CNC Furniture
In this Maker Group we’ll build a chair:
- CAD Basics (OnShape).
- Create the CNC Router file
- Use a CNC Router to cut the chair
- Assemble the chair
- Make a cushion (optional)
*This Makergroup provides participants the autonomy to design any furniture they’d like to cut. We will not be going step-by-step through the process of designing a chair in CAD to allow for this freedom. You will design your furniture outside of the sessions. A chair file is provided if students prefer a pre-made chair instead of making their own.
Time & Costs
This Maker Group will meet for two 1-hour sessions to design the file, one 2-hour individual session to cut and assemble the chair, and one optional sewing session.
Chair Materials:
- 4’x8′ Birch Plywood sheet = $40
- Optional: 2’x2′ fabric sheet = $3
- Optional: Pillow Fluff = $7
Session 1 : Basic CAD and Basic Joinery
March 1, 3-4pm
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In this session we’ll cover:
- Introduce the Makerspace Staff and other makers in the group ( 10 min )
- Basic overview of OnShape (30 mins)
- Basics of joinery and parametric kerf (20 mins)
Homework: Practice designing a chair!
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To prepare for this session:
- Create a free OnShape account. This is the CAD software we’ll use through the entire project.
- Complete the OnShape tutorial “Introduction to Sketching“. ( OnShape offers many great tutorials. Explore them here. )
Optional Session: CAD Office Hours
March 4, 11-12pm
Session 2 : Learn How to Design a Router File
March 8, 3-4pm
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In this session we’ll cover:
- How a CNC router works ( 10 minutes )
- Basics of V-Carve (15 mins)
- Creating tool paths in V-Carve ( 15 minutes )
- Reserving a time at the Makerspace to use the V-Carve router. (3 minutes)
- Trouble shooting your project.
*We’ll provide you with a dxf chair file if you’d prefer our chair instead of your design!
Homework: Complete your V-carve file and send it to Lauren for review! Once approved, set up a session to cut.
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To prepare for this session:
- Download the free trial of V-Carve Pro.
Session 3 : Cut Your Chair!
March 9 – April 2, 2 hour – individual sessions
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In this session we’ll:
- Cut your chair! (1.5 hr)
- Assemble your chair! (.5 hr)
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To prepare for this session:
- Complete your V-carve file and send it to Lauren for review. Once approved, set up a session to cut.
Session 4 : Sew a Cushion (Optional)
March 22, 3-4pm
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In this session we’ll cover:
- How to use a sewing machine (15 mins)
- How to cut a pin your fabric for sewing (5 mins)
- How to stuff and finish the cushion (10 mins)
- Free time to sew cushion (30 mins)