What i learnt from using this machine
- Machines are a lot safer than i thought due to the protective cover although care still needs to be taken when using them.
- As i had initially thought the hardest part of using the machine was was the setting up e.g attaching the correct tool, working out how to set the depth and initially how to even turn it on. This wasn't due to the process being particularly complicated but down to just i haven't used it before and didn't know where to start. Another student assisted and explained how to use the machine and after that was happy to go it alone.
- The setting up process had some similarities with the Laser cutting for example setting the depth similar to auto focus which made me feel a bit more confident
- Didn't realise the tool will cut before the desired line on the design so initially my cuts were 3mm larger than what i intended. This made me more aware when creating design on 2Design included the cutting tool measurement as part of the design or put a contour around to see how much it will addd onto.
- experimenting with different depths and how much could be taken off in one cut and how this effects the smoothness of the cut
- wasn't sure what some of the controls were so experimented with changing some of the measurements to see how the cutting changed, i was a little nervous about messing about with the measurements on the controls but after a few attempts gained more confidence.
exerimented with how much can be taken off at a time (styrofoam can have alot of material revoed at once as its sooo soft) ..... although forgot to switch the material on the print set up when i changed back to wood which caused problems!