First 3D Carving
Finding a File
First, we need to find an .stl file (the same one we use for 3d printing). It can be difficult to find free files that are good for carving but thingiverse has a few.
For this example I will be using this flower file but you can use whatever one you like.
CAM Software
Next, we need to create a toolpath so that the machine has a path to follow. The computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software we will be using is SRP Player, this software will convert the 3D model (.stl file) into a toolpath.
Open SRP Player on the computer that is connected to the CNC Router.
Model Size and Orientation
Click Open and import the model
Make sure to change file type to STL files
your file should look something like this now
You have the option to change the size of the model, I will not since I already scaled it to the size I want in Fusion 360, but you may need to depending on the size of your workpiece
If the model you are trying to carve is face down you will have to change the orientation which you can do by selecting the top surface and rotating the model as desired
Types of Milling
Choose whether you want a faster cutting time or better surface finish
Indicate whether or not the surface has many curved surfaces
Then indicate the type of stock material you will be cutting from
I am using a block workpiece and only cutting the top. When changing it to block it added another pink bar.
The pink bar is what is fixing your part to the workpiece, so it is material that will not be removed. In its current state the model will not come out very nice so we click Edit next to the Add support to model check box.
Now you will have the option to move the pink boxes and change their size
For this part I changed the width and height and the locations
When you're happy with your supports, click Apply and Close
Creating Toolpath
First choose workpiece material, I am using soft wood
Then, measure your workpiece with callipers and input the dimensions
The numbers that you input have to be larger than the numbers in parentheses — those are the minimum dimensions that your workpiece can be.
Next click Create Tool Path
Once it is created you can move onto the next step.
Preview Results
You can preview the cutting and see the estimated time
From the preview we can see that it is not cutting all the way through the part so we need to go back and change a couple things
Under Create Tool Path, click Edit
Click the drop down under Roughing1 and select Depth
We can see that the red line doesn’t go to the bottom of the model, so we want to move it a little below the bottom. This is to ensure it will go all the way through in case we are a little off on the thickness.
Click Partial and then you will be able to drag the red lines
Then, click Apply
Repeat the same thing for Finishing1
Now click Create Tool Path again
We can Preview Results again and see that the time increased a bit, but it is cutting all the way through
Now under Perform Cutting, double check again that the magazine looks correct
If so, click Start Cutting
Starting the Cut
It will ask you to install the tools in the machine, but that should already be done. If you want to use tools that are not in the machine talk to a staff member
Next it will ask you to tell the machine what position the workpiece is in
First load in your workpiece in the Rotary Axis. Slide it in both side and tighten then flush against the top/bottom and right/left
Then tighten the right side
Now you want to pick up a tool so you can use it to locate the position
Click on the MENU button two times until you see the Tool Menu
Use the knob to scroll down and pick a tool then hit enter, preferably an 1/8th inch tool, I did tool 3
Then click MENU two more times to return to the main page
Once you are on the main page, click any of the XYZ buttons to jog the machine using the knob. Be very careful not to crash into anything.
First line up the machine with the center of the metal knob on the right side of the rotary axis. Double check that the y-axis reading is almost zero
It should be but if it is not then press down the origin button to make it zero
Next check the z-axis zero by moving the z axis to zero and checking if it is halfway down the workpiece. Make sure that it is out of the way and won’t hit anything.
It should look good but if it doesn’t then press origin to zero it
Lastly, move the workpiece again to right above the edge of the right end of the rotary axis and zero it by pressing and holding the origin while X is selected.
Now click Next on the screen
The cutting will now start and the screen will display this:
Removing and Finishing Your Part
When your part is done untighten the knobs on the rotary axis and remove your part.
Next vacuum the inside of the machine using the shop vac, trying to remove as much sawdust as possible
Next vacuum the inside of the machine using the shop vac, trying to remove as much sawdust as possible
Additionally you can open the bottom door and pull out the drawer to vacuum up any sawdust
Congrats! You now have a finished piece from the CNC mill!
