Creating a Timber Site Model

A hardwood site model can be created quite easily using the resources available within the Fabrication workshop. Students are required to prepare their own timber which can be done in the Machine Workshop taking no more than a few hours. Visit the Maker Spaces Inductions page to arrange a level 2 induction for Machine Workshop access.

For more information about how to source, cut, dress and join timber for a site model please read these articles.

Timber Selection

Polygenic Studio - model

Model Scaling

Your 3D model should be scaled down from real world size to your chosen representation scale. Consult the CNC video tutorial series for more detailed information on 3D modelling for CNC

Timber Selection

Fab Lab can process most timbers available for woodworking. Common timbers used for site models are Vic Ash, American Ash, American Oak, Walnut and Jelutong.

Timber Sizing

Timber comes in standard measurements that may vary on species and timber provider.

Common sizes are:

• • Thicknesses: 25mm, 38mm, 50mm, 75mm

  • Board Widths: 125mm, 150mm, 200mm, 300mm

Most timbers will come in lengths of 2.4m or 3.1m.

During the dressing process your timber will become smaller as the different machines used will subtract various amounts to make it a uniform thickness. This can be anywhere from 5-20mm depending on the shape of the board purchased from the timber provider. It is a good idea to make your model a little bigger than you actually need to account for this. Your model can be trimmed down after milling to the exact dimensions you need.

Timber Dressing

Workshop staff can direct you towards the best process of dressing your timber. This typically involves using a combination of the planar and thicknesser to achieve a desired timber thickness.

Hardwood Timber Site Models

A hardwood site model can be created quite easily using the resources available within the Fabrication workshop. Students are required to prepare their own timber which can be done in the Machine Workshop taking no more than a few hours.

Model Scaling

Your 3D model should be scaled down from real world size to your chosen representation scale. Consult the CNC video tutorial series for more detailed information on 3D modelling for CNC.

Lamination

Laminating a Stock Material

Your timber will need to be joined together across lengths to create the large stock material needed to create your site model. For models requiring a small amount of milling into the stock material, glue is all that's needed to join them together. For larger models or models milling deep into the stock material, the use of a domino or biscuit machine will be needed to reinforce your stock material. Workshop staff can instruct you in the proper use of these machines. If using these two methods, please ensure that they're located at a height which is at least 10mm below the top of you site geometry.

Stock Cleanup

Once laminated and dry your stock material will need to be tidied up for CNC machining. This involves squaring off the edges, removing any glue remnants and ensuring that at least one side is flat. This will ensure that it can be held down easily while being milled.

Submission & Post-milling

File Setup and Submission

As applied to all CNC jobs at the Fab Lab, a submitter will be required to measure their stock material accurately and model this in Rhino for submission.

Orient your geometry within the stock material, ensuring that an adequate thickness is left between the lowest point on your model and the bottom of the stock material. If you've used biscuits or dominoes, ensure that these won't be seen after your model is milled.

Place all your geometry within the CNC milling template, and set-up any necessary containment regions or other geometry required for toolpathing.

If unsure, book a consultation with Fab Lab Staff.

Drop your material into Fab Lab with your name, student number and correct stock orientation labelled on your material with tape.

Post Milling

Depending on the desired level of finish, you may want to sand your model and apply a finish. Finishing is the final step of the manufacturing process that gives wood surfaces desirable characteristics, including enhanced appearance and increased resistance to moisture and other environmental agents. First start by sanding at 120 or 180 grit, work up to 240 and 300 grit for a very fine finish. You may want to coat the model in a finish like oil or varnish. Please use the link below or consult with the workshop staff to decide on the best finish for your project.