Making a CNC ball maze is an excellent way to get learn about some of the features of CNC routing. Drawing from All About Routing, this activity will use the following approach:
| Software: | Easel Inventables or another CAD program |
| CNC Machine: | 1000m X-Carve |
| Material Size: | 110mm x 175mm x 19.3mm hardwood |
Preparing Your Design
- Log-in/create an account at Easel
- Measure your material in millimeters.
3. Input the size of your material in a new project. Remember to select “mm” as your document units.
4. Select the 1/8″ bit size from the “bits” menu on the right. Remember this means that any detail must be larger than 1/8″ or 3.125mm.
5. Create a maze of your own design be either (a) using the provided tools in the design workspace (b) creating a DXF (2D) design in another program or (c) modify a maze from the maze generator app, available in Easel. Modify your design until it is a perfect match for your material and ball bearing. Consider creative twists and unique approaches.
The recommended ball bearing is 3.125mm. A 5mm or 0.2″ path width is recommended. The recommended depth for the path is 5mm.