MAXMAKE CNC Blog

🌟 I. Project Overview

• Project Name "Hello Easter" Bunny Ear Wooden Basket
• Applications Easter decoration, kids' holiday gift, desktop storage
• Equipment Used HiMill D1S Desktop CNC (Utilizing both Spindle Milling + Laser Cutting modes)
• Core Processes V-Carving Relief Lettering + Laser Vector Profiling
• Difficulty Level ⭐⭐⭐ (Intermediate. Requires basic CAM parameter settings and performing a quick machine module swap)
• Cycle Time Approx. 60 minutes machine time, 5 minutes manual assembly

🛠️ II. Preparation: Materials & Tools

For a perfect result, preparation is key. Don't skimp on this step.

1. Materials:

• Main Stock: 3mm thick light-colored Basswood Plywood. Light wood is perfect for both carving and laser work; it offers high contrast, and the caramelized edges from the laser cut look great.
• Consumables: Masking tape (Optional, apply to the wood surface to prevent laser charring/smoke marks).

2. Accessories & Glue:

• Handle: A beige braided cotton rope, approx. 30-40cm long.
• Decoration: A white pom-pom (for the bunny tail—this is the soul of the project!).
• Adhesives: High-strength wood glue (for assembling the basket body), hot glue gun (for attaching the pom-pom tail).

3. The Secret Tool (Core Tooling Configuration):

See that sharp, three-dimensional "hello EASTER" lettering on the side of the basket? That’s not laser-etched; it’s CNC carved!

• Tool Selected: 30-degree, 0.3mm Flat Bottom Engraving Bit (7.5-degree side angle per side, 0.15mm flat radius).
• Why this bit? It's extremely sharp, making it perfect for handling tiny English letters and fine floral patterns. The cut edges are clean and crisp, the V-groove bottom is smooth, and it naturally creates a premium, shadowed 3D effect.

💻 III. Step 1: CNC Spindle Fine Carving (V-Carving)

To ensure precise alignment, we follow the golden rule of CNC machining: "Carve internal details first, then cut the external profile."

1. Workholding: Securely flatten and fix the 3mm basswood plywood onto the HiMill D1S bed.
2. Tool Change: Install the prepared 30-degree, 0.3mm V-bit.
   Pro Tip for Zeroing: The bit tip is extremely fine. Be very gentle when Z-zeroing; stop as soon as it touches the material surface.
3. Core Machining Parameters (Tested & Proven Data): Input these tested parameters directly into your software for smooth, burr-free lettering:
   • Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
   • Feed Rate: 800 mm/min
   • Plunge Rate: 500 mm/min
   • Step Down: 1 mm
   • Stepover: 0.12 mm (Note: An extremely tight stepover is key to a smooth groove bottom)

Machining Action: As the machine starts, the 30-degree V-bit moves across the wood like a sharp pen, making the 3D English letters and small floral patterns clearly emerge.

💥 IV. Step 2: Laser Module Profile Cutting

After carving the letters, do not remove the wood board! Utilizing the HiMill D1S's snap-fit design, we directly swap on the laser module. We will now cut out the bunny ears, front/back panels, and the base plate.

Core Laser Parameters (LightBurn Tested): Based on the imported design file, I set up two layer strategies in LightBurn:

• 🔴 Red Layer (Fill Mode - Shallow Engraving for Patterns):
  • Speed: 30.0 mm/s
  • Power: 25.0%
• ⚫ Black Layer (Line Mode - Profile Cutting for Outlines):
  • Speed: 4.0 mm/s
  • Power: 100.0% (At these settings, 3mm basswood is perfectly cut through in 1 pass).

🧩 V. Assembly & Decoration

All parts are machined. Remove them from the waste material, gently wipe off surface dust, and begin assembly!

1. Glue the Body: Apply a suitable amount of wood glue to the slots of the front/back panels and the base plate. Fit the two side panels (with the bunny ears) onto them and press firmly. Using corner clamps to hold them while the glue dries yields better results.
2. Attach the Handle: Thread the prepared braided cotton rope through the pre-cut holes in front of the bunny ears. Tie sturdy knots on the inside of the basket to secure it.
3. The Finishing Touch: Take your hot glue gun or double-sided tape, squeeze a dollop of hot glue (or apply tape) to the back of the basket, and quickly attach the white, fluffy "pom-pom". With this furry tail, the bunny's soul is complete!

🎉 VI. Final Showcase

Success! Put a few colorful Easter eggs inside, and this super-healing bunny ear basket is finished.

Process Summary:

• CNC Texture: The English letters carved with the V-bit have a V-groove structure with varying depths, creating rich light and shadow effects. This is a premium look that ordinary surface laser etching cannot match.
• Laser Efficiency: For processing large curved profiles like the bunny's long ears, laser cutting plays to its strength of zero tool radius compensation. Corners are extremely sharp, and efficiency is high.

A single HiMill D1S perfectly bridges two distinct machining processes. Not being limited by tools allows creativity to land perfectly. Go make a special holiday gift for your family or friends! Happy Easter!