Hello All,
I hope you'll be able to get the project done before Mother's Day! (If not, there's always next year!)
Anyway, I thought I would post a few more quick details and some photos in lieu of my normal PDF file/instructions before I leave for the weekend for my daughter's college graduation (finally, after six years - married, two kids - made the task longer for her!)
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Note to Stuart: if you are already putting something together I don't know about, go ahead and delete this post, at will!
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Mother's Keepsake BoxCarefully review all the toolpaths and make any necessary changes to suit your particular bits and machine. The toolpaths are currently set with feed and speeds that were used in creating the original sample. Please don’t use them directly until you review them for your own setup. I ran this project on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48...a great machine, I might add!
I used three bits on this project...1) CMT 60° "laser-point", 2) CMT 90°, and 3) a ¼" Down Cut for the profile cut outs.You can edit the tools and change the settings to your own preferences and requirements. I set the v-carve toolpaths' feed/speed rates fairly slow to avoid any chance of chip out on the delicate carve areas. Also, I set up TWO toolpaths for the v-carves in each file...the first pass does the job...then the 2nd pass "cleans" out fuzzies and any remnants in the grooves. I like to run the v-carves twice, but it's your choice whether you want to do that or not.
It is very important to recalculate all toolpaths after making any edits/changes either to the toolpaths or material sizes/layouts. Once you have recalculated for your own machine and bits, reset the preview, then preview all toolpaths again to visually verify the project outcome on-screen.
The project is designed with tabs to hold parts in place during the final part cut outs. You may delete the tabs if you use some other reliable hold-down method.
• After machining, separate the parts from the boards and sand off the tab remnants and any undesirable tool marks.
• The box uses simple butt-joint/glue construction. Place a couple scraps of 3/4"-thick wood on a flat surface. Place the bottom of the box on top of the "platform" of scraps. This elevates the bottom to the correct height. (No, don't glue the scraps on -they are there just as a temporary spacer/platform.)
• Glue the four sides to each other and the bottom. Apply clamps until set.
• Attach the hinge to the box and lid to check fit. Adjust if necessary (sand).
• Remove the hinge and apply your choice of finish.
• Re-attach the hinge and install a lid strain relief chain or bracket after the finish is dry.
• Give to Mom (or Mum)!
by StuartH » Thu Apr 28, 2011 4:20 pm 
