Textile as Scaffold

☺ Insert --> Insert DXF --> Select DXF file (see files below, here it is a dxf file of the 2D image above)


☺ Then select the yellow square that is on the X,Y axis (red, green)


☺ Hit OK


☺ Select the shape


☺ Create --> Extrude --> Enter 12 mm (because our piece of wood was 12mm)

☺ Setup --> New Setup
☺ Select "Body" under Setup / "Model" & select the shape
☺ Go to the Stock tab and select these settings
☺ Go back to Setup tab and under "Work Coordinate System (WCS)" / Stock Point, select box point and select the lower left corner (@ z=0). This will become the origin (0, 0, 0) for the CNC machine once it starts
☺ Double check Z axis is going up and down! This should have been done in the Insert step.

☺ Select 2D --> 2D Pocket
☺ Select bottom circle (@ z =0)

☺ Select these settings:

☺ Click OK and popup will come up, in top left there is a + sign, click this to add the mill type, we used a flat end mill
☺ Add these settings

☺ Select 2D --> 2D Contour
☺ Select these settings:

☺ It is VERY IMPORTANT to add tabs for this part (2D contout / Geometry / Tabs), because this is what keeps the final piece from flying away from the rest of the wood

☺ Select Actions --> Simulate with Machine
☺ Check "Stock" box
☺ Press play, watch to check everything looks good

☺ Exit simulation
☺ Right click your object on the lefthand dropdown under Setups, click Post Process
☺ Select the machine, for us we used a Mekanika
☺ Double check the Operations tab to make sure both actions (2D pocket + 2D contour in this case) will be executed
☺ Name the file and click Post!

☺ Screw or otherwise securely attach the piece of wood to the CNC table

☺ Make sure the emergency stop button is easily accessible
☺ With the CNC unplugged, put in the correct bit
☺ Turn on the computer of the CNC
☺ Click "Home" button so the machine can orient itself on the X, Y axis

☺ Then we need to calibrate in the Z direction (click on Z button) according to the height of the wood piece. Then click the ruler button below the Home button to save yout calibration.
☺ Now we set the speed, in our program we chose 20K ( ADD UNIT) so we needed to select between 4 & 5 (RETAKE PHOTO)
☺ Put in the thumb drive, open the file
☺ Go to the bottom left corner of the wood, click the XY button, this sets (0, 0) to this point (i.e., the starting point)
☺ Move the drill around using the X, Y up/down, side/side, buttons and watch the screen to make sure that the drill will be able to go all around the shape without hitting the screws or outside of the wood
☺ Prepare a vacuum to vacuum up the sawdust as we go
☺ Put in earplugs, wear safety goggles and tie up any loose hair or clothing
☺ Plug in the drill, turn the drill on & press play!
☺ When its done, turn the drill off, move it away from the work station using the X/Y buttons
☺ Using a chisel, break off the tabs and remove the piece
☺ Sand off any sharp edges and you're done!
☺ To finish off, unplug the drill