Who says a desktop CNC machine is only for rigid, industrial parts? Today, we are transforming a cold brass cylinder into an adorable "Lucky Cat" (Maneki-Neko) charm.
If you've ever wondered how to use a desktop CNC for beginners to create stunning, meaningful jewelry, this is the perfect project. By pairing 3D brass relief carving with natural wooden beads and tiger's eye stones, we are turning craftsmanship into a daily talisman of good fortune.
📋 I. Project Overview
Project Name DIY Brass Lucky Cat (Maneki-Neko) Bracelet
Equipment Used MAXMAKE HiMill D1S Desktop CNC Machine
Core Processes Small-scale 3D Brass Relief + Rotary Machining + Hand Braiding
Applications Daily Wear, Personalized Jewelry, Custom Gifts, Brand Merch
Cycle Time Approx. 12 Hours
Difficulty Level ★★★☆☆ (Requires attention to 3D detailing and micro-drilling precision)
🎨 II. Prep & Design
The core of this bracelet is "exquisite 3D form + harmonious material pairing." When using CNC for metal projects like this, planning the proportions and accessory sizes in advance will double the visual impact of your final product.
1. Materials List:
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Brass Blank: 10x100mm solid brass cylinder rod.
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Braiding Accessories: Black #72 jade thread, 2mm brass spacer beads (optional).
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Natural Beads: 8mm Ebony wood beads, 8mm Tiger's Eye beads.
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Polishing Supplies: Assorted sandpaper (400-2000 grit), polishing paste, buffing cotton.
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CNC Accessories: 4th-Axis Rotary Module, 6mm Collet, 6mm-to-4mm Collet Adapter.
2. Essential Tooling (For 3D Brass Machining):
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3.175mm 3-Flute Spiral End Mill: For brass roughing and material clearance.
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2.5mm Single Flute Spiral End Mill: For detail clearing and rough outlining.
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2.5mm 2-Flute Ball Nose End Mill: For machining facial expressions and textures.
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1mm & 0.4mm 2-Flute Ball Nose End Mills: For ultra-fine finishing passes.
⚙️ III. CAM Settings (Machining Parameters)
These universal parameters are optimized for small 3D parts. With minor tweaks, beginners can easily adapt them to different models. This is how you optimize your desktop CNC router for flawless metalwork.
1. Brass Roughing (Universal):
Tool:3.175mm 3-Flute Spiral End Mill
Stepover:1 mm
Stepdown:0.3 mm
Cutting Feed Rate:500 mm/min
Plunge Feed Rate:150 mm/min
Spindle Speed:13,000 RPM
Tool:2.5mm Single Flute Spiral End Mill
Stepover:0.8 mm
Stepdown:0.2 mm
Cutting Feed Rate:400 mm/min
Plunge Feed Rate:150 mm/min
Spindle Speed:13,000 RPM
2. Brass Finishing (Fine Details):
Tool:2.5mm 2-Flute Ball Nose End Mill
Stepover:0.5 mm
Cutting Feed Rate:500 mm/min
Plunge Feed Rate:150 mm/min
Spindle Speed:13,000 RPM
Tool:1.0mm 2-Flute Ball Nose End Mill (requires 6mm-to-4mm adapter)
Stepover:0.1 mm
Cutting Feed Rate:400 mm/min
Spindle Speed:13,000 RPM
Tool:0.4mm 2-Flute Ball Nose End Mill (requires 6mm-to-4mm adapter)
Stepover:0.05 mm
Cutting Feed Rate:300 mm/min
Spindle Speed:13,000 RPM
🛠️ IV. Machining Process
If you've ever asked forums, "why my cnc router does not cut straight?", the answer is usually rigidity. The high-precision spindle and robust frame of the HiMill D1S ensure that even tiny 3D parts maintain absolute accuracy, eliminating deflection.
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Securing the Stock: Clamp the brass rod into the 4th-axis rotary module, ensuring rotational deviation is controlled within 0.01mm.
2.
Batch Roughing: Execute the roughing toolpaths for all the Lucky Cats. This removes a large amount of stock at once, quickly forming the overall 3D profile.
3.
Fine Detailing: Swap to the 1mm ball nose end mill to focus on carving the micro-details: facial features, ear curves, and the bell on the chest.
✨ V. Post-Processing & Assembly
A standardized post-processing routine is what elevates DIY crafts into premium accessories.
1.
Deburring: Use 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out the cut edges and remove machining marks. Refine with 800-1200 grit to prevent scratching the skin.
2.
Mirror Polishing: Sand all surfaces with 1500-2000 grit paper, followed by polishing paste and cotton. The smoother the surface, the better the future oxidation patina will look.
3.
Precision Drilling: Use a 2mm drill bit to create a through-hole through the center of the Lucky Cat. CNC pre-marking ensures the holes align perfectly so the charm hangs straight.
4.
Braiding Assembly: Weave a flat knot using the black #72 jade thread. String on the ebony bead, the Lucky Cat, and the tiger's eye bead in sequence. Finish with a secure double diamond knot and melt the ends with a lighter.
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Final Tuning: Check the tension of the bracelet and the security of all components to ensure comfortable wear without rattling.
🎁 VI. The Result: A Charm of Good Fortune
When warm brass meets natural wood and stone, it creates a uniquely textured spark:
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Aesthetic Appeal: The adorable, chubby lines of the Lucky Cat, the metallic luster of the brass, the depth of the ebony, and the dynamic shine of the tiger's eye complement each other perfectly.
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Ages with You: The brass will naturally oxidize over time with wear and body oils, forming a unique, vintage patina that acts as a record of your time.
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Versatile Style: The minimalist design fits any outfit, whether for a daily commute or a casual gathering.
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A Meaningful Gift: A handmade Lucky Cat bracelet carries heartfelt blessings, making it an excellent gift for birthdays, grand openings, or housewarmings.
💡 HiMill D1S Review
The creation of this Lucky Cat bracelet proves that the HiMill D1S is arguably the best desktop CNC for beginners and advanced makers looking for an all-around performer:
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True 3D Capability: It isn't just great at flat reliefs; paired with the rotary module, it effortlessly handles the fine detailing of small, fully 3D objects.
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Consistent Precision: From roughing to finishing, the repeat positioning accuracy is high. Every Lucky Cat is identical in size and depth.
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Limitless Creation: Whatever shape you can design, the D1S can turn it into a practical accessory, unlocking endless possibilities for desktop manufacturing.
📥 Get the Project Files
Ready to machine your own lucky charm? Download the design files via Google Drive below!
Download Project Files
![[CNC for Metal] Machining a 3D Brass "Lucky Cat" Bracelet with HiMill D1S 🐾](http://maxmake.com/cdn/shop/articles/maxmake-himill-d1s-desktop-cnc-brass-jewelry-bracelet_45fa2494-345f-404b-bc5f-f971f085997d_1100x.webp?v=1779936129)
