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How do I use a CNC machine?
Ein
CaliforniaRegistered User regular
CaliforniaRegistered User regular
Hey guys.
I'm hoping to find someone here familiar with the process of CNC machining - the general gist of it that I get is that a machine will carve - usually from metal - a part or pieces away to create a final piece.
This interests me because I am an avid Warhammer 40k player, and I have seen models that have utilized this sort of method to be created. Usually, the modeller will start with a basic model (like, say, a space marine), and then create 'molds' with machining techniques. These molds then have 'greenstuff', or an air-drying putty, pressed into them, and are left to dry. The finished and dried sculpted piece is then removed from the mold, trimmed down, and placed on the model.
It creates something like this:
Obviously, this is more detail than one individual can reasonably sculpt, and it comes out looking phenomenally clean on a 28mm miniature.
Now, here's where the question part of this comes in:
My college campus has a CNC machine, which I have been told is the sort of machine that is used to make the molds in which the green putty is shaped. I am going to try my damndest to get access to these machines - for the purposes of these threads, let's assume they've given me the go-ahead to make molds as needed.
How would I create effective designs to be carved into a metal plate as a 'negative' so that I could use it as a mold? I'm imagining it involves a bit of CAD work, which I'm up for (I learned some in a high school architectural class) but are there particulars to this process I am unfamiliar with? Can CNC machines generally carve something this small and intricate?
I'm hoping to find someone here familiar with the process of CNC machining - the general gist of it that I get is that a machine will carve - usually from metal - a part or pieces away to create a final piece.
This interests me because I am an avid Warhammer 40k player, and I have seen models that have utilized this sort of method to be created. Usually, the modeller will start with a basic model (like, say, a space marine), and then create 'molds' with machining techniques. These molds then have 'greenstuff', or an air-drying putty, pressed into them, and are left to dry. The finished and dried sculpted piece is then removed from the mold, trimmed down, and placed on the model.
It creates something like this:
Obviously, this is more detail than one individual can reasonably sculpt, and it comes out looking phenomenally clean on a 28mm miniature.
Now, here's where the question part of this comes in:
My college campus has a CNC machine, which I have been told is the sort of machine that is used to make the molds in which the green putty is shaped. I am going to try my damndest to get access to these machines - for the purposes of these threads, let's assume they've given me the go-ahead to make molds as needed.
How would I create effective designs to be carved into a metal plate as a 'negative' so that I could use it as a mold? I'm imagining it involves a bit of CAD work, which I'm up for (I learned some in a high school architectural class) but are there particulars to this process I am unfamiliar with? Can CNC machines generally carve something this small and intricate?
Ein on
0
Posts
Do not use if you do not know WTF you are doing.
Anyway, try just putting a sign up by the lab the CNC machine is in asking for help. There might just be a gamer or two in the department willing to work with you.