8. Computer controlled machining
Design
I decided to build an stand for my electric guitar amp and effects peda. For the design, I used the parametrization and design knowledge I already had, and I did it in Fusion 360. For the design, I based it on an existing one that I found on
Pinterest. The main challenge here was how to draw to scale from the image downloaded from the web. To do this, I followed the instructions of
this YouTube video.
The final result of the design was this
Milling Process
Once the design was completed, each piece of furniture was exported to DXF format for milling, using the CNC Shopbot-ALPHA machine. The DXF file is opened with VCarve Pro software, where adjustments such as size, material thickness, origin point selection, edge fillets, and cutting parameters configuration are made. This includes setting such as the cutter diameter, speeds, number of passes, spindle speed, feed rate, and tabs. Subsequently, the code is generated into a SBP file. You can see the setting parameters
here.
The machine is controlled using the ShopBot3 software. With this software, the origin position on the material is configured, then the code is loaded, and milling is started. The material I used was 12 mm and 9 mm MDF. Before starting, the board is secured with screws to the sacrificial bed to prevent it from moving during cutting.
![](../img/asm8/7week_img2.jpeg)
Then we start the milling.
Assembling
For the assembly, I simply fitted the pieces together, and I didn't encounter any issues during this process. I believe that as long as the design is well-made and properly calculated, there shouldn't be any problems with the assembly.
Group Assignment
Downloads