Introduction: Beginner Portable Tic-Tac-Toe Board With Fusion 360

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About: Hi I'm Macey and I'm using Instructables

Portable Tic-Tac-Toe Board with CNC. Using Fusion beginning to model the box. With separating components, sanding, and option of personalizing for fun if you have access to a laser cutter! By finishing this project goes through the steps for creating a 7x7 portable tic-tac-toe board. A game that is good for just anyone just to pass the time with. Includes the main objects of 3 components; the base, the lid, and the game pieces. Convenient because it acts like a sealed chest fitting all the objects in one piece. It contains using Fusion, CNC, and laser cutter (optional).

Supplies

  1. Sketchbook and pencil for ideas / coming up with dimensions for game board.
  2. A computer with 3D modeling software (used Fusion360)
  3. Compatible CNC router (used a Laguna IQ CNC router)
  4. A piece of wood for the board (7x7x1in), the lid (7x7x3/8in), 5X's, and 4 O's (0.625x1.5in). (used poplar)
  5. A table saw or band saw.
  6. Orbital sander with 120, 220, and 600 grit sandpaper.
  7. Dremel tool with sanding attachments for tight spaces.
  8. Paint or stain of your choice.
  9. Laser cutter with compatible software - which is optional! :)

Step 1: Learn Fusion 360

Learn Fusion 360 in 30 Days. Follow the YouTube video tutorial attached above. Published by Product Design Online.

TUTORIAL RESOURCE

1. This tutorial's page ➞ https://productdesignonline.com/d1

Day 1 of Learn Fusion 360 in 30 Days for Complete Beginners! – 2023 EDITION – To Block - PDO

Day 1 of Learn Fusion 360 in 30 Days for Complete Beginners! – 2023 EDITION – To Block

Step 2: Sketch

Draw a sketch labeling dimensions for the game board. Dimensions used are here below. Can also be customized to a personalized size.

My Dimensions

7x7in box, 2.00in squares, 0.25in between squares

O's - 1.5in outer diameter, 1.25in inner diameter

X's- 3/8in cross sections, 1.5in with, 1.5in length

Step 3: Model a Box in Fusion360

  1. Begin modeling a 7x7x1in box with 3/8in corner fillets.
  2. Create a sketch on the surface of the box, making 9 equal square sections with 0.25in of material between them.

Step 4: Extrude/retract Sketches

  1. Extrude/Retract sketches from the previous step to make the 9 equal pockets, this will be the base.
  2. Create sketches inside pockets you just created to make placeholders for the game pieces. 

Step 5: Extrude Placeholder Sketches

Extrude the sketches from the previous step to complete the 3D model of the game board. (these are 3/8in deep)

Step 6: Model Game Pieces

1. Sketch game pieces with dimensions to fit in the placeholders.

2. Transfer sketches to fusion and extrude to the right size.

(O's= 1.5in outer diameter, 1.25in inner diameter.) (X's= 3/8in cross sections, 1.5in with, 1.5in length)

Step 7: Generate Toolpaths

1. Generate toolpaths for everything, and minimize tool changes.

2. Re-check to make sure your tool paths are compatible with your machine.

Step 8: Prepare CNC

1. Prepare your piece by drawing dimension sketches for each component.

2. Cut to size and mount in CNC machine.

Step 9: Start to Cut!

Post the process (G & M code) and upload it to a flash drive, then run the program and cut out your components. Remove from the CNC, clear chips, and inspect components.

Step 10: Separate Components

  1. Use a table saw to separate the three boxes.
  2. Then use a band saw to carefully remove excess material from the base and lid, as well as to separate all the game pieces.

Step 11: Sanding Time

1. Orbital sander to smooth out the flat surfaces (base and lid). Start with 120 grit sandpaper, followed by 220, then finally 600 grit for a smooth finish.

2. Next, use a Dremel tool to smooth out tight spaces in the game board so it fits together nicely. This can also be done by hand.

Step 12: Personalize-if You Want

If you have access to a laser cutter, you can try laser engraving a cool design on the Lid to personalize your tic-tac-toe game!

Step 13: Finishing

  1. Finish any sanding and clean all components.
  2. Paint or stain any colors in even light coats, and allow time to cure.

Step 14: Done!

After allowing time to cure, re-check once more that all components and check for full operation.

Finally, take the board to have a game on!

Step 15: Thanks

Thanks for viewing! I hope you liked my school engineering do-it-yourself (DYOP) project. If you are feeling crafty, then I encourage you to try out this project and put your woodshop skills to the test. This makes a fun project including CNC, woodshop, and Fushion360! Thank you for following my instructable project. :)