This step includes bringing your own personal ideas to life! Given that my idea consisted of a lot of different aspects, it was very helpful to draw out on paper some original ideas about what I envisioned. Along with your original drawing there should be dimensions, and a precise idea of how all aspects of the drawing will be connected. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to create, your drawing can be transferred to Adobe Illustrator. In my case, I wanted to design board that connected two pieces of different wood (maple and walnut) 

This step includes using the elipse tool to outline the chosen photo. For my personal design, I used simply a single circle that had a curved line down the center. Once I had designed that, I cut down the curved line to make two separate shapes. 

The amount of anchor dots should be limited for clarity. 

Copy and paste each separate 'half' of the circle to two separate files. To move onto the next step moving your design to Fusion 360 to finish the designing process. When your design in Adobe Illustrator is complete, export the newly finished file as a dxf. 

This step includes changing final settings in Fusion 360. Before sending your finished design to the CNC machine verify that all the settings are correct. Go to the setup tab, then geometry. Verify that it is on silhouette, select your outline at the bottom and finally move to the “passes” tab and be sure it is on multiple passes. Finally, go to the post processing tab and verify that your project is named and is on 1001. That completes the design process in Fusion 360, so save the design to your computer and email the file to the computer that is connected to the CNC machine. 

This was completed before some of the previous steps, but it includes preparing your physical wood to be run on the CNC. First, I needed to select by two types of wood. I chose Maple and Walnut. I then needed to cut each piece of wood, of which was long and skinny. To to pieces so that I could have the width for my board. Once I cut the wood, I glued the pieces together and let it dry overnight. Then I realized that both the maple and walnut pieces did not rest flat on the surface, so I sanded both pieces before cutting on the CNC. 

Use painters or masking tape to put a layer of tape on the surface of the piece of wood that you are using to cut your sign on. Put a similar amount of tape on the base of the CNC machine, and add a couple passes of super glue to the tape on the CNC machine. Line up both the tape on the wood and base to be facing each other (this way the wood will stay in place while being cut).

Access the computer connected to the CNC machine, select you file and precisely adjust the x y and z axis’ on the machine by using the arrow keys. Double check all settings and press play to run the job. Keep an eye on the job as it progresses and use the shop vac to clean up any buildup of saw dust. When the job is complete remove the tabe and punch out the newly cut shape. Complete for both walnut and maple woods. 

Match up the two ends of both newly cut wood and use wood glue to put together. Allow to dry overnight. Then, use the motorized sander to make both sides of the completed board flat. Use a rounding tool to make the edge of the board round.  

Come up with a quote or design to engrave on the board. In my case, I chose to write "Made with love" and my family's last name. Type it out on Adobe Illustrator, size it appropiatly, and save the file to your google drive. 

Windows software is required for this step as it is what pairs with the laser cutter. I then press file, print, select my file, and ensure engraving and not cutting. The laser cuter needs to then be set to wood, have the fan on, to then load the wood into the laser cutter. Make sure the wood is pressing against the far left corner, and position the laser so that in cuts on the portion of  wood that is desired. Finally, close the laser cutter and make sure you hear a 'click'. Press go!

Do some final sanding work and oil both sides to finish it off!