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I’m using my CNC router to make a travel-sized backgammon and cribbage board, inlaid with epoxy and colored mica powder.
Part 1 – Milling Stock, Cutting Pockets
In this first installment I introduce the project, mill the wood to size, and set up the CNC router to cut the inlay pockets on the backgammon board.
Part 2 – Backgammon Inlay
In the second installment I mix the mica and epoxy, and pour the inlays.
Part 3 – Special Details
In the third installment I add gold edges to the points on the backgammon board, and make the inlay and holes on the cribbage board side.
Part 4 – Finishing It Up
In the fourth and final installment I dye the wooden playing pieces and build the finished boxes with splined miter joints.
Resources
Here are links to some of the tools, materials and software that I’m using in this project:
AutoDesk Fusion 360 for personal use
Blender software
Next Wave CNC Shark Router
Carbide 2-flute Down-cut end-mills
Mica Powder for Epoxy Resin
West System Epoxy
Wooden checker pieces
Wooden cribbage pegs
Keda Aniline Dye 5 Color Kit
CNC Feeds & Speeds
| Usage | Bit | RPM | Depth of cut | Plunge mm/min | Cut mm/min | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roughing | 0.1250″ (3.18mm) 2-flute downcut | 25000 | 3/32″ (2.38mm) | 500 | 800 | |
| Finish | 0.0313″ (0.80mm) 2-flute downcut | 25000 | 3/32″ (2.38mm) | 200 | 250 | |
| Drill | 0.1250″ (3.18mm) 4-flute upcut | 25000 | 0.25″ (6.35mm) | 200 | n/a | Peg holes |
| Engrave | 0.1250″ (3.18mm) 30-degree point | 25000 | Variable | 400 | 400 | V-carved text |
Wood Dye Info
I dyed the playing pieces using a Keda Aniline Dye 5 Color Kit, and I mixed it following the manufacturer’s instructions but with a higher ratio of dye to water to get more concentrated colors. Here are the amounts of dye I mixed with 3 ounces of warm water:
Red: 1/8 teaspoon
Blue: 1/4 teaspoon
Green: 1/8 teaspoon yellow + 1/4 teaspoon blue
Purple: 1/8 teaspoon red + 1/4 teaspoon blue
Next time I use the blue dye, I’ll mix it with hot (not just warm) water in hopes of getting it to dissolve better.