How Dryforge got started making CNC router file packs
Making CNC router files packs was not the goal when I first launched my woodworking business.
The goal was to make items from wood and sell them. Seems pretty straight forward.
Over time, some saw what I was creating and then asked for either the Woodworking Plans or the CNC Router files for the drill holders.
The early days of my woodworking business was really just me stumbling around item to item until the drill holder cabinet became the thing that led me to create Plans and CNC files.
Then the Dryforge CNC File library grew to what it is today.
Who are these CNC router file packs geared to
The CNC file packs that are available here on my site are really geared towards a broad range of CNC router users.
One of my goals was to create CNC file packs that would help new CNC router users get their CNC router machine up and running.
Assembling, adjusting and dialing in the settings on a hobby or professional CNC router can take a reasonable amount of time.
Learning a new software package like Fusion360 or Vectric Aspire or VCarve Pro can take a lot of time. Utlimately there are some large financial and time investments on the front end of getting into using a CNC router.
This is where a premade set of CNC files can be a great way to keep your excitement going without getting frustrated as a beginner to CNC routers.
My machine cutting a Saw Blade Holder on my Avid CNC Pro4896
What file types are included
Over the last few years, the list of included file types has grown and evolved based on customer feedback.
Here is a screenshot of the included file types in a project folder.
For 3D files, each file pack contains a Fusion360 .f3d file and a STEP file.
Fusion360 .f3d file
Fusion360 is a software package that I opted to use as it resembled a similar workflow as another 3D modeling software package I learned back in college.
The all in one nature of Fusion360 where I can create a 3D model, inspect the model for interferances between parts, easily work with different bodies, components, create assemblies and then generate my work setup and tool paths is what makes this my go-to 3D modeling software.
It also helps, that it is a pretty affordable piece of software for what you get (and no, this is not sponsored. This is just my honest opinion.)
STEP file
The name STEP is short for "Standard for the Exchange of Product Data" and STEP files are a common file type for savings solid body 3D models.
Rather than going down a rabbit's hole on the nuanced details of a STEP file and why they can be better than STL files in certain applications, I'll keep it short. STEP files are great for maintaining dimensional accuracy and work across a wide range of 3D modeling software packages.
For 2D files, each file pack contains a Vectric VCarve Pro CRV file, a DXF file, an SVG file and an Adobe Illustrator file.
Vectric VCarve Pro CRV file
Including VCarve Pro CRV files came about via feedback and questions I had been receiving.
These CRV files come with the job setup already set up. In addition, the drawings are regrouped by layers based on the type of cut operation and then the toolpaths are set up based on a 4'x8' CNC router size.
Once the CRV files are downloaded, this is where you may need to adjust the files to work with your CNC router machines size, the tooling you have available, the material you're trying to cut as well as other parameters that may be unquiet to your experience and CNC router machine.
DXF file
DXF files are my preferred 2D file type as they do a great job of importing at the proper scale from one software package to another.
One big challenge that a lot of DXF files can have is whether the linework contains open sections of the linework rather than a continuous closed vector.
To help make sure the linework in my DXF files do not contain open vectors, part of my workflow includes combing through DXF files in Adobe Illustrator to make sure everything is closed and working properly.
If your CNC software only allows for the use of 2D drawings, I always recommend using DXF files over SVG files.
Unless you're importing vectors into Vectric software, then use the Adobe Illustrator file as this helps cut down on the number of nodes in the file.
SVG file
SVG files are great and terrible all in one. They're a pretty versatile file type but as they're pixel based, they're best used with machines like Cricut's, laser cutters or other applications where exact dimensions are not critical.
One of the main challenges with SVG files are that they're based on a number of Dots Per Inch (DPI). Each software that can work with SVG files may have a different DPI setting and this can cause SVG files to be imported at the wrong scale.
If you're laser etching a graphic from an SVG, this likely isn't a huge problem. However, if you're CNC cutting multiple pieces of plywood that need to join together with the same fit each time, then an SVG file might not be ideal.
But yes, SVG's are included for those that work with programs like Easel.
Just remember to check the scale of the parts before cutting!
Adobe Illustrator file
Part of my workflow for creating these file packs involves using Adobe Illustrator to clean up the linework and due to this I included the Illustrator file.
Each Illustrator file contains color coded linework that is broken out by layers. This way all the linework that should be selected for exterior or outside cuts will be on the same layer and color coded the same color.
PDF Instructions
Each project includes a set of PDF instructions that contain a range of details for completing your CNC router project.
Some of the information covered includes importing files, assembly instructions with visuals and color coded linework visuals to show which cut operations should be used when cutting the projects out on your CNC router machine.
What is the deal with all the French Cleat Wall items
Awhile back I wanted to create a few storage items for a wall and kept coming back to installing a French Cleat wall as the only reasonable option.
Initially the CNC router project files for the French Cleat line started out as just a few items based around my needs but quickly grew to what it currently is as the demand grew.
A recent French Cleat Clamp Storage Rack for my woodworking clamps.
What are some of my favorite CNC projects
The bulk of the CNC router projects that I've created have been geared towards helping others create useful workshop organizational items on their CNC router for either a French Cleat Wall or other wall mounted storage items.
Here is a run down of my top 5 favorite CNC router projects:
- French Cleat Router Bit Holder
- Battery Charging Station for Dewalt Batteries
- Spray Can Rack - 35 Spray Cans
- French Cleat Drill Holder with Sliding Tool Tray
- French Cleat Circular Saw Holder
How feedback is worked into future projects
Feedback is critical.
If you have some, I would value receiving it.
Feedback is the reason Vectric VCarve Pro CRV files began being included.
The detailed instructions and labeling 2D drawings for outside cuts, inside cuts, pockets, etc came about via feedback and questions.
It has taken years for these CNC router file packs to get to the level of detail they contain. They would not have evolved the way they did if it were not for the questions and feedback I have received.
Each question gives me something to think about and if there is an area I can improve the CNC files in.
Questions or CNC File Requests?
Visit the Contact form to send Jared at Dryforge any questions or CNC Router file requests you've got!
Disclaimer: I can't make every CNC file request I receive, but I do my best to see if each request is one that I can accomodate.