7. Computer Controlled Machining
This week we focus on computer controlled machining. The group assignment called for participants to: - Complete your lab's safety training - Test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds, feeds, materials and toolpaths for your machine - Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned The learning outcomes expected are: - Demonstrate 2D design development for CNC milling production - Describe workflows and operation for large format CNC machining To view my work on this, please clicke here. This week for my individual project, participants are asked to make (design + mill + assemble) something big. I decide to make an interactive design that celebrates agricultural changes.
Research
Georgia in the United States spans across four major 'hardiness' zones as defined by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). What is a 'hardiness zone' It is a map that spans the entire United States of America consisting of 13 zones and a variety of subzones. They are used by farmers, gardeners, and landscapers to select plants that can survive the cold in their specific location. This information is based on the 30-year aveerge annual minimum winter temperature in each zone and subzone. There are some limitations. These zones are not including heat, drought, or soil conditions. I wanted to explore ways of teaching the understanding of Georgia's hardiness zones in ways that utilize both STEM education and useful agricultural information. The availability of healthy foods are a question of economics and education. Through activities like these, I hope to empower participants with useful knowlege that will allow them to attain and maintain food security.
The 5 W's for this project, and the one H.
The 5 Ws and 1 H are important for establishing the framework of any project, workshop, activity, or class. Once established, project engineers are able to have a clear picture of the steps neede to move forwared efficiently. The addition of 'How' (the 1 "h") allows project engineers to assess issues like budget and any other challegnes or opportunities. 1. Why 2. What 3. Who 4. When 5. Where 1. How1. Why
I want to create something that teaches important local agricultural information while being fun or helpful to the user.2. What
I want to use natural materials such as wood to create a 'life sized' immersive interpretive exhibit that represents agricultural facts specific to Georgia, USA. I plan to focus on the currenct season (early spring 2026) and will be choosing a plant, insect/butterfly, or animal that is natie to my community. I will research a bit about the subject and create an interpretive interactive installation that will provide the community an opprotunity to learn more about the world around us and how we can positively interact with it for our benefit.1. Who
My community and communities similar to mine across the state of Georgia in the USA. I also hope that communities across the world feel welcome to take this concept and make it reflect their communities.1. When
Week 7 of Fabacademy 2026, March 4, 2026 is when I began this journey. I will add milestone notes as I create more projects related to this concept.1. Where
Unless otherwise mentioned, this week's project will be completed at the Fort Valley State University Fab Lab in Warner Robins, Georgia. I hope that I will be able to update this page with any traveling outcomes as the FVSU Fab Lab does STEM outreach across the state of Georgia.1. How
I will utilize the following: Software - Fusion 360 - VCarve - Shop Bot Control Software Machines - Shop Bot 48 x 96 - Epilog Laser 40 Watt 22 x 11 Materials - Plywood 4' x 8' - Acrylic - Vinyl"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Useful links
Documentation and Publishing
The first time that I worked with computer code was with my father at the end of the 1900s. My father is a computer engineer, and I grew up watching him build computers and debugg whatevere virus my siblings and I unwittingly added to the system. Working with him to build entire computer systems or him coming home with a new CD-ROM to teach kids everything from typing to math through computer games are truly special memories for me. I've dabbled with tech my entire life thanks to him. Being apart of fabacademy this year is giving me an opportunity to continue that bond with my dad who is still an avid techie in his late 70s. This august was my first attempt at website building through lines of code since my childhood. I have no prior experience with GitHub or GitLab or any associated terminology. For a more indepth look into my jounrey of understanding please see my Fabricademy 2026 documentation. I will begin here by discussing the difference between MarkDowns and HTML editing.
Gallery
Video
From Vimeo
Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.
From Youtube