By Natalie Pellette

Before starting the CNC homework, I decided I would carve a dolphin SVG from the noun project. One of the past student projects inspired me to choose the dolphin because I thought it would pair well with the resin epoxy used. I trained on the X-Carve during the TA sessions and completed a test cut of my dolphin design to check the cut path and depth. I decided on ½” depth for the body of the dolphin and ¼” depth for the fins. 

Although I faced some obstacles while using the x-carve, I feel much more confident on the machine now having worked with it alone. My design required a complete cut through the wood and there were very few pieces left that were thin enough to allow this given the size of the available bits. The piece I chose was pretty narrow, which made it difficult to clamp down and left very little clearance on either side of my design. The piece also had some imperfections and existing routing. I began the first cut and noticed that the design was too high on the material. I rezeroed the machine and began the cut again. Unfortunately the new cut did not overlap entirely with the remnants of the original cut, so there is an additional fin on the first dolphin. 

I rezeroed the machine on the right section of my wood piece to begin the second cut. I faced the same issue of very little clearance on either side of the design. The upper edge of the outlining oval almost extended beyond the wood piece, however I think the cut was still successful. 

For post processing, I sanded both versions along the faces and edges using 120, 220, 320 and 400 grit paper, which removed leftover wood scrap and the attachment tabs. Unfortunately the OEDK did not have any resin epoxy available before the due date of this assignment, so I was not able to carry out my original plan. I still hope to add the resin eventually to learn how and for the aesthetic. 

If I were to redo this project, I would acquire resin and a higher quality piece of wood for a cleaner final product. I also would consider making the extrusion of the dolphin shallower as it would be better fit for the resin and speed up the cutting process.

Cost Analysis

Time = training + project = 3 hours

Labor Cost = time x wage = 3 hours x $15/hr = $45

Scrap Wood = Free (already available at the OEDK)

New Wood = 1″ x 4″ x … = ~ $4 (Home Depot)

Calipers = ~ $20 (Home Depot)

X-Carve = ~ $2600 (Inventables)

Total Price for this Project = $45

I only included the cost of labor as all other materials were already available in the OEDK.