HeeksCNC Approach

Design to Final Product

Sherline 8580 NexGen

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Reference:

Lessons Learned

Process Steps

Process Description


    1> Create general shape in OpenSCAD.
    2> Render and export an STL from OpenSCAD.
    3> Import STL to Blender and push/pull to better shape.
    4> Export a new STL solid from Blender.
    5> Open new HeeksCAC session
    5.1> Copy and rename a "good" *.heeks project file if available.
    5.2> Setup tool table as needed.
    5.3 Import Blender STL to add the STL SOlid to the HeeksCAD/CNC project.
    6.> Work design
    6.1> Adjust the solid until a suitable XYZ origin is at a workable point on hte solid.
    6.2> Create a new surface pointing/linking to the STL solid
    6.3> Create a "large boundary" sketch to serve as a plane for clipping.
    6.4> Setup at least one pocket operation
    6.4.1> Linking the surface from 6.1 to the pocket
    6.4.2> Linking the boundary sketch of 6.3 to the pocket.
    6.4.3> Set the "Final Depth" to touch the boundary plane on the Z-axis.
    6.5> Run the post-processing step to create the NGC.
    6.6> Inspect the toolpaths that follow the X/Y Axis, and the Z Axis
    6.6.1> Insure that the tooling cuts at least one path between the object and each of the outlying lines of the boundary sketch.
    6.6.2> Create space between the object and the boundary lines of the boundary sketch as needed.
    7> Add scaling factors for the X, Y, Z axises to easily alter the size of the 3D object to suit.
    8> Refine the granularity of the milling cuts as needed using the process given above.
    9> Cautiously test the scale, feedrates, spinlde speeds, etc. to produce a finished object.
    10> Create a "Finishing Pocket" to clean-up the rough-cut pocket.

Rough Cut First Pass Milling

Photo 1:General fishing lure shape showing the space between the object and the walls of the pocket. The object rest on the planeSketch. The planeSketch surface will serve as the "tab/tag" holding surface for milling of the second side.


Photo 2: The "crude" cuts of the four layers are shown.

Rough/Finish Pocket Operations

Key Files

The following files are available:

Collection of Helpful Images

Things That Go Bump In The Night

The following is a collection of dead-ends, box canyons, etc. that eventually led to a successful process.


Please send comments or questions using e-mail. (Last update: November 27, 2018 tar)