Any Interest in Shopbot/Aspire/VCP/ 2-3-4 Day Training Session?

[gerryv]

I'd like to find out if there is enough serious interest in a multi-day training session covering function, techniques, tips, integration and troubleshooting of Shopbot 3.XX and the latest versions of Aspire and V-Carve Pro.

In order to bring in one or more top-notch trainers here is the strategy I'm proposing but I'm certainly not locked into it.

Day 1: The basics. Focus on a walk-through of the above software with explanations of the terminology and tools found in the many menus, how and when to make use of these and live demonstrations where appropriate. Recaps and Q&A sessions along the way. For experienced users, day one could be optional but it would be understood that these participants could not expect or dwell on intro level material to the disadvantage of the other participants for the balance of the sessions.

Day(s) 2 or 2&3: With the basics of machine and software function and terminology out of the way, one or two days would move into intermediate level of how to make the most out of a variety of the features of these software programs, machine and software optimization, "from experience" tips, techniques and heads-ups related to toolpathing, bit selection, feeds and speeds, materials, other? Advance input from committed participants would play a role in fine-tuning this content.

Additional day: Depending on interest level an additional day could cover "how-to" sessions on the setup and basic operation of the Shopbot indexer, pneumatic drill, digitizing probe and possibly other accessories including vacuum hold-down options.

My Shopbot is a Buddy BT48 Alpha with the full range of PowerSticks, an indexer and an air drill. I would be adding both a vac pod/puck based vacuum hold-down system and a Brady vac table setup in advance of the workshop.

I can also provide HD multi-cam video capture and post-production editing that could be used to produce key aspects of the presentations. This would be entirely at the discretion of the trainer(s) though.

Perhaps Shopbot Tools might also be interested in some form of involvement or demo but, because I need to first gauge interest, I've not approached them or any potential trainers yet - although I'm sure most of you can imagine who comes to mind :-)

We're just putting the finishing touches on our new workshop/studio and will be moving the equipment in within a couple of weeks. There is a washroom, it's very well lit because it also doubles as a video/sound production studio. We can setup the multi-cam equipment and a large screen monitor - likely with split-screen - so that the demo's can be seen clearly by everyone. I also have tables and seating available from my pre-retirement training centre. My plan would be to coordinate ahead of time with the trainer and (hopefully) Shopbot tech support to make sure everything is in good order and I would bring the trainer in a day ahead at my own expense to go over my machine/setup for any last minute tweaks.

Location: Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0 (those are zeros) is located midway between Ottawa, ON and Montreal QC - about an hour from each. There is a very decent Best Western nearby.

That's about it. Please let me know if you have any serious interest and what your personal needs and preferences would be. :)

[scottp55]

Gerald, Move to Maine! I'd be bugging you on a daily basis.:) Of course I could move to O., but dealing with OPP would be a pain!:) Shame Andrews already at Aspire camp. How many SB people in O. ? Good offer!

[gerryv]

Hey Scott, my son took the full 9-month program at the Center For Furniture Craftsmanship (www.woodschool.org) in Rockport/Camden. Great school and instructors and the area is beautiful. He became friends with furniture makers from all across the USA.

There likely only about a dozen Shopbotters that I know of spread around Ontario and Quebec. A few more out west as well but it's a long way to travel for them, although it would be great to have them.

Hey, if we can' together something together maybe some of us can roll our Shopbots into trailers and head for a gathering at some seashore inn in Maine haha. My son and I would be the first to sign up.

[scottp55]

Gerald, Been watching those people in Rockport for some time, I considered taking but built this house instead. We have Landing Boat School 3 miles away. Would love to have Shopbotters descend upon my 6 acres anytime, but Newbie with a Desktop. Campers with a Buddy welcome! Lots of Birdseye rough awaiting in the rafters. Welcome anytime. :)

[gene]

There is a camp going on in S Carolina at jim mcgrews and there are people from california to canada and James booth and his crew from england . Very good turnout , it ends tomorrow Sat the 17 th

[gerryv]

Yup, love to be there but we weren't quite ready for that one Gene. Hoping for next year - make that dreaming! I'm kind of polling to see if there is a need more locally/regionally for folks that couldn't cover the time and cost for getting down there this time and likely need to focus a bit earlier in the learning curve and with some SB3 integration. Thanks :)

[Ajcoholic]

Yup, love to be there but we weren't quite ready for that one Gene. Hoping for next year - make that dreaming! I'm kind of polling to see if there is a need more locally/regionally for folks that couldn't cover the time and cost for getting down there this time and likely need to focus a bit earlier in the learning curve and with some SB3 integration. Thanks :)

I just finished day #3 at the McGrews camp... Very very well worth the trip. The presenters and material was so well beyond what I am doing, it will certainly help me improve my own design and machining.

The one thing with trying to do a Canadian camp is that we are few and far between, and the costs to travel, stay in a hotel, take time off of work, etc are the same to me no matter if I'm travelling to Ottawa, or here in the USA... So for me to make the trip it would need to be worth my while so to speak. As much as I'd love to attend, unless it would be listening to very experienced users giving the presentations, it would not make sense for me to do so. If that is fair to say?

[kevin]

Make it bucket list trip to NL

[gerryv]

So Andrew and Kevin (Canucks);
Reading between the lines, are you saying that you don't want any developing threats from newer and/or potential Canadian and nearby US shopbotters or what?

I'm simply offering a geographically well located venue where I'd be no more than one of the learners so let's not misinterpret.

BTW, the clinic at Jim's is now ending so too late and also a long way off. That doesn't mean that others of us that couldn't make it or are a bit too "early stage" or can't afford the total cost in time and money don't still deserve some good learning does it?

Also Andrew, As a long time tech. training professional for CDN and US corporations and colleges, please don't assume I do anything half -ass. I'd not even consider calling it training if that's not what want it delivered very well and I have zero problem drawing upon US, Brit, OZ as well as CDN expertise.

Sorry for the rant. I'd hoped to do something to pay forward for all the help.:o

[coryatjohn]

How about Atlanta, right before or right after IWF?

[kevin]

Gerald
Its hard for me to go the expense is hard to come up right now I need a planer and jointer
That's sometimes the reality of small business owner
I regret not taking the 3 day training at shopbot that was a mistake but I was working at a job 3000 in air fair was hard to raise
But I would love to go in a heart beat I was born and raised in Toronto can fly Toronto 600 return that's affordable

[scottp55]

Gerald, Just looked up your location(My bad!) and you're not that far away, and Kirk has a straight shot on the Trans Can from Limestone and for him it's only maybe 2 more hours than a trip to me. Would be interested for him(and possibly myself if I could solve the wheelchair transportation problem)(how would your shop be for wheelchair access?). Any idea on costs? Definitely interested for Kirk.

[Ajcoholic]

Please don't get upset - you asked for opinions or feedback, and I gave mine honestly.

Being realistic, it would be hard for me to justify the cost (which as stated would be pretty much the same for me anywhere in North America - since the real cost of these events is the time off work, the hotels, the food, the traveling) unless someone very experienced was giving the talks. Just for example, the three day event here (just waiting for my flight home) was given by three of the Vectric team, and several well known, very experienced users. The information given was over the top really. That made the io worth while.

If you can line up a similar list of speakers, I would guarantee I would be there. What I was trying to say was if it was just going to be a get together of people such as you and I, it wouldn't really be worth the cost to me. That's all.

No need for ranting, I am just being truthful.

If you on ail down a few of the "big guns" to be presenters, that changes everything. But that would be the thing that would decide for me if I would go or not.

[Ajcoholic]

So Andrew and Kevin (Canucks);
Reading between the lines, are you saying that you don't want any developing threats from newer and/or potential Canadian and nearby US shopbotters or what?



I've read this a few times, not quite sure what you mean by threat? Is this not about learning to better use Aspire and the CNC machines? In what way is there any threat implied? :confused:

[gene]

At Jim's camp all i seen was a bunch of great ,kind friendly and eager people trying to show others how to use a extremely good product vectric aspire and v carve pro better . Also how to use it more effectively . there were also people who shared where to get materials and supplies ,as well as instructions on how to use them. I can not think of any other buisness that does this!