CNC software

1) Once you are logged onto your desktop, load up the Boxford V10 CAD/CAM application. Then load your GMM file for your chair.

2) Click on the picture of the machine in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Another menu will open up. NOTE: Before you go any further ensure that you have set the depth on your 2D design. To do this, load up your 2D design and in the file menu press ‘To Mill’. This will open a sub menu. Click depth in this menu. In the box next to the black square it should say 3mm. If it does not, then change it. Then you can continue onto step 3.

3) When you enter this page, a box saying ‘autohome’ may appear on the screen. If this happens then press ‘autohome’. Open up the Boxford machine and INSERT A SACRIFICIAL BED. This is just a piece of MDF which is put in the machine to stop the cutting tool from damaging the machine. It goes into the top left-hand corner and it is held in place using nuts and bolts which must be as tight as possible to stop the bed from sliding around.

4) Now you choose what material you are going to have the machine cut. Once you have chosen the material and colour, you must use double sided tape to hold the plastic to the sacrificial bed, so none of the pieces fly off. You should use around five strips. The tape must be smooth before you place it inside the machine.
5) Press continue on the computer programme to go on to the next part. On this screen you will need to enter the distance between the top of the material to be cut and the top of the bench. To measure this we will use a DVC (Digital Verna Caliper). Enter the data on screen and then press next.

6) If the cutter is not inserted into the machine, then you will have to insert it now. We are using a 3mm cutter, so insert that one. You must then tighten it using a jig so that the piece does not come out while it is cutting your material.
7) You will not be able to continue with your work unless you lock the screen guard on the Boxford machine. Close the screen and then turn the small black handles to lock it.

New DT blog

I've finally got around to starting my new DT blog. I'll be posting information about how my DT projects are doing over the next couple of weeks so check back soon.