FreeCAD CNC Tutorial: Model, Toolpath & Mill a Replacement Wooden Box (Full G-Code Workflow)
Learn how to model, generate toolpaths, and mill a real replacement part using 100% free modelling and G-code software: FreeCAD + FreeCAD CAM. This step-by-step tutorial covers all the essential CNC operations: facing, pockets, helix, profiling, and multi-step toolpath strategies.
Whether your toolbit’s cutting height is smaller than the pocket depth or outline depth, this video demonstrates safe CAM tricks to achieve professional results. Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and professional makers looking to streamline their workflow without expensive software.
What you’ll learn in this video:
How to design and model a technical replacement part in FreeCAD
Creating and configuring a CNC job with stock and origin
Setting up toolbits, feeds, speeds, and rapid movements
Facing operations to prepare the stock
Multi-step roughing and finishing pocket operations
Rest machining to cut rounded corners efficiently
Helix toolpaths for circular holes
Profile operations for cutting outlines safely
Splitting and exporting G-code ready for CNC milling
Explore practical CAM strategies like rest machining, stock awareness, and toolpath optimization to save machining time and improve surface quality.-
FreeCAD CAM Tips – Smarter Toolpaths & G-Code Tricks: • FreeCAD CAM Tips – Smarter Toolpaths & G-C...
Perfect for makers starting with CNC!
Learn how to design simple, practical CNC projects in FreeCAD and Blender (FabEX CNC add-on), generate precise G-code, and mill real objects using only free tools.
Beginner CNC Projects – Easy DIY CNC Tutorials & G-Code Workflows: • Beginner CNC Projects – Easy DIY CNC Tutor...
Once your G-code is ready, learn how to send and run it safely on your CNC with UGS.
Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) Beginner Tutorial | Send G-Code to Your CNC: • Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) Beginner Tuto...
If you want to go deeper into pocketing operations, this tutorial shows how to generate efficient pocket, helix, and adaptive toolpaths in FreeCAD CAM. Learn how to remove material quickly and precisely — perfect for complex cavities like those used in this replacement part project.
CNC Pockets – Cut Holes & Cavities in FreeCAD CAM | Pocket, Helix & Adaptive Toolpaths Tutorial: • CNC Pockets – Cut Holes & Cavities in Free...
After finishing your pockets, mastering profile operations is the next step. This video explains how to cut part outlines, set depths, and optimize tool engagement for clean, accurate edges — essential for completing any CNC project from start to finish.
CNC Profiling – Cutting Outlines with G-Code | FreeCAD CAM Profile Operation Basics: • CNC Profiling – Cutting Outlines with G-Co...
00:00 Intro: Modeling, generating toolpaths, and milling a replacement part (CAM trick for deep pockets and profiling)
01:26 Sketching the Box: Draw the 2D sketch
02:56 3D Modeling: Create the 3D box model
04:32 Through-Hole Pocket: Make a round pocket at the bottom
05:38 Array of Holes: Use datum line and array to make multiple holes
07:13 CNC Job Setup: Set stock and origin
08:06 Toolbit Setup: Create a new toolbit based on a predefined shape
09:38 Add Toolbits: Add to job and configure feeds & speeds
11:15 Rapid Speeds: Set and explain importance
12:13 Facing Operation: Generate facing toolpath
12:47 Improve Facing Toolpath: Optimize millface operation
14:15 Export & Mill: Export G-code and mill on CNC
14:55 Deep Pocket Strategy: Multi-step roughing with different toolbits
15:56 Roughing Pocket: Generate initial toolpaths
16:22 Optimize Roughing: Adjust parameters for first rough cut
18:17 Multi-Step Pocketing: Cut deeper with the same larger-diameter toolbit
19:40 Cleaning Operation: Minimize rounding in corners and bottom
20:43 Rest Machining for Corners: Use rest machining for rounded corners
21:28 G-code Export: Split and export files
23:26 Helix Operation: Cut circular holes
25:24 Profile Operation: Cut the outline
25:53 Multi-Step Profiling Trick: Cut deep outline safely
28:16 Final Thoughts: invitation to subscribe & support and final cuts on the cnc
If you want to support me, you can purchase a super thanks or subscribe to my Patreon page. Subscribing to my Patreon page means you also have access to this video without interruptions.
My Patreon page:
/ opensourcecnc
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https://ko-fi.com/opensourcecnc
You can book a one on one session with me, to sort things out if you need help with certain projects or situations:
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