MAXMAKE CNC Blog

🛠️ Project Overview

• Project Name Snowflake Layered Christmas Tree
• Equipment HiMill D1S Desktop CNC
• Material 3mm Basswood Plywood
• Difficulty ⭐⭐⭐ (Requires precision & patience)
• Machining Time Approx. 2 Hours

📋 1. Preparation

The soul of this project lies in the "layering and spacing" of the snowflake components.

🧰 Bits & Tools

• CNC Routing: 3.175mm (1/8") Single-Flute Spiral Up-cut Bit.
• Laser (Optional): The D1S Laser module can also be used for high-speed engraving.

🪵 Bill of Materials (BOM)

• Stock: 3mm Plywood (Basswood is recommended for its clean finish).
• Spacers: ~12 wooden beads (20mm diameter) for layering.
• Support: Solid wood base and a center dowel/metal rod.
• Finishing: Acrylic paints (Deep Blue, Sky Blue, Light Gray, White).

💻 2. Design & CAM Programming

This tree consists of 10 layers of snowflakes in descending sizes. Precision in the center hole is vital for the rotation mechanism.

Step 2.1: Vector Design

• Bottom Layer: ~150mm diameter.
• Top Layer: ~45mm diameter.
• Hole Diameter: 8.5mm center hole for the main axis.

Step 2.2: CAM Settings

• Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
• Feed Rate: 800 mm/min
• Laser Mode (Alternative): 90% Power, 5mm/sec speed.

⚙️ 3. Machining Process

1. Workholding: Secure the board firmly using clamps or the blue tape/CA glue method.
2. Nesting: Lay out all 10 sizes on a single sheet to maximize material efficiency.
3. Cutting: The HiMill D1S handles the sharp corners of the snowflakes with remarkable stability.

🎨 4. Post-Processing & Gradient Painting

1. Sanding: Remove tabs carefully. Use sponge sandpaper to reach the intricate snowflake tips.
2. Gradient Technique: Group your snowflakes from largest to smallest.
   • Base layers: Deep Blue / Slate Blue.
   • Middle layers: Sky Blue.
   • Upper layers: Pale Gray to Pure White.

🧩 5. Assembly

Assembling the tree is as satisfying as building blocks:

1. Mount the center rod to the base.
2. Follow the order: Large Snowflake -> Bead -> Smaller Snowflake -> Bead.
3. Repeat until the summit and finish with a decorative star or bead.

🎉 6. Final Showcase

The result is a stunning Nordic-style desk ornament. The beads provide "room to breathe," allowing for beautiful light and shadow effects when the tree rotates.