that flow will make your arrival much easier. The event is best approached as a working session rather than a drop-in social hour. Even though the atmosphere is community-oriented and welcoming, the value comes from being present for the full project arc, from orientation through the core learning activity. If you’re considering attending, the main thing to know is that this is designed around action and clarity. You’ll show up, get oriented, work through a real project, and leave with a stronger understanding of how FusionCAM can support hands-on making.
Who should attend
This is for you if you like learning through real projects and want an evening that feels practical, social, and skill-building at the same time. - You’re curious about **FusionCAM** and want a concrete first project instead of a broad, abstract introduction. - You learn best by **following an actual workflow** from start to finish, rather than piecing together tutorials on your own. - You’re interested in **digital fabrication, CNC processes, or maker tools** and want to better understand how software connects to physical results. - You enjoy **community-based learning** where you can ask questions, compare approaches, and be around other people making things. - You want a **manageable, focused class project** that helps you build confidence without needing to commit to something overly technical or open-ended. - You’re already maker-curious and want a good reason to **show up in person, meet people, and make something useful** while building a practical skill. If you’ve been looking for a low-friction way to get more comfortable with CAM in a real shop-community setting, this event is a strong fit.