To start this project, I first downloaded an SVG file from thenounproject website. I found a simple illustration of 2 hearts that I wanted to make. I first started by setting up my piece with the appropriate dimensions using the menu as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Setup Menu
I imported this illustration into Carbide Create on my computer and drew a box around it. I implemented the pocket tool path to carve out the hearts and the contour tool path to cut the box around it as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Setting tool paths
I exported this as a C2D file. Then during my tutorial, I first started by adding tabs to the piece so I would stay in place and then I edited the piece thickness after measuring with calipers. Next, I recreated the tool paths and saved the g-code needed for Carbide Motion. I sent the job to Carbide Motion and first homed the zero to the bottom left of the piece visually by jogging the toolhead. Then I began the job and the resulting piece is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: CNC piece
I then sanded the piece with an orbital sander as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Sanding
To finish post processing, I stained the piece as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Staining
Finally, the piece was completed. Here is a cost summary:
Cost Summary
| Cost Type | Cost | Price | Source | Quantity | Total |
| Materials | Wood | $0.0139/square inch | Home Depot | 30 square inches | $0.42 |
| Finishing Oil | $0.62/oz | Home Depot | 4 oz | $2.48 | |
| Labor | Prototyping Engineer (You!) | free | free | 1 engineer | $0 |
| Equipment | CNC machine | $125/hour | Deburring Technologies | 1 hours | $125 |
| Total | $127.90 | ||||
