2nd semester individual project

http://www.shopbottools.com/files/Projects/Wooden_Hinged_Photo_Frames_Tutorial.pdf

My first project idea is making a wooden hinged photo frame, but I would make it better and more advanced by adding LEDs. Using my previous experience with blinking LEDs using Arduinos, I would write a simple program and would have to add an on/off switch. This would be an awesome gift for one of my parents or grandparents. It would be a personalized gift with a nuanced mechanism. The files can be found on ShopBot Tools. My only worry would be the lack of instructions for programing the lights and including them in the picture frame. More research would be needed.

My second project idea based on using the ShopBot is a kitchen set including a hinged spoon rest for easy storage, a knife nest, a spice rack or possible a lazy suzan tower, and a platter. Most of these come from ShopBot Tools, and you can find the files there. This would be a pretty sophisticated set to have. Or, it would be a meaningful present for my grandmother because whenever she visits, we cook together. When she’s at home, she could use something made by me. However, I would need a lot of quality wood which can become expensive very fast.

http://derekhugger.com/store.html

My last project idea was inspired when Mr. Dubick brought up an automaton project. An automaton is a self-powered mechanical figure. Before iPhones and xbox, kids would play with these toys. However, with further research, I came across a man named Derek Hugger who makes large-scale automaton. One of his structures, Colibri, is simply stupendous. Although I couldn’t do the hummingbird (Colibri), I found other projects that he did and that he posted work plans for. I started looking at the Merlot, but discovered it was rather expensive, so I decided on the Annulation. There is nothing I am going to change about his plans the first time around, but when I complete the project, I will reassess. Although this project looks very involved, I am excited for the challenge. I think the most difficult part will be the precision needed to make the sculpture move fluidly. In the end, it should have three large rings that move inward, outward, and in circles in a visually and physically balanced manner. This project will definitely be good practice for refining my woodworking skills.

Shopbot workflow (by Mr. Dubick):

Shopbot Cutting using VCarve Toolpath

Shopbot Machine
1. Start up VCarve software
  1. Open your file
  2. Select objects you wish to cut
  3. Select Toolpath
  4. Pin Toolpath
2. Click on material setup
  1. Check Z-0
  2. -make sure it agrees with your Z-0 when you calibrated it
  3. -did you 0 off the board or off the material
  4. Enter the thickness of the material *
    1. Model position material should be the same thickness of the material.
  5. Go to home start position
    1. Confirm x and y axis are both zero
    2. The z axis should one inch plus the thickness of the material.
  6. Click OK.
3. Go to TOOL PATH OPERATIONS
4. Select 2D Profile Toolpath
  1. Under cutting depth, select the cut depth of the material (CLS tools).
  2. Select the proper tool -CLS down bit 1/4
  3. Edit passes, change number of passes from 3 to 5.
  4. Under machine vectors, leave default.
  5. Click add tabs to tool pads.
    1. Add ramp to tool pad.
  6. Hit CALCULATE.
  7. Preview toolpath
  8. Click on CLOSE
  9. Select SAVE TOOL PATH and save the file in a shopbot fomat
5. Start ShopBot Command Console
6. Conduct air cut
  1. Select FILE-LOAD
  2. Load the appropriate file
  3. Select 1 3-D offset
  4. Press ENTER
  5. You should hear a “SOUND”
  6. Turn on the spindle
  7. Press green button
  8. Press ok
  9. After checking that everything is good press space bar
  10. Return to origin
7. Perform cut
  1. Select FILE-LOAD
  2. Load the appropriate file
  3. Select no offset rather than 1 3-D offset
  4. Press enter
  5. You should hear a “SOUND”
  6. Turn on spindle
  7. Press green button
  8. Turn on fan
  9. Press enter again to start cut
8. Cut is done
  1. Turn off fan (which is so loud you shouldn’t forget)
Clean up after yourself

Laser cutter workflow (by Mr. Dubick):

Fusion Laser Cutter Workflow

Startup Process

Turn on the air collector behind the laser
Turn on air assist (small air pump)
Turn on the Fusion laser (switch on the front)

Import File

Download your svg or pdf file
Open Corel Draw
Unlock the drawing
Ungroup the drawing
Select cut lines to “hairline” thickness

Cutting File

Select Print (“File” “Print”)
Select Preferences-- Change preferences based on material-- ASK if you do not know.

Preferences Screen

Default Settings

Confirm the following:

Color Mapping is off
Autofocus is on
Select Vector Grid
Set Thickness according to your material

Job Type - Laser cut

Select vector

Page Size - inches

Horizontal = 30
Vertical = 20

Vector Settings

Speed = 20
Power = 100
Freq = 5
Turn off Power Comp

Click Ok to save changes

Click Apply prepare for laser

Click OK send to laser

Check the control pad on the laser for your job

All laser cutters will sometimes have a small fires (like a flame on a stove). If you are paying attention it will be a minor annoyance, if you are NOT watching closely or worse not there, you can cause a serious fire. Thus, the first rule is never walk away from the laser cutter while it is running. Never.

Fire

Announce to the class you have a small fire
Ask another student to get a teacher.
Hit stop on the control pad. Fire should go out.
If the fire doesn’t go out, turn off laser cutter
If still burning, wait for teacher to extinguish the fire.

Epilog Job Manager

If your cut or engraving is successful be sure to organize it under the Epilog Job Manager. This will not only save your file, it will save your laser cutting settings. Later, you will be glad you used the Epilog Job Manager.

Report abuse