Hack of the Week No.52 + Video

Every year a new batch of young and young at heart graduate form school of some sort.  More ready then ever to take on the challenges of the workforce and looking to change the world.  

This graduation plaque was created using models from these projects:

The font we used to simulate the v-carving on this layout is call:  Century

Note - This hack was assembled in Aspire V8 for presentation purposes.  It could have been done in VCarve Pro V8 or VCarve Desktop!!!  So many options.

A Little Something Extra

We created a 5min video showing you how we created this hack in Aspire V8 (using tools that are available in VCarve Pro v8 and Desktop with the exception of the Shadow Shaded view). 

If your new to using our projects in VCarve Desktop, VCarve Pro V8 or Aspire this will be worth the time to watch!

This hack was inspired by a hack submission by one of our Weekend CNC Warriors - Uncle Henry.  Schools end is almost here so it's the perfect time to start planning those graduation gifts.

"For this project, I used the diploma (from the Graduation Day No.1 project) and a model that came with Aspire.  I added a component to dish out the center added your model and v-carving.  I used a piece of walnut and simply sealed it (no stain) it turned out quite dark.  I used Testor's model airplane paint to fill in the v-carving in order to make them pop. I would advise using a piece of cherry instead but I didn't have a piece on hand. The v-bit for the small intricate lettering is 22 degrees. It does a great job but you need to be careful to limit the cut depth when you have thin areas. Simple but something a graduate can put on the wall at home or as a credential at work.Thanks for helping make these projects easy. 

After rouging with a 0.50 straight bit I used a 0.25 ball nose for the frame and background and a 0.125 ball nose for the diploma."

Why not hack together your own layout mixing and matching models form other projects or from your own library!  For some great inspiration check out our  hacks page!

Be safe and let the chips fly!

The Design and Make/CNCProjects Team

Schools in and the shop is open!

Summer school break is almost done... it's the last weekend before the kiddies are heading back to the old school grind.  That's a good thing right?!  Kids will be off to bed earlier and will be keen to spend time with friend on the weekends.  Yep... that means more time for you in the shop working on that Weekend CNC Warrior project you have been putting off. Right?  RIGHT?!

For a bit of inspiration we felt it would be a good time to make a Shop Notes post about a project we put out at the end of the 2014 school year.

Yeah , yeah we know its a graduation themed mini-project... but we know some of you out there are procrastinators so this will give you lots of time to prepare... or maybe to inspire a 2015 grad.

This mini-project is filled with 3 of the most iconic symbols of "graduation":  the graduation cap, diploma and books.  All have been modeled to make sure you have tons of layout options.

The cap is built to fit over the rolled diploma or the books and the unrolled diploma has a flat background so it is easy to add models to it.  The spine on one of the books and the rolled diploma can be easily v-carved with a year, subject or anything else you can think of. 

Almost forgot to mention the books can be stacked!!!  

Don't forget that all of our mini-projects can be hacked together to create an infinite number of Weekend CNC Warrior projects!  Like the hack to the left...

The alumni appreciation plaque to the left was made using the models from 3 mini-projects:

WOW... that's a hack!

 

Well... what are you waiting for... get that CNC dusted off and get planning that next Weekend CNC Warrior project! 

Be safe and let the chips fly!

The CNCminiProjects Team