This week, me and my 2 group mates created a capybara with a bird on its’ nose on the CNC machine!

1. We first found this capybara image on the nounproject.com and downloaded it as a svg file.
2. The png was then uploaded to Carbide Create to create the file for the CNC machine.
3. To prepare the piece, I measured the wood to be 170 x 87.5 x 17.9 mm and input all the measurements in the carbide create file. I realized the thickness varied along the length of the wood piece and used the thickest portion to make sure it wouldn’t cut too deep.
4. Next, I created the toolpath for the image using the contour with a 1/8 end mill. I then added another contour tool path for the rest of the shape using a 1/16 end mill. I also added 4 tabs around the print to stabilize it.
5. The G code was saved and sent to the Carbide Motion software.
6. I used the Shapeoko machine and used clamps and tape to stabilize my wood piece.
7. I changed the bit on the machine to the 1/8 end mill to prepare the cut.
8. I used the Carbide Motion software to calibrate the zero on the machine. I made sure the vacuum was on to clear out the machine.
9. After about 10 minutes, the first toolpath was cut. I changed the bit to a 1/16 drill bit to cut the piece out of the wood. The remainder of the cut took about 7 minutes.
10. Once the cut was done, I removed the clamps and realized that the cut did not go all the way through. This was because of the varying thickness along the wood piece. I used a screwdriver to break the piece out as it was just a thin layer of wood.
11. I then used a Dremel and sandpaper to clear up the edges and make it soft along the perimeter of the piece. I used 320 and 150 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out.
12. Once it was smooth, we used a wood stain to stain the wood. We used a brush to put the stain on and used a rag to wipe off the excess to make sure it would not be too dark.   
13. We then sprayed a glossy clear coat on top to finish!

Picture of the clean table:

Cost Analysis: