Week 07 — Computer-controlled Machining.

Assignments

  • Group: lab safety training; test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds/feeds, materials, and toolpaths.
  • Individual: design, mill, and assemble something big (~meter scale). I made a wooden model stand for my architecture models.

Group assignment (1–6)

I was traveling during the main session, so I completed the group tasks with Chris afterward: review safety; check spindle runout with a dial indicator and align the machine; try different fixturing (vacuum and screws); test cutting parameters on plywood/OSB with a 1/4" end mill; verify pocketing, profiling, drilling, and entry strategies while keeping the sheet stable.

group test 1
group test 2
group test 3
group test 4
group test 5
group test 6

Individual assignment (7–22)

Goal: a flat-pack model stand. Key steps: measure actual 1/2 inches plywood thickness and set parametric joints; add 6 mm dog-bones to inner corners; plan clearances and tabs; nest parts on the sheet; CAM with separate pocket/profile/chamfer passes; 1/4" tool, climb profiles, tabs for stability; set Z, test cut, full pass; sand, dry-fit, and reinforce.

design sketch
cad layout 1
cad layout 2
cam toolpaths
sheet setup
machine setup
after cut
dry fit 1
dry fit 2
sanding
assembled stand