Computer-controlledmachining a.k.a CNC
Make something BIG!
All the studen should desing, cut and assemble something big! and when i mean big i mean really big!
The best way to start prototyping is always spend some time thinking carefully when you design your model in the computer.
In case that you started with a 2d model is a good behavior to make the 3d model from your plans and test if everything fits together in the virtual world.
If you use standarized wood for your design you can easily scale it down 1/3 or 1/4 to cut your files in the lasercutter using thinner wood or cardboard so you can see the real shape of your
design and make some changes or check that everything works fine. Even if you take lot of attention you can break sometimes mills. Be aware with the cnc
is a very powerfull machine and it easy to make expensives mistakes. Before starting to cut double or triple check everything and do an "air cut" of you files to check if the machine is moving correctly or not.
The camm program most students use is vcarve shopbot edition.It has key feature,3d carving preview, very usefull to the precked your toolpaths and movements on the machine so you can precheck how you machine it is going to be cutted and possible errors/mistakes.
It's always better to prototype small models first
V carve 3d preview
ALWAYS PLAN WHERE YOU PUT YOUR SCREWS TO HOLD YOUR MATERIAL!!! OR YOU WILL HIT ONE AND BREAK THE MILL
Be safe and only aproach the machine working space when it is completely stopped and the spindle is off.
This is one of the students results! nice no? he tried hard to make it, this is his third try but his hard work deserves the result.
