Welcome Ron
That's the Desktop model I have and I'd never CNC'd before either.
I used the time before it came to download the Demo version of Vectric's VCarvePro which the machine comes with(make sure that they use that and it's available), and watched the first tutorials once,
BUT worked ALONG with the tutorials the second and third times swapping/stopping screens. THAT was very important! Wish I'd had double monitors!
TJ's Shopbot tutorials are great! IF you can manage to watch one of his Live online classes, it's even better!
A lot of them are cut on the Desktop, and it's good to see a start to finish project.
The Desktop has a 24X by18"Y working area, but you'll have to hold down the workpiece...so maybe make you're first file with material size the size of the board you'll have, and then make a design in the center of it leaving a 1" margin on all sides for cutout.
Like Scott said...Why make JUST a simple shape
Without this Forum to help....I'D still be making circles
VERY helpful folks here, AND on the Vectric forum!
I THINK I already asked all the "dumb" questions on here when I started, but if after a Google search "let's talk shopbot ****search your subject***" and you don't see what you want.
Feel free to ask us anytime, but most questions are already answered.
Again,
Welcome Ron
scott
scott P.
2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 11.5**
Maine