COMPUTER CONTROLLED MACHINING

Designing and fabricating a desk using CNC router technology

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining uses pre-programmed software to control tool movements and speeds. This week I learned to use the CNC router and software to generate T-bones and dogbones for joinery.

View Group Assignment

Safety First

CNC Router

Asia Robotica SHOP 1325

  • Power: 4Hp at 24000 RPM
  • Dimensions: 3×1.8×1.7m
  • Power Supply: 220v/2F/3.5KW
  • Material Fixtures: Nails

Safety Equipment

CNC routers are powerful but potentially dangerous. Required safety gear:

  • Safety glasses
  • Steel-toe boots
  • Face mask/respirator
  • Ear protection
  • Lab coat or apron
  • Hair tied back (if long)
  • No loose clothing or jewelry

Compatible Materials

Material Type Examples
Wood Products Solid Wood, Plywood, MDF, OSB, Hardwoods, Softwoods
Plastics ABS, Acrylic, PVC, Polycarbonate, Nylon, Polyethylene
Metals Aluminum, Copper, Tin, Non-ferrous metals
Composites ALUCOBOND/DIBOND, Melamine over agglomerate, Veneered MDF
Others Bakelite, Resins, Estirene

Design Process in Fusion 360

Desk Design
Desk Rendering

Download Desk.DXF

Step-by-Step Design

1
Create New Sketch

Started with a new sketch in Fusion 360, selecting the plane to work on.

Step 1
Step 1b
2
Rectangle Creation

Created rectangles with specific measurements using the sketch tools.

Step 2
Step 2b
Step 2c
3
Pattern Creation

Used rectangular patterns to create multiple instances of design elements.

Step 3
Step 3b
16
Final Assembly

Completed all pieces and prepared for manufacturing.

Download Desk STL

VCarve Pro Setup

Toolpath Creation

  1. Imported DXF file into VCarve
  2. Created dogbones and T-bones for joinery
  3. Set material thickness (15mm MDF)
  4. Configured cutting parameters:
    • Tool: 6mm End Mill
    • Spindle Speed: 1000 RPM
    • Feed Rate: 3200 mm/min
    • Plunge Rate: 400 mm/min
  5. Generated G-code for CNC machine
VCarve Setup
Toolpath Preview

Machine Setup

  1. Installed V-bit 60° 6mm cutter
  2. Secured MDF sheet to machine bed
  3. Set X, Y, and Z zero points
  4. Loaded G-code into Mach3 software
  5. Performed test run without material
  6. Started CNC cutting process
CNC Cutting

CNC router cutting the desk components

Cutting Process

Close-up of the cutting process

Final Results

Finished Desk

Completed desk after assembly

Desk Detail

Detail of the joinery and construction

Lessons Learned

Successes
  • Accurate joinery with proper T-bone and dogbone implementation
  • Good material utilization with nesting
  • Precise cuts leading to tight-fitting assembly
  • Effective use of Fusion 360 for parametric design
Challenges
  • Initial issues with duplicate geometry in VCarve
  • Learning proper feed rates for MDF
  • Ensuring all joints had proper clearance
  • Managing large design files efficiently

Helpful Resources