

CNC Routing
This collection features innovative and inspiring pieces crafted by our talented students who have explored the exciting world of computer numerical control (CNC) technology.
Each project on display highlights our students' creativity, skill, and dedication, who have taken advantage of the endless possibilities the CNC Router offers. From intricate geometric designs to detailed sculptures and functional objects, this collection demonstrates the fantastic potential of this technology for artistic expression and practical applications. Our students have honed their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking by designing and producing their pieces using the CNC Router. In addition, they have learned to translate their ideas into a physical form, using cutting-edge tools and software to bring their vision to life.

DESIGN & DASH DOG TAGS
Our Track & Field students demonstrated remarkable skill and creativity in designing and manufacturing promotional keychains. Utilizing VinylMaster for design and Bantam Tools software for milling on a Bantam desktop milling machine, they adeptly transformed school and track logos into tangible, customized keychains. This hands-on project not only honed their problem-solving and iterative design skills but also engaged them in overcoming real-world challenges, such as design rights and material handling, culminating in the successful creation of memorable keepsakes for track seniors.
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Blending Terrain and Technology
​This STEAM project enabled our high school students to showcase their creativity and technical skills, as they selected their favorite locations and created stunning 3D contour maps using Blender and a CNC router. Through the process of design and manufacturing, students were able to develop their proficiency in CAD software and CNC technology, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the unique characteristics of different geographic locations. The final products were a testament to the students' hard work and imagination, as they crafted accurate and visually stunning maps from two-inch rigid foam.
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Narrowing the Gap:
The 3D Model Challenge
This STEAM project challenged our 11th-grade students to showcase their skills in digital design and precision manufacturing, as they utilized AutoCAD, CNC technology, and 3/4-inch MDF to create a highly detailed and visually impressive 3D model. With the added challenge of reducing the width to less than half an inch, students developed their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking, while also honing their technical proficiency and creativity. The final products were a testament to the students' hard work and talent, showcasing their ability to transform digital designs into tangible and captivating physical objects.

Exterior Expressions:
Bringing Logos to Life
This STEAM project challenged our 10th-grade students to showcase their skills in design and manufacturing, as they utilized AutoCAD, CNC technology, and 3/4-inch MDF to create impressive mock exterior signs inspired by school, business, or organization logos. Through the process of design and fabrication, students developed their problem-solving abilities, technical proficiency, and creativity. The final products were a testament to the students' hard work and talent, showcasing their ability to create professional-looking signs that were visually impressive and technologically advanced.
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Name It and Make It
​This introduction project showcases the impressive work of our middle school students, who utilized AutoCAD and the CNC router to design and cut out their names from 3/4 MDF boards. This project allowed our students to develop their skills in design, computer programming, and precision manufacturing, while also encouraging their creativity and problem-solving abilities. The painted final products show off the unique personalities and styles of each student, creating a wonderful display of personalized artwork.
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The CNC Signpost Project
This interdisciplinary STEAM project allowed our students to explore the worlds of literature, design, and technology as they collaborated with our AIS reading teacher to create wooden signs inspired by fictional locations. Using their imagination and critical thinking skills, students developed designs based on their favorite literary settings, then utilized the CNC router to cut their creations from wood precisely. Through this project, students developed their skills in digital design, manufacturing, and creative problem-solving, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the power of literature to inspire and transport. The final products were a beautiful and meaningful tribute to the worlds of fiction that have captured our students' imaginations.
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Animal Inspiration:
From Sketch to Sculpture
This STEAM project allowed our high school students to flex their creative muscles, as they designed and manufactured unique pieces of furniture inspired by animal forms. Utilizing AutoCAD and CNC technology, students developed their skills in digital design and precision manufacturing, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the diverse forms it takes. The final products were an impressive display of craftsmanship and creativity, with each piece of furniture representing a unique and personal expression of the student's vision.

Return to Reading: Book Drop Cart for COVID-Era Library
For an independent study project, a student created a book drop cart for the school library during COVID. Using AutoCAD and CNC technology, the student designed and routed the cart out of MDF, then sanded, painted, and added a vinyl cut for a pop of color. With wheels and foam padding inside, this functional and attractive cart provided a convenient and safe way for students to drop off books in the school lobby
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Nesting Necessities:A STEAM Project
This STEAM project enabled our middle school students to explore the fascinating world of bird habitats and the engineering principles that inform their construction. By researching and designing original structures that meet the needs of native birds in NY state, students developed their skills in research, digital design, precision manufacturing, and woodworking. The final products were an impressive display of creativity and ingenuity, with each structure representing a unique and personalized expression of the student's vision.
Project Overview
This section contains descriptions of the projects completed by my students, providing a glimpse into the kinds of assignments we work on together.
Parisian Blocks:
A Frank Lloyd Wright Tribute
This STEAM project allowed our high school students to explore the rich history and architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, as they utilized AutoCAD and a CNC router to create intricate Parisian-style textile blocks inspired by his work. Through the process of design and manufacturing, students developed their skills in CAD software and precision manufacturing, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the history and cultural significance of architectural design. The final products were an impressive display of craftsmanship and creativity, with each textile block representing a unique and personal expression of the student's vision.
Checkmate! CNC-Routed Outdoor Chess Set
"In this collaborative STEAM project, a team of students is using AutoCAD and CNC technology to design a 4-foot-tall chess set that can be played outdoors and easily stored. Each chess piece is made up of three CNC-routed cut pieces with complementary slots for lap joints, and the final products are sanded and stained to perfection. Through this project, students are developing their skills in design, engineering, and woodworking while creating a unique and functional piece of art.
The Art of Deception: Creating 3D Illusions on Stage
In this project, stage crew students will bring the story of "The Princess and the Pea" to life by designing and creating 3D backdrops for the musical production. Using AutoCAD, they will create detailed designs of a stack of mattresses, castle exteriors, and a prince's bedroom, which will be sliced into 4-ftx8ft pieces and CNC-cut onto rigid insulation. After sanding and painting, these backdrops will be attached to stage flats, adding depth and detail to the production. Through this project, students will develop their technical and artistic abilities while helping to create a visually stunning musical production.
From Code to Clay
This innovative and collaborative STEAM project brought together art and technology as our high school students utilized AutoCAD and CNC technology to create ceramic pieces based on their digital designs. Working in conjunction with our art teacher, students sliced a 3D model and used a two-part mold to create plaster casts that were then CNC-routed out. Through the process of slip casting, students were able to bring their digital creations to life in a tactile and dynamic form, developing their skills in both digital design and physical manufacturing in the process. The final products were unique and beautiful ceramic pieces that represented a fusion of art and technology.
The Aggravation Game of Precision Manufacturing
This STEAM project engaged our 9th grade students in a creative and fun way, as they designed and manufactured their own version of the classic Marbles Aggravation Game using AutoCAD and CNC technology. Through the process of digital design and precision manufacturing, students developed their skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, while also fostering a deeper understanding of game mechanics and design. The final products were a testament to the students' hard work and talent, showcasing their ability to turn their own designs into fully-functional games that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Design and Charge
This exciting STEAM project allowed our 9th-grade students to showcase their creativity and technical skills, as they designed and manufactured personalized wooden phone docks and charging stations. Through the process of design and manufacturing, students developed their proficiency in CAD software and woodworking, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the practical applications of technology. The final products were an impressive display of craftsmanship and creativity, with each piece representing a unique and personal expression of the student's vision.
King Me! CNC-Routes Outdoor Checker Set
In this STEAM project, a team of students is using AutoCAD and CNC technology to design an 18-inch outdoor checker set that can be easily stored. Each checker piece is CNC-routed out of plywood and finished with sanding and staining techniques. Through this project, students are developing their skills in design, engineering, and woodworking while creating a functional and attractive piece of art for outdoor play."
Map Your World: Creating Plywood World Map
n this STEAM project, a student used AutoCAD and CNC technology to create a unique world map. The student engraved each country and cut out each continent from plywood, then finished the map and attached it to the wall with LED backlighting. Through this project, the student developed their skills in design, engineering, and woodworking while creating a functional and attractive piece of art for their living space
From CAD to Console:
Building an Arcade Game
This STEAM independent study project allowed our student to showcase their technical and creative abilities as they designed and developed their own arcade game and housing. By creating AutoCAD drawings of each piece of the housing and utilizing a CNC router to cut the parts out of 3/4 MDF, students developed their skills in CAD software and precision manufacturing while fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of game design. The final product was an impressive display of craftsmanship and innovation, demonstrating the student's ability to bring their vision to life in a tangible and engaging form.