CNC Wooden Chain
CNC Wooden Chain
Lessons in small parts jigging.
By Randy Johnson
My inspiration for this project came from a wooden |
Click any image to view a larger version. |
Jig 1: Routing Inside the LinksRather than make this jig out of separate pieces of wood, I found it easier to rout it as a recess in a piece of MDF. I used three |
Jig 2: Routing Outside the LinksCreating the second jig required the most experimenting. I initially created it as a recess similar to jig 1, but the MDF proved |
Rounding Over the OutsideJig 2 served a dual purpose. Once all the links were routed into |
Only Three Bits are RequiredThe 1/2" dia. straight bit did the heavy work of removing |
Jig 3: Rounding Over the InsideSimilar to the first jig, the third jig used wedges in a recess to hold the parts in place. This jig really took advantage of the CNC’s Note: Although CNC’s are capable of precise machining, you should always test your setups and adjust the dimensions of your |
A Quick SandingSanding each link took a minute or two per link, but |
Break Every Other LinkA quick hit with a mallet was all it took to crack the links |
Glue and Clamp Back TogetherI assembled the chain by adding two unbroken links to each broken link. Then I assembled these three link sections with |
The DimensionsThe six links started out as a board measuring 5/8" x 2" x 20". The .6" spacing between the links provided the necessary |
This story originally appeared in American Woodworker June/July 2012, issue #160. |
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