How to Use a CNC Mill With Google SketchUp

Using a CNC Mill is pretty easy, and I'm going to show you how to upload a Google SketchUp project onto MillWizard.

Step 1: Making a 3D Image

First thing you need to do is to convert Sketch Up to .stl files. You can find and download this here su2stl.rb, which can download from this page. The next thing that you need to do is get the .stl files into the Sketch Up Pluggins. To do that you need to copy the .stl file into the pluggins file here C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 6\Plugins. Then make a 3D image on SketchUp, the design should only be 1", 1", 1" when you first start to make it easier.

Step 2: Uploading the SketchUp File to MillWizard

Now you can convert the Sketch Up file to .stl file, so MillWizard can read the file and transfer it into G-Code, the code that the CNC Mill reads. Then you select the entire model and go to the tool bar and click "Plugins" then click "Export to STl". This will convert your model to an .stl file. Next you upload the .stl file to the Mill wizard. Select the file and use these demensions.

Type: End Mill

Diameter: 2.5

Cutting Length: 20

Stepover %: 50 (The lower it is the more presice).

Spindle Speed: 300

Feed Rate: 1000 for foam, 500 for wax.

Plunge Rate: the same as Feed Rate.

Raster in X and in Y

Safe Z height: 5

Press Calculate. And then Simulate if you want.

On the next page select Gcode inch [*.tap]

Then save the finishing.