Elizabeth Johns Project 4: Desktop CNC

 

Process

For this project, we were instructed to import a topographic map into Fusion 360 and use part of the topography to create a design that would be carved out on the CNC machine.
Going into this project, I struggled with coming up with a concept that I would even want to make. The constraints of this project forced the size of the project to be 6” x 6” x ¾”, making it incredibly difficult to come up with a project that would fit inside this space and have an interesting design and function. After much brainstorming and looking at other wooden CNC projects online, I settled on creating a small jewelry tray because I recently had gotten my ears pierced for the first time and wanted something small to hold my smaller articles of jewelry on my bedside table when they’re not in use.
My first objective was to find a good location to use as a topographical base of the project. Because I wanted this project to be somewhat bowl-like and hold small objects, I was looking at lakes, craters, or any other kind of geological feature that would have an indented shape. After choosing a couple locations that ended up being duds, I discovered Crater Lake in Oregon. The lake had plenty of interesting geography around it, such as small hills surrounding the lake and an island on the edge of the water called Wizard Island. I used this lake as the basis for my design after cleaning up the geometry and making the perimeter of the design match the waterline of the lake. Finally, to create a more interesting shape in the water, I followed a tutorial to make waves around Wizard Island.
Below is the final version of the project rendered in Fusion 360.

Result

I honestly did not have that much trouble with the CNC machine. While its constraints were very limiting towards the final design, the actual use of the machine was pretty easy. The only real challenges the CNC machine posed was its programming, mostly because there were so many options and operations to choose from. It felt intimidating to look through the catalogue of options and decide which one would be best for the project, especially because I had no idea what these operations would actually do or how they would execute onto the wood. Thankfully, Ryan was a lot of help in choosing the right operation and learning how to use the machine.
Below is the final version of my project in real life! I’m a big fan of how the layers of the wood help convey the topography of the map. I also really like how the process used to make the project is clearly visible in the design. 

  

Reflection

Overall, I would say that the success of this project highlights just how much I’ve learned this semester in the makerspace and that I’ve learned to avoid the pitfalls that might hinder a project. I have a firm understanding of what I can do in the makerspace and what tools are at my disposal. I have learned a lot about the makerspace these past few months and I am confident that I can create anything I set my mind to using what I’ve learned. I am pleased to say that I look forward to starting the next and final project of the semester.

  

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