A simple video on how to use ArtCAM Express to create a basic clock out of a piece of wooden material.

Step 1: ArtCAM Express - Clock

Things you
need:

· ArtCAM express

· CNC machine

· Piece of wood

Step 2: Creating the Numbers

1. Determine the size of clock you want

2. Open a new model to these dimensions (in this example 300 x 300 x 10 mm)

3. Centre a circle vector to the middle of the model with the radius of 140mm

4. Draw a square on the edge of the model, then offset this vector 10mm inwards

5. Offset the circle outwards by 5mm, ensuring the “Delete original vectors” box is unchecked

6. Use the Trim Vectors tool to trim the vectors until the model looks like image 1

7. Draw another circle with the centre at the centre of the model using the Create Circle tool and drag it out to a
radius around 110mm

8. Snap a horizontal line from the centre of the circle to the edge, the use the Bulk Rotate tool to rotate this 12 times around the centre of the model (see image 2)

9. Type the numbers 1-12 in your chosen font and format using the Create Vector Text tool

10. Select both the numbers and the circle vector and fit the numbers to the curve using the Text on Curve tool.

(See image 3)

11 Drag each number to line it up with the corresponding line using Single Words editing style

(See image 4)

Step 3: Create the Decorations

1. Open a new model and create decorative vectors to go onto the clock face

For the example flower shown:

1. Sketch the petal shape using a Smoothed Vector

2. Draw a vector in the shape of the inside of the petal

3. Ensuring both vectors are closed, use the Subtract Vectors tool to create the overall petal shape

(See image 1)

4. Hold ctrl rotate the flower around to make a flower

5. Export the vectors as an EPS file by selecting the vectors, clicking “Vectors” and then “Export”

For the example flower vine shown

1. Select “Open Model” and select the picture of the flower

2. Reduce the colours so that only two remain using the Reduce Colours tool

(See image 2)

3. Use the Bitmap to Vector tool to create vectors from the bitmap

4. Edit the nodes if required using the Node Editing tool

5. Export the vectors as a EPS file

Step 4: Compiling the Design

1. On the original model create boundaries that you wish to be raised/lowered in the final design

2. Import the vectors previously created by selecting “Vectors” and then “Import”

3. Orientate the decorative vectors as you wish on the design using the mirror across model and the Block Copy /Rotate tool to ensure the design is symmetrical

Step 5: Creating the Tool Paths

1. First create a square vector around the edge of the workspace. This will help ArtCAM identify which areas to
machine

2. Selecting this vector along with the 4 corner vectors and the largest circular vector, create an area clearance
toolpath defined by the selected vectors. Set the start height of 0 and end height of 3mm. Select the 3mm End Mill tool for this. Ensure the Z Safe Height is more than 10mm

3. Create an area clearance toolpath in the central circle, select a start height of 0 and a finish height of 2mm

4. Select the numbers and calculate a V-bit carving toolpath. Use the Small V-bit 6mm 90 degree tool

5. Select all of the floral design which will be on the top layer of the clock and create a V-bit toolpath using the
same small tool

6. Create a V-bit toolpath for the central floral design, setting a start height of 2mm as the design is on a lowered surface. Deselect the maximum depth and use the small tool

7. Use an area clearance toolpath to create the hole where the mechanism will fit through. Set the start height of 2mm and the end height of 10mm. Select the 1.5mm end tool for this toolpath as the tool needs to fit within the hole