This week, we learned how to use the CNC machines at the OEDK. In the true spirit of Showcase (T-minus 10 days), I created my senior design team’s logo (Figure 1).
Figure 1: ClotSpot logo
First, I created my design on Carbide Create. There, I input the dimensions of my block of wood (Figure 2). The most critical dimension to get correct is the z-dimension since it will determine if the bit cuts through the wood too much or not enough. Something I did not anticipate is how important it is to be as exact as possible with the z-dimension measurement. Between my first and second iterations, I figured I did not need to edit the Carbide Create file because the wood pieces only differed by about ~0.1 inches. However, the bit did not cut all the way through the wood, and I unfortunately had to restart.
Figure 2: Adding dimensions on Carbide Create
In my Carbide Create file, I created two pocket cuts for the magnifying glass and for the text, both at 0.15 inches deep each. I then created a contour cut to cut through an outline of the logo (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Toolpaths on Carbide Create
After saving the G-code, I was able to upload the file onto Carbide Motion on the Shapeoko Pro computer. After securing the 1/16th-inch end mill bit in place with wrenches (Figure 4) and initializing the machine, I secured my block of wood in place with clamps (Figure 5). I placed a small piece of wood from the laser cutting room underneath my wood to prevent damage to the bed in case the bit cut through the target wood.
Figure 4: Securing 1/16th-inch bit
Figure 5: Secured wood with clamps
I then positioned the honing device in the corner of the wood and probed the machine (Figure 6). After removing the honing device and turning on the spindle control machine, I started the job.
Figure 6: Placement of honing device
The machine first created the pocket cuts as specified by the Carbide Create toolpath (Figure 7). I then replaced the bit with a 1/8th-inch end mill bit and resumed the job. The machine then created the contour cut to remove the design from the block of wood (Figure 8).
Figure 7: Creation of pocket cuts
Figure 8: Wood piece after contour cutting
After removing my design from the machine, I sanded the rough edges inside the text, magnifying glass, and along the outline perimeter (Figure 9).
Figure 9: Sanding rough edges
Lastly, I sprayed my design with a gloss spray paint (Figure 10). With that, my project was complete (Figure 11)!
Figure 10: Spray painting with gloss finish
Figure 11: Finished products
Clean work station
