When I lent my services to a collegue who was working on a film about 12 years ago, I was introduced to the world of cnc. I remember watching this huge machining centre milling out a slab of mdf and turning it into a fantastic set of gears. I knew that it would have taken me hours to achieve the same thing with traditional power tools. I decided then that I would invest in a cnc router for my own business Oxenham Design. At that time I could turn on a computer, but even to check email seemed like a crazy set of operations. I persevered and learned every piece of relevant software I could get my hands on. I am now fortunate enough to be using Vectric's ASPIRE software, and Techno cnc routers, which has helped us to create some amazing projects, both in part, or in full. I thought that this blog would be a great place to share "behind the scenes" adventures with the software, materials and equipment we use, as well as the projects we build.

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Shadow box tables saving me from the light!

While Jody worked on the light fixture, I moved onto the next 2 portions of the build. One was the the curved PVC sign panel that mounts above the light fixture, and the other was the 5 table tops that have 4 recessed display boxes inside them.
The curved pvc sign was the very next step for me. I drew a circle in corel, the diameter I wanted the final curved sign to be. Divided it up into 3 panels, then extract one of the curves. This would give me the lengths and 1/3 radius I needed to build the forming jig.
I made a quick bending jig out of plywood. This would be the form that would shape the 1/4" thick pvc sign backer.
Because of the nature of the logo shape, and the 1/4" thickness, I had to gently persuade the curve with a heat gun. There was no way I could get the shape without heat forming the pvc plastic. It would have been all weird looking. This was an extreme exercise in patience. Thankfully, I'm a business owner, Dad, dog owner, Husband, have In-laws, and live out in the country, so really, I have unlimited patience!
With all 3 sections formed, and bolted together, I moved onto routing the 1/8" pvc logo that gets further wrapped onto this structure.

While our Techno cnc cut out all the various logo pieces, Jody and I moved onto running the 6- 3/4" pvc sheets through the saw, then I moved onto assembling the display boxes that will hang under the table surface. These will display objects from the Hockey Hall of Fame at the upcoming event were building for. I love pvc!! I love the fact I can tack it together with CA glue, kick it off, then move right onto chem welding it. No screws, nothing. And it looks awesome with perfect corner miters!
Once our Techno had finished the logo pieces, I set up for the table tops. These got varying pocket toolpaths carved in for the hanging boxes, and the acrylic windows.
We're getting there now!
8)
JWO







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