For this assignment, we had to find a CNC machinable file on the website thenounproject, then use Easel to convert it into g-code for the mill to produce it. We chose to create a generic representation of a capitol building, with the dome at the top and pillars holding it up. Once we found this file on thenounproject, we exported the .svg into Easel. We then had to decide which form we wanted our final design to take, either a negative with the building itself milled into the flat wood, or a positive of the building with the wood around it milled in a sort of frame. We ultimately decided on the latter option, as it highlighted the shape better. To make this in Easel, we set the depth of the capitol to 0, and drew a rectangle around it that we set to a depth of 1/16″. This left a frame around the capitol and the area around it cut in by the machine.

We then exported the Easel project as g-code, which the CNC machine can read. At the CNC machine, we used FlashCut to open the file and adjusted the bit to the bottom-left edge of the wood and zeroed the coordinates. The process was started and it took around 12 minutes to complete.

After milling the capitol, the edges of the positive parts were rough.

To fix this, I sanded down the edges and cut away some of the rough parts to make them smoother.

Finally in order to make it look more polished and finished, I applied some stain to the outer edge and the capitol itself.

In all, we are happy with how it turned out.

Thanks for reading,

Tim and Ray