Crafting a CNC Butterfly: My Journey
For this assignment, I decided to create a beautiful butterfly shape using a CNC machine. The goal was to follow the provided tutorial, cut out my chosen design, and document the process. Here’s a detailed account of how I brought my butterfly to life, along with the challenges I faced and the steps I took to complete it.
Step 1: Choosing the Design
I started by selecting a butterfly shape from the Noun Project website. Its intricate wings and elegant form immediately drew me in. The challenge of recreating its delicate details in wood made it the perfect choice for this assignment.
Step 2: Preparing the File
Following the assignment’s instructions, I prepared the digital file for CNC cutting. This part was straightforward, thanks to the clear tutorial. I scaled the design to fit within the 3×3” constraints and ensured all lines were clean for a smooth CNC operation. The only challenge I faced in this step was the butterfly’s details. I had to simplify its design a little bit, so I removed some details and left the overall shape to match the deliverable requirements for this assignment. See the difference in the design below:
Step 3: Facing the First Challenge
When I was ready to cut, I initially used the larger Carbon Motion CNC machine. Unfortunately, the machine’s light wouldn’t turn on, despite my troubleshooting for two hours. Even the teaching assistant couldn’t resolve the issue. Finally, I decided to switch to the Nomad CNC machine, which worked perfectly.
Step 4: CNC Cutting
Using the Nomad CNC, I followed the tutorial steps carefully. The cutting process itself was smooth and took about 16 minutes. I appreciated how precise the machine was, but it generated a significant amount of wood dust. Once the piece was cut, I thoroughly vacuumed the area to keep the workspace clean.
Step 5: Sanding the Piece
The butterfly had many intricate corners and edges that required careful sanding.
- First pass: I used sandpaper to smooth the flat surfaces.
- Second pass: For a more polished finish, I used a machine sander on the larger areas.
- Final touch: The corners and delicate details required manual sanding with small pieces of sandpaper. This was the most time-consuming part, but the results were worth it. See before and After bellow:
Step 6: Painting and Finishing
To add my personal touch, I spray-painted the butterfly with bright red spray paint, my signature color for this class. I applied the paint in thin, even coats and allowed it to dry for a few hours. Finally, I added a clear coat for a smooth, glossy finish and extra durability.
Cost Breakdown
Wood for CNC cutting = $5.00
Sandpaper (various grits) = $3.00
Spray paint = $6.00
Clear coat = $4.00
Labor (4 hours @ $10/hour) = $40.00
Total = $58.00
Final Thoughts
Despite the initial setback with the larger CNC machine, I thoroughly enjoyed the process of bringing my butterfly design to life. Each step, from preparing the file to sanding and painting, allowed me to learn and appreciate the craft even more. The final result is a vibrant, smooth butterfly that reflects both my creativity and dedication.
