Sharky taught me big lesson 🥺

• Jasmine

Goal: create 2 CNC pieces

Time: 11/18

Creation process

  • Profile

I first selected a sharky file on the noun project and then uploaded it into Carbide Create.   

Since the #102 bit was too big for the amount of detail on this file if I use pocket, so I removed some of the design for an easier process. Then I contoured it with an irregular shape. The total cut time for this project was about 15 minutes.

 

During the cut, several issues popped out. One of them was that after I created my first piece I noticed that it cut through the piece on the board. I realized that I need to put another piece underneath it to ensure it is not going to cut through. Thus for the second piece, I placed a similar size wood underneath it.

I also found that the first piece was not as deep as I expected, so I go back to Carbide Create to increase the depth of the figure. This time, I also put more tape underneath both the project wood and the supporting wood to make sure it is not going to move around. With lab assistance and Prof. Wettergreen’s help, I was able to create a much cleaner piece.

  • Post-processing 

I decided to keep this clean look, so I just used sandpaper to smooth out the surface and edges.

  • Learnings 
Wow big learning this time 🫣
I made several mistakes on the first try, like the homing bits, tape choice… which all indicated that I need to pay more attention to the training. I actually created a piece prior to the two above with lab assistants, but they weren’t familiar with the machine and we spent a long time figuring things out. However, the result was not really good. This experience made me realize that I shouldn’t underestimate training videos. I should operate the machine after I feel more confident with it so I can rely more on my own judgment based on my learning from the videos. 😫

Cost Analysis

wood: $ 6.98

Cutting + post-processing: 3 hours

3 hours * $16 (Rice minimum wage per hour) = $48

TOTAL COST:  $6.98 + $48 = $54.98

p.s Tried again later with the Shapeoko machine, and even though went through some hurdles but successfully printed Mt. Everest out! Yeah!

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