It seems a spooky spell has descended this Halloween, and while something mysterious surrounds the LED Pumpkin Box, rest assured—it wasn’t magic! Our talented engineering team took the reins and crafted this glowing creation, though the OutBack CNC was found running at the heart of the eerie event. We checked the CCTV footage, and what we discovered was a showcase of skill, not the supernatural. Ready to dive into the tale of how our engineers pulled off this pumpkin project? Let’s explore… if you dare!
Step 1: Design (CAD)
We decided to use Vectric Vcarve to design the pumpkin box model. Using Vcarve’s intuitive tools meant that modelling this project was a breeze! To make your life even easier, we’ve got the DXF file ready to roll. Grab it below for free!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
With our model ready, it was time to use Vectric Vcarve’s CAM operations to generate a full toolpath. If you’d like to learn how to use Vectric for CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), we have a fantastic manual found here. Oh yeah, did I mention you can also get a free End Mill Library for Fusion360, Carveco, or Vectric? Download it below!
Now, let’s talk end mills. For this project, we went with our #104 2 Flute End Mill – Compression – 6mm. This end mill features a compression cut which produces a fantastic finish on both the top and bottom of the material. With the perfect tool in hand, we are ready to prepare our CNC machine.
Trust me, choosing the right end mill can make all the difference! If you’re interested in learning more about End Mills, check out our End Mill Category Below!
Click to Expand
Step 3: Preparation & Cutting
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
With our model ready, it was time to use Vectric Vcarve’s CAM operations to generate a full toolpath. If you’d like to learn how to use Vectric for CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), we have a fantastic manual found here. Oh yeah, did I mention you can also get a free End Mill Library for Fusion360, Carveco, or Vectric? Download it below!
Now, let’s talk end mills. For this project, we went with our #104 2 Flute End Mill – Compression – 6mm. This end mill features a compression cut which produces a fantastic finish on both the top and bottom of the material. With the perfect tool in hand, we are ready to prepare our CNC machine.
Trust me, choosing the right end mill can make all the difference! If you’re interested in learning more about End Mills, check out our End Mill Category Below!
Click to Expand
Step 3: Preparation & Cutting
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
With our model ready, it was time to use Vectric Vcarve’s CAM operations to generate a full toolpath. If you’d like to learn how to use Vectric for CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), we have a fantastic manual found here. Oh yeah, did I mention you can also get a free End Mill Library for Fusion360, Carveco, or Vectric? Download it below!
Now, let’s talk end mills. For this project, we went with our #104 2 Flute End Mill – Compression – 6mm. This end mill features a compression cut which produces a fantastic finish on both the top and bottom of the material. With the perfect tool in hand, we are ready to prepare our CNC machine.
Trust me, choosing the right end mill can make all the difference! If you’re interested in learning more about End Mills, check out our End Mill Category Below!
Click to Expand
Step 3: Preparation & Cutting
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
With our model ready, it was time to use Vectric Vcarve’s CAM operations to generate a full toolpath. If you’d like to learn how to use Vectric for CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), we have a fantastic manual found here. Oh yeah, did I mention you can also get a free End Mill Library for Fusion360, Carveco, or Vectric? Download it below!
Now, let’s talk end mills. For this project, we went with our #104 2 Flute End Mill – Compression – 6mm. This end mill features a compression cut which produces a fantastic finish on both the top and bottom of the material. With the perfect tool in hand, we are ready to prepare our CNC machine.
Trust me, choosing the right end mill can make all the difference! If you’re interested in learning more about End Mills, check out our End Mill Category Below!
Click to Expand
Step 3: Preparation & Cutting
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
With our model ready, it was time to use Vectric Vcarve’s CAM operations to generate a full toolpath. If you’d like to learn how to use Vectric for CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), we have a fantastic manual found here. Oh yeah, did I mention you can also get a free End Mill Library for Fusion360, Carveco, or Vectric? Download it below!
Now, let’s talk end mills. For this project, we went with our #104 2 Flute End Mill – Compression – 6mm. This end mill features a compression cut which produces a fantastic finish on both the top and bottom of the material. With the perfect tool in hand, we are ready to prepare our CNC machine.
Trust me, choosing the right end mill can make all the difference! If you’re interested in learning more about End Mills, check out our End Mill Category Below!
Click to Expand
Step 3: Preparation & Cutting
There are 3 main tasks to get your CNC machine setup: Clamping, Probing, & Extraction.
Click to Expand
Clamping We used the incredibly versatile T-track and the super strong T-track clamps, to firmly secure our wood onto the spoiler board. Furthermore, These tools make holding down the material significantly easier while ensuring precision and stability throughout the machining process.
Interested in learning more about the spoiler board and T-Track setup? Check out this comprehensive blog post below!
Collet & End Mill Installation Before cutting, we need a cutting tool! As mentioned, we decided on the 3 Flute Carbide End Mills – Straight Cut Chip Breakerfor this project. To install, simply slide the End Mill into the appropriate Collet. Then, tighten the Collet & End Mill onto the spindle.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Probing To set the start position of the program, we first position the XYZ touch probe snugly on the nearest corner of our material, then attach the alligator clip to a solid ground point such as the end mill or spindle.
Within your favourite GCODE sender, we initiate the probing process, which quickly sets the precise X, Y, and Z start positions. This step ensures that our CNC program begins with pinpoint accuracy, laying the foundation for flawless execution. To read more about probing, check out your controller manual on https://makerhardware.net/
Extraction As our CNC machine works, it inevitably generates swarf – those wood chips that can wreak havoc on your projects and even wear down our end mills.
To keep our creations pristine and our tools in top shape, we simply opted for our trusty shop vacuum. It’s a straightforward yet effective method to easily remove any swarf in its path, ensuring a clean and smooth cutting process.
Now, onto the fun part – the execution phase! With all the setup completed and our program loaded onto the controller, it’s time to unleash the OutBack CNC.
Click to Expand
Click to Expand
Production After starting the GCODE, we carefully watched the blank piece of pine turn into a terrifying Pumpkin Box. Let’s not forget to capture these moments! Don’t hesitate to grab your camera and snap some awesome shots for Instagram. Remember to tag us with #MakerStore, so we can see what you’ve made!
Step 4: Adding Electronics and Lights
We decided that the pumpkin box alone was scary but not quite terrifying. As such, we thought some spooky orange flickering lights would strike fear in the hearts of those who dare to look. To do so, we opted for a simple ESP32 circuit featuring the Maker Store ESP32 Breakout Board. Combined with an ARGB (Addressable Red Blue Green) LED Strip, power supply, and a handful of connectors, we were ready to hook it up!
Click to Expand
Follow our socials!
Be the first to know, connect with us via our Social Media accounts below!
Open Friday 19th December from 8 AM – 12 PM (Closing Early)
Reception, phones, live chat and pick-up services will be absent from 12:00 PM this Friday.
Please email all enquiries to sales@makerstore.com.au and we will respond when we return on Monday, 22nd December.
Orders placed after 12:00 PM on Friday, 19th December and over the weekend will be processed after we return on Monday, 22nd December.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to assisting you when we return!
Join the Maker Store Community!
Be the first to know about exclusive discounts, new product releases, pre-sales and much more!
