Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the classes?
Online classes typically take around 2 hours to complete. You can work through them in one, uninterrupted session.
Students with busy schedules may prefer to work through our classes in highly focused 15 – 30 minute sessions, logging in to work as time permits.
How long do I have access to online classes that I pay for?
You will have 1 year unlimited access to the classes you register for. During that time you can login, view course materials including video content and repeat exercises as many times as you need.
Can I share my login information with other users like coworkers, family, or friends?
You can only login to your classes on one device at a time. If you and a spouse or close friend want to work through a class together, schedule that time to be in the same room at the same time.
What are the computer requirements for CAD, CAM, & CNC classes?
Computer system requirements are listed by software suite in the section on this page below these FAQs. Please scroll down to find them. We make every attempt to keep this up to date. If you find that we have missed something, please let us know so we can fix it promptly.
Are your classes always taught with the latest software versions?
We are constantly updating classes to keep up with new software and the updates the software companies release. We do not create new classes for minor incremental updates (the versions after the first dot; like 12.___.___) and we do not offer classes on Beta versions of any software. We only create content for major public releases.
Do I have to own a CNC machine in order to take these classes?
The short answer is no. You can work through all of our classes without owning a CNC machine. You can also complete the majority of our quizzes and all of our software exercises without owning a machine. There are however, machining exercises you will not be able to perform without owning or having access to a CNC machine.
What if I have a different brand of CNC machine than the one used in a class?
Machine brands are no problem. Our class content is created independent of the machines we use. The lessons will apply to your machine, and in special cases we will make every effort to provide information specific to your machine.
Do I have to own the software you teach or can I use software from a different company?
We work closely with software companies to make sure the content in our classes can be conducted in trial versions of the software. If you want to stick with one software suite, then take the classes that list that software as requisite for the course and do not register classes that list other software suites. If you register for a class requiring a software you do not use, by mistake, let us know and we will change that registration for you.
How many software suites do you recommend for me?
Different goals may require different software solutions. However, we recommend you choose the minimum number of software applications to achieve you goals. For example, if you are creating flat parts, or parts that are always machined from directly above, then you may not need to invest in 3D modeling software, and the inverse of that is also true. If you want to perform both styles of machining on a regular basis, then yo may require both.