Hello world! We are Root Access, a community hackerspace and makerspace located in the Tower District of Fresno, CA. We've got 3D printers aplenty, a badass laser cutter, fancy shmancy electronics tools, more sewing machines than you can shake a stick at, and a whole lot more. Now we're looking to beef up our workshop with something new, something we've always wanted, something that will really expand the capabilities of your friendly neighborhood hackerspace.

We're looking to level up our space with a CNC machine, and we need your help to do it!

We've decided on the Shapeoko HDM from Carbide 3D because it's easy to use, is strong and rigid enough for all kinds of projects that our members want to make, and is a great size for our not-that-large workshop.

Our fundraising goal includes the cost of the machine itself, plus accessories, materials to build a noise- and dust-reducing enclosure, and necessary upgrades to the electrical system in our workshop to support the CNC machine on a dedicated breaker.

Why do we need a CNC machine?

Because it would be cool, duh! 😜

Seriously though, it would be an amazing addition to the space, and would give our community the ability to work on all kinds of projects that cannot currently be done with our existing tools.

Additionally, having a CNC ties in with our future plans for running workforce development programs out of the hackerspace. There's a bit of a labor shortage in the local manufacturing sector, and we want to help close that gap. We'll get people trained in CAD/CAM and help them get jobs at local manufacturing and fabrication companies. #goals

Why the Shapeoko HDM?

😎 It's easy to use. We want our tools to be accessible to everyone, and Carbide 3D has put a lot of effort into making their software straightforward and easy to use. Beginners can use Carbide Create to get their ideas made quickly, while experts can still use any industry-standard CAD/CAM software that they already know.

💪🏻 It's a very capable machine. Many CNC machines can cut wood and plastic no problem, but the Shapeoko HDM is strong and rigid enough for aluminum, brass, and even steel, and precise enough for intricate work like milling out circuit boards. This opens up a world of new possibilities for projects to be made at Root Access.

📏 It's the perfect fit. Our workshop measures up at 9'x30', which means we're basically trying to turn a hallway into a usable shop space and we need smaller, bench-top versions of equipment and machinery to make it practical. We'll never be able to squeeze a full-size 8'x4' CNC table in there, but the Shapeoko HDM will fit very nicely. Do what you can with what you have, right?

Check our Carbide 3D's introduction to the Shapeoko HDM for more information: