Router Forums banner

Welcome to CNC 101

4K views 19 replies 9 participants last post by  edison auto 
#1 · (Edited)
First you need something to cut. In this case we have a 1 x 12 x 24 piece of glued up baltic birch from Menards on sale for less than $5.



Then we need something to make. Using Aspire we can resize some panels which are included in the clipart, and make a crescent moon with a couple round overlapping panels, saving the part we want (thanx MEBCWD). Text is added from the available fonts included with Aspire.



We save the file in our machine's code of choice, line it up, turn it on, and make some dust.



After it's cut we saw the connecting tabs off, pop our pieces out, do a little sanding and then finish as desired. Once the file is created and saved you can make as many as you want, and resize the model with a couple clicks of the mouse however you want. Here we made two separate cuts (less than $10 in material) and left one natural, used honey stain on the other, and then applied 3 coats of polyurethane.




Now, if an old, dumb, stubborn retired truck driver who hates new electronic stuff can do this then just think what you smart people can do.
 
See less See more
5
#2 ·
Nice, John! That's one good thing about Aspire over something like Fusion 360 - scaling. You can scale in Fusion 360 but it's not as easy as Aspire. Also, text brings Fusion 360 to its knees if you get more than a few words.
 
#14 ·
Resist, Mike. RESIST! Once you start playing with CNC you'll find it very addictive. I speak from my limited experience when I say, "My name is Oliver and I am becoming addicted to CNC." Oh, and just so you know, there's room in almost any shop for the little NextWave Piranha FX or LX (he added evilly.)

>:)
 
#15 ·
John, when I started the planning, (in my head), for my workshop, it included a cnc. Space and finances have pretty much eliminated that thought, (though not the desire). Reading your posts on how a regular guy (not an electronic genius) can learn to use one, and the results you have shown, have only made me wish I could include one. I have no problem with the learn by doing way of getting proficient. It's kinda how most of my proficientcies were gained. Maybe fate will smile on me, and I'll find a way (more the space limitations) to make room for one. It's kinda tough with a total of 12 1/2 feet by 15 feet. On the other hand I am having a blast building the work shop, used a router for the very first time last weekend. By the way, in your ending remarks "old, dumb, stubborn, retired, truck driver" stubborn is an assett, in my experience. I'm looking forward to seeing many more of your projects :)
 
#20 ·
John, when I started the planning, (in my head), for my workshop, it included a cnc. Space and finances have pretty much eliminated that thought, (though not the desire). Reading your posts on how a regular guy (not an electronic genius) can learn to use one, and the results you have shown, have only made me wish I could include one. I have no problem with the learn by doing way of getting proficient. It's kinda how most of my proficientcies were gained. Maybe fate will smile on me, and I'll find a way (more the space limitations) to make room for one. It's kinda tough with a total of 12 1/2 feet by 15 feet. On the other hand I am having a blast building the work shop, used a router for the very first time last weekend. By the way, in your ending remarks "old, dumb, stubborn, retired, truck driver" stubborn is an assett, in my experience. I'm looking forward to seeing many more of your projects
Artie you can find room. We just built a new house and I went from a 16 x 18 to a 10x17 part of the 3 car garage. My nebula is on wheels. I got rid of my panel saw as it took up space and I don't build as many cabinets as I used to. I just got the wall built and the 220 ran so I am going to fire it back this weekend
 
#18 ·
Artie,

I probably never will be at the stage where these other people make all the neat original stuff. In a nutshell, I just take files that have already been made by others (or come with Aspire) and use them in different ways. When I get in a jamb, which is often, others here usually have the answer. If there is such a thing as skill involved, it's in the designing and software part. All it takes is some imagination and the best software you can afford. Each time Aspire comes out with a new version it eliminates some steps that used to take more time and effort. And make friends with someone like MEBCWD --- many teeth gnashing hours will be saved. But once you have a project saved -- you can repeat it over and over with a couple mouse clicks, resize it, change text, and tweak the design - making what seems like personal custom pieces with minimal effort.

And .. it's kind of fun.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top