Hey everyone! For this assignment, we learned how to use the CNC machine during the class and we applied some manufacturing skills to create two of the same noun object to cut a block of wood.

I started by finding a cool design to cut through the wood with the CNC machine. I found a console design in the website https://thenounproject.com/. After downloading the SVG file, I opened it in Carbide Create to modify my model to make it ready to cut. I followed all the instructions in our homework document to complete the setup. I added 4 tabs so that my piece is not gonna fly during the cut.

In addition to contour tool path, I added some pocket cuts with different depths to add more detail to my object. However, since some of the vectors in the toolpath were so close to each other, 1/8” drill bit was big enough that it couldn’t cut the details. I got a help from a TA to modify the design of my object to make it applicable for the cut. After the modifications, I added pocket cuts again with depths of 0.2 inches and after double checking the size requirements of the object I was ready to save the toolpath as a g-code file.

I opened the model in Carbide Motion and connected it to Nomad3 CNC machine. After completing the necessary steps for the machine setup which I learned from the TAs and the document, I clamped the wood block to the platform and start the print. Unfortunately, I wasted one block since the machine stopped while I was printing and I had to restart the cut using a different wood block.

I used 400 grit sand paper to post process my piece so that it will look smoother. 

Cost Estimation:

3 wood blocks: 15$

400 grit Sandpaper: 10.69$

Machine rental: 40$/hour