I got started on my CNC machining homework by browsing The Noun Project for a simple but fun silhouette. I found the perfect minimalist bow design very quickly on the main page. I downloaded the SVG and imported the .svg into Carbide Create, I set up my stock dimensions: a 6″ × 3.5″ pine plank with a thickness of 0.75″. I scaled the bow to a 3″ × 2.5″ footprint to fit comfortably on the block, then created two toolpaths:

• A 0.1″‑deep pocket cut inside the bow outline to receive resin

• A full‑thickness contour cut around the outside to free the shape

I added three 0.1″ tabs to hold the part securely during the contour pass, then exported the file for machining.

 

I used the Nomad 3 for this. The machine was originally set up with the wrong bit so I switched it with a ⅛″ end mill , I clamped my wood securely with the . After homing and corner‑probing in Carbide Motion, I started the pocket cut. Midway through, I paused to vacuum sawdust (Nomad 3 has no built‑in extraction like the XL Shapeko), then resumed. Once the pocket was done, it ran the contour cut. Both passes completed without issue.

Post‑processing began with sanding: I smoothed tabs and surfaces with 180‑grit, then refined with higher grit until the wood felt silky on the outside edges.

For the resin fill, I mixed a two‑part epoxy per the instructions and stirred in purple acrylic paint until it was a cool swirly pattern. I then poured the mixture into the pockets, filling to just above the wood surface. After a 24 hour cure, I attempted to then run it through the planer to smooth the top but had difficulties and did not do that.

I absolutely love how the deep purple resin plays off the pale wood, and the crisp CNC lines make this one of my favorite pieces yet!

Cleaned-up Area:

Cost Analysis:

• Time: 3 hours @ $12/hr → $21.75 35

• Materials(expected cost):

  • 2 Pine planks (6″×3.5″): $4

  • Epoxy resin kit: $10

  • Purple paint: $2

• Total: $51