INTRODUCTION
In this project, I combined my love for tea with the technical challenge of using a CNC machine. I set out to create something both functional and personal: a tea-themed tray where I could rest a used tea bag or spoon while brewing my daily cup. From selecting a design to post-processing the final product, the experience was a journey of creativity, precision, and problem-solving.
DESIGNING THE SHAPE
To start, I explored thenounproject.com to find a design that resonated with the tea theme. I selected a charming image of a teacup with a cookie being dipped into it.
However, I quickly realized the design was too intricate for the 1/8-inch CNC tool I’d be using. So, using Inkscape, I simplified the SVG file, reducing unnecessary details to make it compatible with the machine while maintaining the essence of the design.
Once satisfied, I followed the course instructions to prepare the file in Carbide Create v6, generating both a .c2d file and its corresponding gcode.
SETTING UP THE CNC MACHINE
With the design ready, I approached the Shapeoko Pro CNC machine and carefully prepared the workspace. My material was a 3.6” x 5.4” x 0.78” block of wood. I also used a base of scrap wood in order to be able to set a larger depth without worrying that the machine would be damaged, but allowing me to be sure that the piece would be cut all the way through. Using a caliper, I measured its dimensions to ensure my software settings were appropriate and, after confirming the gcode simulation, I opened Carbide Motion, measured the tool, probed for zero, and began the cutting process.
During cutting, I stayed alert for any unusual, high pitched sounds—a sign of errors—but thankfully, none occurred. However, my first attempt didn’t cut all the way through, even though I tried everything that was suggested to us to account for thickness variations. For the second piece, I adjusted the thickness in the settings and ran the machine again, this time with slightly better results, but still without complete success.
POST-PROCESSING
With my two pieces cut, I cleaned up my working station like it can be seen below and moved outside to embark the post-processing phase.
The CNC hadn’t fully cut through the wood, so I used 120-grit sandpaper on a sanding machine to carefully separate the pieces. Next, I smoothed the edges and surfaces by hand with 180-grit and 280-grit sandpaper to achieve a polished feel. Finally, after removing any remaining sawdust with compressed air, I applied a thick layer of beeswax to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.
I once again cleaned up my station, and left the wax to soak overnight inside. Then, I wiped off the excess the following day. The result was two sleek, tea-themed trays, ready for use.
COST ESTIMATION
| Type | Description | Cost | Source | Total |
| Wood block | Used two 0.3ft x 0.45ft blocks | $898 (2ft x 2ft) | Lowe’s | $1.25 |
| Beeswax | Used ⅕ can | $15 per can | Amazon | $3 |
| Sandpaper (variety) | Used 3 sheets | $9.90 per package (25 sheets) | Home Depot | $1.188 |
| Labor | Prototyping Engineer (4hrs) | $25/hr | GlassDoor | $100 |
| Labor | Quality Control (½ hrs) | $22.50/hr | ZipRecruiter | $12.25 |
| Total Cost | $117.65 | |||
Like always, it is interesting to see how the bigger portion of the cost comes from the work we do. Here, each piece ends up costing around $58.825 if we take into account the time put in by us. However, this time came with additional reward, such as being able to say we’ve mastered a new prototyping technique and practicing what we’ve been learning over the semester. So, if we remove it from the cost analysis, we get an overall cost of around $2.7 per piece -basically nothing.
REFLECTION
This project showcased the balance between creativity and technical execution. From simplifying a design to adapting to challenges with the CNC machine, I learned to think critically and use my resources effectively.
One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing a concept transform into a functional object. The experience reinforced my skills in wood processing, file preparation, and CNC machining while also fueling my passion for crafting unique, practical solutions.
The resulting tea trays have already found a spot in my daily routine, reminding me of the joy of combining technical knowledge with personal creativity.
