CNC Serving Tray with Inlay – Design, Toolpaths & G-Code Workflow
Download the FreeCAD 1.1 file created in this video: https://ko-fi.com/s/d1a3ad957c
Learn how to create a custom serving tray with an elegant inlay using a complete CNC workflow: from designing your parts, to creating precise toolpaths, generating G-code, and milling everything on your CNC machine.
In this tutorial, you'll see:
• How to design a serving tray and decorative inlay
• Setting up toolpaths for cutting and inlay fit
• Generating G-code
• Milling the final project with clean results
This method works with FreeCAD (shown here) but is also applicable to other CAD/CAM tools.
Perfect for CNC enthusiasts, makers, and woodworkers looking to expand their projects with beautiful inlays and precise machining.
00:00 CNC Serving Tray with Inlay | FreeCAD Design to G-Code Workflow
01:13 Sketching the Tray Outline in FreeCAD (Length, Width & Radius)
02:00 Turning the 2D Sketch into a 3D Tray Model
02:03 Creating Sloped Pockets with Sketches & Loft Tool
05:06 Modeling the Tray Interior & Subtractive Loft
05:43 Adding Handle Cutouts with Sketches & Pockets
08:19 Importing an SVG Design for the Inlay
08:39 Scaling & Adjusting the Inlay Sketch for Correct Dimensions
11:08 Mapping & Positioning the Inlay Sketch onto the Tray
11:56 Creating the Pocket Recess for the Inlay
12:39 Designing the Inlay Piece to Match the Recess
14:16 Using Boolean Cuts to Generate the Inlay Shape
14:40 Rounding Corners with Fillet Tool for Better Inlay Fit
16:13 Setting Up a New CAM Job: Tools, Speeds & Post Processor
17:49 Facing Operation: Milling the Inside of the Tray
18:45 Beveled Edges: 3D Surface Operation & Toolpath Fixes
21:10 Tips for Smooth Finishes on Sloped Walls
23:13 Pocket Operation: Cutting the Inlay Recess on the CNC
25:14 Optimizing Pocket Operations + CNC Inlay Cutting
25:46 Profile Operation: Cutting the Tray Outline
29:21 New Job for Handles: Setup & Positioning
30:51 Adjusting Handle Geometry for Pocket Machining
31:39 Pocket Operation for Handles + CNC Machining
33:47 CAM Setup for the Inlay Cutout Job
34:38 Rotating Model & Origin Setup for Inlay Milling
35:09 Pocket Operation for Isolating the Inlay Shape
36:11 Fixing Toolpath Cutting Issues in FreeCAD CAM
36:50 Post-Glue Cleanup: Face Milling the Inlay Surface
38:29 Finished CNC Serving Tray with Inlay | Final Result
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