Hi everyone!
Figure 1. Easel image
Design:
So this assignment was an introduction to CNC machining and using the X-Carve. I started by choosing an owl from the noun project website in honor of the university mascot. Once the file was downloaded as an .svg, I imported it to Easel where I faced a few issues with sizing. I had to find a couple new owls that were simple and had an easier geometry to follow. Once the sizing was alright, I made an outline for the owl directly on Easel to complete that part of the project.
Cutting:
Figure 2. Post X-Carve
During our training sessions, the z probe worked incredibly well, but when I went the next day to cut my print, there were severe issues. With the help of a lab assistant, I was able to manually zero the z axis. Although I could have started cutting at that moment, the lab assistant also mentioned how we are not meant to cut through materials on this machine as the drill bit was shorter than the wood height. So I used the planar sander to reduce the height of my wood from 0.75 inches to 0.5 inches. Once that was all settled, I followed the directions of the X-Carve and manually zeroed all the axes. Since there were issues in the beginning, I decided to only cut one owl before continuing with the next (so glad I did that). The first object cut way too deep. The deepest cut on my owl for the eyes and beak was set to 1/8 inch but that definitely went deeper than expected. Since I saw that happening, I kept a close eye for the final exterior cut and manually stopped the machine before the drill bit could go too low and hit wood. Good news though, it cut really well! So for the second piece, I reduced the maximum cut to be 0.05 inches and the other to be 0.025 inches. Overall, they both turned out pretty decent even though one has a slightly deeper carve.
Post processing:
Figure 3: Post-processing
For post processing, I first sanded down the edges with a 400 and 600 grit sandpaper. Once that was done, I used stains of two colors, dark walnut and black, for the body and eyes, respectively. After letting that dry, I used Danish oil to finish it off.
Reflection:
I really enjoyed this project and only wished I could have used the other equipments at the OEDK used for CNC machining. I am very happy with how my owls looked and am glad I get to keep one of them.
Costs:
Wood (12 x 5 x 0.75 in.) = $22.80 for 1 in. x 6 in. x 8 ft. = ~$3
Labor ($20/hr for 3 hours) = $60
Stain and oil = ~$2
Assuming equipment is negligible
Total cost = $65
