Imagine watching as a machine carves a path you drew into a block of wood. You can remember the arc of each curve under your hand and now see how it influences the material. We understand better what we can see, and even better what we can control. In many cases the control of a CNC machine is a long way from human intervention. This is part of the strength of the machines but prevents innovation and the discovery of new strategies. It also leads to many thinking of these machines as black boxes, causing frustrations when the results are not what was intended. In workshops I have explored how students interact with a machine when then get to first draw the paths, as a way of creating work but more, importantly understanding the power and limitations of CNC machines. I also hope this will lead to discussions of how best to introduce thinking about digitial manufacturing and how this can link more broadly to the curriculum.
