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www.CNC-West.com
CNC WEST April/May 2022
Guitar body machined by Redmond High Panther Tech students.
machinist, including a novice, because the simplified, consistent toolpath replaces multiple, less advanced toolpaths and cuts programming time. The easy-to-use roughing strategy allows programmers to create powerful, safe, and efficient programs for an entire part. Optimized cutting conditions reduce the chance of tool breakage and the need to stop machining for extra set-ups, so cycle times are drastically reduced. Advanced students work on more elaborate projects including ukuleles. The students built their own tooling so they can continue working on their ukuleles at home. CAD/CAM software was used in other student projects such as cornhole boards and a coffee table with built-in cribbage board cup holders and a laser-cut image. Both projects were designed, programmed, and machined in Mastercam, then saved as DXF files to be loaded into the laser software. Other classes built electric guitars and made tools for some of the program’s industry partners. For example, they produced fork clamps for a local motorcycle mechanic.
Perhaps the most complex items created by Panther Tech students were bullet boxes for the Redmond Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4108. Each two-piece, rectangular part included barrel hinges. Special engraved versions with inlays and challenge coins were created for a local World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient and his family members. The boxes were machined from 6061 aluminum on a Haas Mini Mill; Dynamic Milling was used for pocketing and the hinges. Contour and Engrave toolpaths machined the words “Duty, Honor, Country” on the box lids while Chamfer and Model Chamfer toolpaths softened all edges.
“It turned out absolutely amazing,” said Kernion. “It’s a
Student created cornhole boards, designed, programmed, and machined in Mastercam.



























































































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