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In our latest software tutorial, Rob Sandstrom demonstrates how to cut a Mancala game board using a CNC benchtop router, decorating it with a final CO2 laser engraving. This beginner woodworking project is designed using both VCarve Pro 11 and Lightburn software. With some CNC programming basics you’ll see how easy it is to put a creative idea onto wood. Multiple elements from this project, such as creating shapes and adding text, can be applied to a variety of CNC projects in your shop.

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Download the project file: https://bit.ly/3cHC2sm

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction on how to make a Mancala game with a CNC
0:56 Creating a new file and job setup on VCarve Pro 11 vectric software
1:46 Adding top half game border
2:17 Placing game pockets onto board
5:12 Rounding out border corners
5:33 Making bottom half of game with a mirror copy
6:20 Organizing cuts into individual layers
9:29 Creating toolpath for pockets
14:53 Creating toolpath for magnets
15:33 Preview magnet toolpath
15:39 Creating toolpath for borders
17:01 Previewing border toolpath with tabs
17:15 Adjusting material setup before cutting
19:18 Saving toolpaths
20:23 Featured project CNC bits
21:57 Zeroing X, Y, and Z axis
25:40 Checking the time it will take to cut first toolpath
27:12 Checking your work and making adjustments
30:27 Running pocket toolpath with bowl bit
32:05 Running pocket toolpath with roundover bit
34:08 Using a compression bit for magnet holes and border
36:37 Cutting tabs to detach Mancala game from material
38:04 Importing VCarve Pro file into Lightburn software for laser engraving
39:52 Adding text to design
41:07 Setting speed and power
41:29 Exporting file
41:52 Aligning material to CO2 laser
43:26 Accessing Lightburn file
44:19 Double checking your work by framing cut
45:30 Laser engraving “Mancala” text
47:32 Finished project

All Dads, tune in! For this year’s Father’s Day, we create a woodworking gift that showcases what our iQ CNC Router and Laser EX can create when used together. Our compact iQ Router sculpts through the .8″ thick Zebrawood using a 1/4″ End Mill Down Bit to create beer flight boards and then continues to carve the wood to create placements for laser engraved beer glass cups and laser cut chalk surface. After passing the boards through our Pro75 Sander, our CO2 Laser EX machine beams through cardboard, glass cups, chalk sheet, and finally wood to add the final personalization design to the beer flight board. Happy Father’s Day to all Dad’s out there!

Curious on making items like these? Find the Free File Download and visit our links below to learn more about our machines.

Beer Tasting Flight Board & More Projects: https://bit.ly/3b4UdHN
Shop Our Current iQ Sale: https://bit.ly/3Qscvmj
Explore the SmartShop® Laser|EX: https://bit.ly/39pTMHs
Explore the Wood Compact 25″ 1K Widebelt: https://bit.ly/3xxnh2c

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In this video, woodworker Rob Sandstrom goes over the process of how to make snap together joinery for furniture pieces, shelves, storage racks, and more on a CNC. Follow along to build your own storage shelf in this beginner software tutorial and implement your knowledge on more elaborate woodworking projects. We begin using VCarve Pro 11 vectric software to establish the design and cut specifications and end on our benchtop CNC router before final assembly. Among Rob’s demonstrations of CNC machining best practices, he touches on the importance of nesting to save both time and material costs.

Check out Rob Sandstrom on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3CLR7Rw
See Rob’s joinery story board for the project in this video: https://bit.ly/3LJ8APh

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro to making snap together storage shelves
3:13 Creating a new file and job setup on VCarve Pro vectric software
3:46 Designing the support bracket
6:56 Making tabs for shelves
8:29 Placing shelf tabs in correct area
9:04 Duplicating tab for second placement
11:08 Making end slots for side pieces
22:34 Adding support slots to the edge of the shelf
32:28 Making individual layers for support bracket holes and outside profile cuts
33:18 Apply dog-bone fillets to tabs
33:35 Creating cut sheets while nesting parts on material
37:03 Setting up toolpaths for sheet 1 (slots and profiles)
39:32 Setting up toolpaths for sheet 2 (holes and profiles)
41:22 Key objectives and tips before cutting on CNC router
43:19 Installing and zeroing the bit in the Z direction
44:47 Nailing down cut sheet 1 with Nylon nails
46:06 Zeroing the machine in the X and Y direction
47:04 Running toolpaths for sheet 1 on the CNC
48:46 Switching to sheet 2 and securing it to spoilboard
52:02 Hold down locations map
52:55 Running toolpaths for sheet 2
55:25 Assembled storage shelf and concluding comments

In this how to software tutorial, Rob Sandstrom takes you step by step on the process of tiling, a way in which you can cut a sign longer than your CNC bed. Tiling allows your iQ Desktop CNC to become more versatile, giving you the option of making a sign as long as you would like without having to purchase a larger CNC. Using a bit of creativity, VCarve Pro vectric software, and a benchtop CNC router, we make a 48″ inch sign with just a 36″ bed!

Check out Rob Sandstrom on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3CLR7Rw
Explore the iQ CNC Router: https://bit.ly/3IodLSi
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►Contact us for more info: 800.234.1976 or email: [email protected]
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro to tiling sign making project
1:11 Creating a new file and job setup on VCarve Pro vectric software
1:40 Setting working guidelines and sign border
2:40 Adding the sign text
6:30 Adding alignment holes to design
9:36 Creating alignment hole toolpaths
11:30 Setting up tiling manager for the other toolpaths
12:42 Creating toolpaths for the small text
15:11 Creating toolpaths for the large text
16:24 Setting up toolpaths/profile cut for the border
17:46 Checking your work and making adjustments with the CNC spoilboard layer
26:24 Saving toolpaths on USB drive
29:19 Breaking down the order of each cut before heading to CNC
31:34 Previewing all toolpaths
32:49 Overview of the cutting process
34:16 Making a straight edge on the fence
37:29 Installing the V bit for setting the alignment
39:13 Mounting the material for the sign
42:34 Zeroing the CNC in the X, Y, and Z direction
44:00 Installing the 1/4 inch endmill for alignment hole cuts
44:41 Zeroing the bit for first toolpath
47:06 Placing alignment pins
47:36 Installing the V bit
49:15 First cut of tile 1
50:20 Installing 1/4″ endmill
51:09 Second cut of tile 1
51:32 Cutting the profile, the last cut of tile 1
52:32 Re-mounting the sign for tile cut 2
55:09 Installing the V bit
55:37 Running the second toolpath of tile 2
56:45 Changing bits to 1/4″ endmill
57:34 Running third toolpath of tile 2
58:20 Running fourth and final toolpath of tile 2
59:26 Cutting the tabs
59:47 Finalized sign

We visited Fanuc’s booth at the 2021 Westec Long Beach trade show where they showcased their advanced Oi-MF technology paired with a custom-made iQ CNC router. Fanuc technology has been adapted to be featured in a range of Laguna CNC machines in both 3 axis and 5 axis configurations. Fanuc and Laguna have the shared goal of providing both reliability and quality while introducing innovative machinery.

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Follow this how to CNC video tutorial to get an idea of how to make your own simple vacuum fixture in just a few minutes. This machine tool will become super useful for parts that are difficult to hold down with clamps or universal vacuum tables. Featured in the video are two models of vacuum fixtures – one for a production run of a specific part (in this case an arm rest) and then an all-purpose, flexible grid design which allows adaptation to a range of parts. Our examples are made from Baltic Birch wood, however we recommend using HDPE plastic, acrylic, or aluminum (completely non-permeable) for more constant usage.

Explore the iQ CNC Router: https://bit.ly/3DeX9K2
Download the project file: https://bit.ly/3EeEQGp

Parts list:
– Venturi vacuum: https://www.infinitytools.com/venturi-vacuum-system-5502
– Rubber gasket: https://www.mcmaster.com/1298N3/
– Tube: https://www.mcmaster.com/50315K28-50315K283/
– Various push-to-connect fittings: https://www.amazon.com/Tailonz-Pneumatic-Fittings-Spliters-Straight/dp/B08LD3L2MT/?th=1

Software used:
– Vectric VCarve Pro: https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-pro

Tools used:
– Amana #46415 1/4″ Down-Cut Endmill: https://www.toolstoday.com/v-9746-46415.html

CHAPTERS
0:00 – Video overview
0:25 – Vacuum fixture examples
1:40 – Downloading the fixture file
1:54 – Cutting the vacuum fixture on the CNC
2:03 – Complete list of parts to complete vacuum system
2:28 – Cutting the vacuum fixture on the CNC
7:40 – Installing the tubing
8:16 – Testing the fixture

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In our latest “How-To” software tutorial video, Rob Sandstrom shows the simplicity in creating a cribbage game board of any size with the updates included on VCarve Pro 11 software. What was a long, tedious process of resizing individual holes before, is now a swift modification completed with a few keyboard strokes. Follow along for a step-by-step DIY guide on how to design, cut, and use the tools necessary to achieve the custom look that you want!

Comment below if you have any questions regarding the software tutorial or have ideas for future videos!

Make this cribbage game board at home! Free project file available on our website: https://bit.ly/2YaKY2z

Watch How To Design A 3D Sign Using Aspire V11 Or VCarve Pro 11 Software here: https://bit.ly/39NU87n

Chapters:
0:00 – Intro to Cribbage Board Project
0:59 – Creating a new file and job setup
2:42 – Importing your own cribbage board vector
4:26 – Examples of variating cribbage boards
5:56 – Resizing your board with VCarve Pro 11 updates
11:08 – Creating the tool path to drill the holes
12:44 – Previewing tool path
12:50 – Creating the tool path for grid
14:20 – Previewing tool path
14:36 – Creating tool paths for text
15:24 – Previewing tool path
17:28 – Cutting sign on iQ CNC
18:39 – Home your CNC router
20:09 – Zero the Z axis
20:57 – Pro Tip on cutting time info
22:31 – Running your first tool path
24:05 – Changing your tool bit
25:33 – Re-zero the tool bit
26:07 – Change the drill speed of tool path
27:31 – Running your second tool path
30:43 – Finished Cribbage Board

Check out Rob Sandstrom on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3CLR7Rw
Explore the iQ CNC Router: https://bit.ly/3CTQvsX
Subscribe to our CNC email list for deals and promotions: https://bit.ly/3CLRqMa

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In this Part 2 of our latest DIY CNC software tutorial, Rob Sandstrom goes over the process of creating the same “Gone Fishin'” 2D sign, but with the design inverted so that the text and graphic stand proudly from the rest in this 3D version. Follow along as we dive deeper into the vetric software needed to complete this CNC sign making project. Using the latest version of Aspire V11 (VCarve Pro 11 software can also be used), we’ll be going over a few of the new features of the update as well!

Watch How To Design A 2D Sign Using Aspire Or VCarve Pro Software here: https://youtu.be/2VswxAwtXKk

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Recap and Introduction to sign making project
1:56 Creating tool paths for text and graphic background
4:41 Previewing tool paths
5:48 Creating tool paths for graphic details
7:16 Creating a different version of the graphic
9:01 Previewing tool paths
10:17 Creating the sign border
11:35 Previewing tool paths
11:47 Previewing sign on different materials
12:32 Cutting sign on iQ CNC
13:17 Homing your CNC router
15:06 Changing your tool bit
17:24 Zero the bit in the X Y Location
18:16 Zero the Z height
19:43 Uploading USB files and finalizing setup
20:50 Running your first tool path
22:19 Changing your second tool bit
24:47 Running your second tool path
26:17 Selecting the next tool path
27:20 Finished 3D sign
27:41 Intro to next video: Vetric 11 software changes

Check out Rob Sandstrom on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3CLR7Rw
Explore the iQ CNC Router: https://bit.ly/3gUdATN
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In this how to tutorial, Rob Sandstrom goes over the process of creating a 2D sign on the vectric software for your Laguna CNC. We start off by exploring Aspire software (VCarve Pro software can also be used) to begin the designing of this DIY wood project, and then transition into the cutting/routing of the sign on the CNC. You’ll learn all the key points necessary to then be able to create a variety of future sign making projects. Follow along at your own pace!

Check out Rob Sandstrom on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3CLR7Rw
Explore the iQ CNC Router: https://bit.ly/3A9jjfJ
Subscribe to our CNC email list for deals and promotions: https://bit.ly/3fvKyJB

►Contact us for more info: 800.234.1976 or email: [email protected]
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction to 2D sign making
0:45 Creating a new file and Job Setup
4:58 Creating a sign border
6:20 Adding text to a sign
8:20 Adding graphics to a sign
11:00 Creating a decorative sign border
18:19 Creating tool paths for text
28:49 Preview tool paths
32:13 Creating tool path for graphic
36:40 Creating tool path for border
44:00 Adding tabs to the profile tool path
44:35 Adding ramps to profile tool path
45:35 Preview tool paths and sign
48:00 How to edit material size
50:57 Rotating sign direction to cut in Y direction
57:20 Transferring tool paths to USB
58:25 Picking correct post processor
1:00:13 Preview cutting time
1:00:43 Cutting sign on iQ CNC
1:01:01 Adding clamps to the CNC router table
1:03:50 Home your CNC router
1:05:45 Moving CNC to proper XY origin position
1:08:00 Changing your tool bit
1:08:40 Good practice for protecting bit during changing
1:11:09 Zero the bit in the X Y Location
1:13:29 Zero the Z height
1:16:40 Uploading USB files to HHC
1:17:39 Running your first tool path
1:21:18 Re-zero the toolbit
1:21:54 Clearance pass with 1/8” endmill
1:25:54 Running third tool path
1:27:00 Cut tabs with flush trim saw
1:27:39 Finished 2D sign
1:28:29 Intro to next video: 3D Sign

Check out our latest YouTube video featuring this in depth tutorial with the step-by-step process from conception to finalization, of how to make a simple wooden tray on your CNC router! This is a great woodworking project for those who are in the beginning stages of learning how to program their router on Aspire or VCarve Pro® software. This video will help you pick up the basics of how to use the drawing tools, how to toolpath a drawing, and then how to take that out onto the CNC machine, and start cutting. Be sure to visit our projects page (linked below) and download the file for free, to follow along at your own pace!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro to Making a Tray
0:17 – Creating a New File and Job Setup
2:32 – Creating Tray Shape and Selecting Size
3:14 – Repositioning Your Design
3:58 – Creating the Tray Border
4:32 – Setting the Pocket Toolpath for Hollowing the Shape
5:43 – Setting the Profile Toolpath for Rounding Out Bottom Edge of Tray
6:17 – Creating the Outside Profile Cut
6:49 – Previewing All Toolpaths
7:24 – Transferring File to USB
7:47 – Saving the VCarve Working File to Your Computer
8:39 – Prepping CNC for Cutting
10:10 – Running the First Toolpath
10:38 – Changing Your Tool Bit
10:54 – Running the Second Toolpath
11:07 – Changing Your Last Tool Bit and Running the Last Toolpath

Download the file to this project on our website here: https://bit.ly/3A8b4S8
Explore the iQ CNC Router: https://bit.ly/3jaWFhR

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►Contact us for more info: 800.234.1976 or email: [email protected]
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