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Thread: School Project

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Posts
    4

    Default School Project

    Hi there, I am trying to help out a 10 year old little girl with a really neat school project. She wants to design and build a dog house (model size and a small dog house for her own 30 lb dog). She has interests in CAD and computer programming so I thought we could see if there is anyone out there who could help us with the design and build with CNC.

    I have been drooling over CNC for about 18 months now, but don't have enough saved up for my own machine yet. We are willing to travel and I am willing to provide all materials and costs for training. This project can open the doors to all kinds of careers for Carol.

    Thanks in advance- Kristi

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Garland Tx
    Posts
    2,334

    Default

    Kristi,
    Where are you located?
    SG

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Posts
    4

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by steve_g View Post
    Kristi,
    Where are you located?
    SG
    We are in NH-

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Garland Tx
    Posts
    2,334

    Default

    New Hampshire…

    Well… if you decide you want to include a field trip to Texas in your learning experience, I’d be happy to show Carol how an idea becomes a sketch, a sketch becomes vectors and vectors become a product! Of my 5 grand kids who have watched me over the years, two are excited about doing more!

    SG

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Lancashire, UK
    Posts
    66

    Default Perhaps get started

    Dear Kristi

    Your protégée could get started while you are looking for a machinist.

    She has the option to design the 'dog house' in SketchUp Free.

    SketchUp Fee for the Web here
    https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-p.../sketchup-free

    Help videos.. If she is new to sketchup then there are start up videos here
    https://learn.sketchup.com/track/ske...mentals-part-1

    There are some example 'dog houses' here. Not all will be 'machinable'
    https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/?q=dog%20house

    Tell her to be accurate with the 'board' thickness that she wants to use.

    Then

    Prepare parts for the CNC Machine
    Try vCarve pro or Cut2D pro for free here
    https://www.vectric.com/free-trial/compare

    Help videos.. Vectric Tutorial Video's here
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqk...LdtYy8ybykTlzQ

    SketchUp to CNC video here
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcTfveAbNhY

    Sincerely and in good faith
    Martin

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Delray Beach, FL
    Posts
    3,708

    Default

    There are "FabLabs" and "Makerspaces" all over that operate like a sharespace think tank for digital design. Many are associated directly with educational programs that would be perfect for your use.
    http://www.shopbottools.com/mMarkets/fabLabs.htm
    The program started down the road at MIT and may have a location in Portland.
    Having someone so young and motivated in that type of creative direction is wonderful. Best of luck!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2000
    Location
    Willis Wharf, VA
    Posts
    1,764

    Default

    If she's looking for inspiration, there's a free doghouse design available from www.100kprojects.com that was created years ago by a couple of guys from MIT. Click the "doghouse" tag on the right to download the dxf files and instructions.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Posts
    4

    Default

    Thanks everyone for the great advice! I think this project is going to be as much fun for Carol as it is for me!

    CG thanks tons for the offer to travel to Texas but, at this point we are going to try and stay within New England so we can easily transport materials.

    I will be reading tons of postings as I try to get ready for my first machine. Unfortunately, more like 12 months out from a purchase.

    Kristi

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Posts
    4

    Default

    So far no luck with fablabs or makerspaces. The one in NH is closed. MITs is not open to the public and haven't heard back from a few others in MA or ME.

    I have also reached out to a local cabinet maker and Carol's Mom stopped by there but no luck yet.

    This weekend Carol is coming over to plan/design and make an initial materials list! I hope I can still make the CNC part possible for her. This am we had a little strategy meeting as she had a 2 hour delay due to more snow. This 10 yr old is REALLY pumped up for this project. Of course adding pizza and a movie night to the design day help as well!

    Thanks for any more advice that can be given

    Kristi Gaff and Carol Lupien

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2000
    Location
    Willis Wharf, VA
    Posts
    1,764

    Default

    Have you tried a Google Maps search for Makerspaces in New Hampshire? Not sure where you are but a quick search showed a handful of them.

    https://www.google.com/maps/search/m...-71.5940874,9z

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