Jason (Tse-Kang) Wang
How to make (almost) anything!

Week 08

Computer-Controlled Machining


Make something big with CNC.

Wohoo, I have been waiting this week for a while. For a long time, I wanted to make something big with wood.

Two projects are created this week:

A stackable stool that also functions as shelving unit when stacked. Perfect for Fablabs that are crowded with people and stuffs!

And a bicycle sized 8 legged walker inspired by Theo Janson's Strandbeest. I call it, Stompbeest.

Chesdool File!!!

Stompbeest File!!!


Fab Chesdool


I call the stool Chesdool because for it's dual funtions as stool and stackable chest/shelve.

Because I'm currently not in Fablab, I only have access to a small CNC.

For that reason, I scale the Chestool down quite a bit so I can cut it out.

For this time, Inkscape is used for drawing the Chesdool.

The design is sort of parametric, at least the press fit joints are.

More practices are in need for me to learn how to make the whole design parametric.

For turning the design into G-Code, I use CamBam because it's more detailed parameter and the affordable price.

First, I cut out the press fit joint to do a tolerance test, and I'm glad I did it! The fits is a bit too tight, so I change the design a bit.

The side panel of the Chesdool.

The other side panel and the door of the stool, aka the front panel.

Everything cutted out and sanded.

Showing the way Chestools stack.

Almost fully assembled Chestool. Because of the scale down, the top of the stool is too small to work. First because I don't have a small enough mill bit. Second, the wood is too thick to bend for the tight curves on the edge.

Showing the Chestool open it's door.

Showing the door hinge mechanism, and also the extra holes for putting a devider in the storage space.

Showing the open position of the hinge.


The Stompbeest


During the Fan2 event in Taipei city, I got access to a big enough CNC to cut out my walker.

This became like a make marathone for myself as I only had 24 hours to design and cut out all the parts for it.

Due to the rush, I only did the 2D part drawing.

Instead of Inkscape, I use Illustrator to draw the design, but still use Cambam to generate the G-Code.

CNC doing it's work of cutting out one of the legs.

My outdoor sanding station.

All the parts done and ready to move to Taipei maker faire for assembly.

Yup, we got live assembly show at Taipei maker faire.

Measuring and cutting out PVC pipe as joints and bearing.

1/8 of the leg assemblys. 1/8.

This is half of the walker.

I wasn't able to finish the assembly in maker faire due to space limit, but it still looks cool!

Since half assemled walker doesn't walk. I put a Fablab Taipei member's hand made paper goat head on it, and made it into a make shift display :p

One day I will find a time and big enough space to finish building the walker and make it move for sure.