Week 2 Digital Joint: Halved Dovetail Corner

In this week, every student in the class was assigned with a digital joint to make. We need to both make a 3D version of the joint on Rhino 7 and also used the Shapeoko CNC machine to print it.I was assigned to make halved dovetail corner. If you are interested in this topic, please keep reading...

Steps:

1. Observation & Sketching

2. 2D & 3D Modeling

3. Creating Toolpaths

4. 2.5D Fabrication

5. Smoothing & Finalizing

6. Final Work & Reflection

Supplies

120(l) x 50(w) x 18(h) mm wood board x 2
Rhino 7

Carbide Create

Shapeoko CNC machine

Step 1: Observation & Sketching

When I have received the picture of the digital joint that I was going to make, I observed it for a while. I realized that I could separate each piece into three different part from top to down. I tried to sketch the three parts on paper, and make sure the measurements and scales are right.

Step 2: 2D & 3D Modeling

Then, I started to draw its 2D and 3D models on Rhino 7. I find the process a little bit challenging. I learnt to use planner curves to create surface, extrude curves to create the side surfaces, and boolean union to combine objects. Finally, I successfully made the model.

Step 3: Creating Toolpaths

In this phase, I had to alter the 2D model I made using Rhino 7 and send it to Carbide Create. I faced a lot of challenges too. I really felt thankful for professor Garcia's help. He taught me how to change my 2D model into what the 2.5D printing machine could read. For example, I need to change the pocket parts' outside larger than the original one.

Step 4: 2.5D Fabrication

The next step was sending the G-code to the Shapeoko CNC machine and printing out the model. Under professor's guide, we set up the printing machine and started printing. The printing process went pretty fast and smoothly.

Step 5: Smoothing & Finalizing

The final step was to get the joints out of the wood board and adjusted their shapes a little bit. I tried tools including two kinds of wood knife, woodworking file, and sandpaper.etc. I encountered a little challenge when the two pieces didn't fit with each other at first. Later, I realized that this was because I need to make some edges more round in shape. After doing that, my two pieces of joint can fit with each other perfectly.

Step 6: Final Work & Reflection

In this assignment, I learnt many skills in Rhino 7 that are related to 3D modeling. Making digital joints was really a good way to practice these skills. Moreover, the process on learning how to use the Shapeoko CNC machine was really interesting too. This was the first time I heard about 2.5D and it really make sense to me. It was a special experience how we could use 2D image to print 3D objects. In addition, the process of smoothing and adjusting the shape of the wood pieces was fun too. I really enjoyed this assignment and hope to learn more about 3D modeling and 3D printing in the upcoming courses.