Introduction: Blinky LED Snowflake

By Bantam Tools
About: Bantam Tools desktop CNC machines provide professional reliability and precision at an affordable price. (Bantam Tools was formerly Other Machine Co.)

In this beginner Bantam Tools tutorial, you'll learn to make your own snowflake ornament by milling the snowflake pattern out of an FR-1 PCB blank on your Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine. Then, you'll add the electronics to sparkle and shine!

Step 1: Tools and Materials

TOOLS

MATERIALS

Step 2: Attach Your Material

Affix your FR-1 circuit board blank to the mill's bed using double-sided tape. If the aligning bracket is in place, remove it and make sure the bottom left corner of the FR-1 is flush with the edges of the bed. Leave some extra tape hanging over the edges for easy removal later on.

In the milling machine software, click Setup Material. Choose the standard single-sided FR-1. Click Continue and Align to Bed Origin and then click Done.

Step 3: Set Up Your File and Mill

First, set up your file in the Bantam Tools software:

  • Download the zip file. The extension name may change, so look for it in your downloads and then open the folder, where you'll see Snowflake.brd.
  • In the machine software, click "Import Files" and select Snowflake.brd.
  • Select a 1/32” tool.

Click Start Cutting. If a 1/32” tool isn’t already inserted, you’ll be prompted to insert one prior to cutting. This design takes about 40 minutes to cut out.

When it’s done milling, wipe or vacuum off the dust, then remove your board and the rest of the FR-1 from the machining bed. Peel off all the tape, remove the snowflake, and clean up the edges with a Scotch-Brite pad.

Attachments

Step 4: Solder

Now it’s time to solder. Hooray! If you’re not familiar with soldering, Adafruit’s guide is a great place to start.

  • Solder the LEDs first. Make sure the flat, or negative, lead is facing towards the outside edges of the snowflake.
  • Solder the resistors.
  • Solder the battery clip.

Insert your battery into the clip. Does your snowflake light up? Great! Does it not? Check to make sure your LEDs and battery clip are in the correct orientation and that all of your solder welds are solid. If you’re a beginner, this might take you a few times, so be extra careful!

Step 5: Make It Pretty

Once your snowflake is working, clip the ends of all of the LEDs and resistors as close to the FR-1 as possible. Insert the thread or baker's twine through the thread hole and tie a knot. Voila! You’re done.

If you make this project or something similar, show us your creation! Or if you have questions, contact us at support@bantamtools.com. We're here to help!