Week 7: Computer Controlled
Machining

Design

For the "Make it big" CNC routing challenge, I decided to work with one of our resident members to create a display system for his artwork to showcase as a pop-up exhibit in our FabLab's storefront.

Neil Paterson, known in the art world as Hedgeclipper, combines his architectural skills, and sci-fi aesthetic to create slotted 3D puzzles that references scottish vernacular architecture, locomotion, and vehicles.

To honor his process, the display system is designed as a slotted modular design that allows for shelves to be hung at different heights, enabling different configurations for various sized works.

Neil also has a varity of free-standing and wall hanging pieces, so the display system has features to support both methods.

Rhino 3D & RhinoCAM

I used Rhino3D for the 3D model, ensuring that the parts slot together according to the actual thickness of the plywood by modeling each piece and assembling it digitally.

Then, I nested the 2D profiles on 4'x8' sheets for cutting, leaving a minimum of .75" of space between each peace in order to have the milling cut with enough material to prevent vibration of the stock.

The machine operations I used were inside profile and outside profile. This design didn't have any engraving or pocketing elements to program.

CNC Milling

I used the Vortex Tool App to help select a proper router bit and feed rate. I ended up selecting a compression bit which helps minimize flaking of the back layer of the wood laminate. By using a high quality natural birch plywood, the display system has cleaner edges with minimal layer gaps to worry about.

Assembly & Final Product

The finished piece assembles without any hardware or fasteners. It relects the aesthetic of the artwork without competing with the complexity of the pieces. The horizontal elements allow for multiple points to hang the pieces while allowing natural light to still enter the space.