This week, we learned how to use the CNC machines (Shapeoko and Nomad). For this assignment, I decided to use both (at varying levels of success).
First, I used the Shapeoko to cut out my shark after determining all the contours and pockets I wanted on the design. This was a pretty intricate design, and the lines were quite close together, so it was really difficult to have pockets in my shark without making it look really ugly. So, I just stuck to contours. I also switched to a 1/16″ bit for the contours so I would get a more detailed piece before switching out to a 1/8″ for the actual cut.
I measured the wood and clamped it before homing the device and cutting out my first shark! The contour lines came out pretty clean, but it got a little off center because the wood shifted slightly when I was changing out the bit.
The wood was also pretty warped and so the cut didn’t come out super even (there was about a mm of material left under the shark that didn’t get cut through). Luckily, it was able to be broken off so I just filed and sanded down the excess wood.
Next, I moved on to my second piece using the Nomad3 machine, just to switch things up. I measured my wood (at the correct thickness this time) and homed the machine before cutting. This machine didn’t contour lines as cleanly as the Shapeoko, but I think it was much easier and intuitive to use. Except for clamping, which was much more difficult to figure out than it should’ve been sadly. But, I was able to cut out my second shark with minimal issues:
As seen, the contour lines held a lot of excess material within them which I tried to sand down and pick out with a thin piece of sandpaper and a needle.
Moving on to post-processing, I decided to spray-paint both my sharks blue because I didn’t have pockets to pour resin into.
These are what my sharks look like after they have dried. I think they turned out great! You can really see the difference in outcomes of the machines, even though I used the same file for both of them. The Shapeoko has much cleaner lines, while the Nomad was a bit messier. However, I enjoyed the process of using the Nomad more.
Here is a picture of my clean workspace:
The cost breakdown for this project is the following:
- Wood: $8.52
- Makerspace access for 7 days a week = $90/month
- 1 pack of sandpaper = $10.98
- Spray Paint: $6.98
- Labor: 4 hours x $10/hr = $40
- Total: $156.48
