CNC a Tennessee With Mountains

For this project I made a Great Smoky Mountains National Park display piece that you can use for decoration. The reason I made it very simplistic is so that you can print it on whatever scale you prefer. I attend the L&N Stem Academy. Unfortunately the school I attend is currently being refurbished so our old CNC router has been taken apart and we are expecting a new one to arrive sometime in February. The files are linked below. If you don't have a cnc machine you can always use the .stl file to 3d print it. If you would like the file in another format comment below.

For this project you will need:

1. A computer
2. Fusion 360
3. A CNC machine
4. Some type of wood I would recommend a lighter color wood such as maple or birch so that the edges are more visible
5. Reference images to import as a canvas

First you will want to search google for reference images.I found both an image that outlines the shape of Tennessee and an image of the great smoky mountains. Once you have found images (a .webp will not work) that you find satisfactory you will need to save them on your computer. Once you have done so you will need to go to Fusion 360, click on insert, then click on canvas, click on insert from computer, and lastly select your desired image/images. After you have done so, make it whatever size you want.

Once you are done importing the image you will want to use the sketch feature to create the outline of an image. The video above will show you the very basics of creating a sketch and extruding it. For the design I created I sketch out the primary image (the shape of Tennessee), then I created a sketch for each one of the different pieces (or levels) of the image. After that I extruded the main shape to the thickness that I found suitable, and added on different numbers based on my perceived distance between the mountains.

After you have made the shape you can export it in whatever file format you need. Then you can use software such as Easel in order for the file to be transferred to the router. Next transfer the file to the router and start the file. Once it is done you can either cover it in epoxy, polish it, or leave it as it is.

If you want to add you own creative touch to it here are some ideas:

• make it more detailed (include trees)
• include mountain names
• add color
• use a laser engraver to etch designs into it
• use these instructions to create your own designs