Better CNC Results with Setup Blocks

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We all know that plywood thicknesses can vary widely, and this makes it difficult to be sure of cutting through your stock without cutting too deep into your spoilboard. You can measure the stock in hand and adjust the program, but there is a better way.

In this video I show you how to avoid the hassle by setting the Z-Axis off of setup blocks instead of the stock to allow for cutting through a range of size variations while cutting into the spoilboard little if at all.

Veritas Setup Blocks as seen in the video

Whiteside Setup Blocks available on Amazon

Links may be affiliate links that help keep Woodcademy free when you use them and cost you nothing.

CNC / Laser Ornament 2023

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I made a bunch of these ornaments for Christmas this year, but the techniques are valuable for a wide range of decorative items you may want to make.

I used a new 1/16” diameter bit. These tiny bits allow for very fine detail cuts and yet are surprisingly resilient. I have yet to break one. I have used both the Freud and the SPE Tools bits, and both work really well.

I sized the ornaments to be decorated with my small laser, but they can be printed, painted or decorated in any number of ways. Use the button on the right to get our newsletter and be among the first to know about great free content like this.

Free dxf file with 2 ornaments

SPE Tools 1/16” downshear bit

Freud 1/16” straight bit

Affiliate Links. Using these helps support Woodcademy at no cost to you.

Design and Make Gnocchi Boards on Your CNC

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These gnocchi board files are perfect for you to practice adapting CAD programs to customize your projects.

You can download a free folder with several dxf files, pick the one you like best and then follow along with the video to adapt it and personalize it for your own use.

Gnocchi Board DXF File Download

Find loads more CNC training in my book, Beginner’s Guide to CNC Machining in Wood, from Fox Chapel Publishing.

A Quick Tip for the Best Edge Cuts

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Tools and machines both flex a little under load. This is why you can generally see (and need to sand out) the lines for each pass when cutting through.

There is a simple toolpath option you can use to eliminate these tool marks, and in this video, Ralph shows it to you.

You can learn more techniques like this working through the projects in “Beginner’s Guide to CNC Machining in Wood”.

CNC Charcuterie Set

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Learn how using the right bits can round over the parts being cut on your CNC.

See how the “onion skin” technique holds parts without tabs that need to be cut and sanded after.

Watch how you can cut the parts free and finish the edges in one step after milling.

Recently, I helped Woodworker’s Journal with a fun pig shaped charcuterie board project for the CNC. You can find the video and downloadable files here.

I liked the board so well that I decided it needed some “piglet” plates to make it a set, and milled them using my ShopBot Desktop CNC.

Download the DXF file and the VCarve Program.

The Point Cutting Round Over Bit.

The Dish Carving Bit.

Brass Pilot Trim Bits.

Cut and Finish CNC Parts in One Step

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I often use an “onion skin” technique, leaving a thin layer of material behind to hold parts rather than using tabs. This generally provides a smooth edge that does not need as much cleanup as tabs, but does require the parts to be flush trimmed out of the leftover web.

Trimming the parts using a 1/4” bit inside a 1/4” slot can be tricky, and then the bottom edge usually needs to be eased or chamfered as a secondary operation.

But Infinity Tools Brass Pilot Trim bit set features a 3/16” diameter pilot on the bits so it passes easily through the cut slot and the bits come in a variety of round over and even chamfer sizes. So I can cut the parts free from the stock AND finish the lower edge all in one pass using a trim router. All I need is a 1/4" access hole to start the cut.

Infinity Tools sent me the set free of charge for this video.

See the Brass Pilot Router Bits Here.

I cover tabs, onion skins and many other programming topics in my book; Beginner’s Guide to CNC Machining in Wood Check it out.

Halloween Candy Dish on your CNC

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This project is fun to make and can teach you a lot about bit choices and proper programming to get the best results. The same techniques I teach throughout my book: “Beginner’s Guide to CNC Machining in Wood”.

The ShopBot Desktop CNC in the video is on loan to me from ShopBot Tools.

Affiliate links to bits:

Freud Dish Carving Bit #19-104

Whiteside Point Cutting Round Over #1572

Download the DXF File for Free

Make a Lathe Steady Rest with your CNC

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One of the best things about having a CNC in the shop is being able to make jigs and fixtures to augment your more traditional tools. These lathe Steady Rests are a good example.

This is a simple but effective steady rest that uses skate wheels so there is little mark off on the parts. costs well under $50.00 to build since we give you the .dxf files for free!

DXF files are available for lathes with swings of 5,6,7,8,9,10 and 12” (bed to spindle center) so most current lathes are covered. We also have a hardware list.

Get the free DXF files