CNC Profiling Tutorial: Cut Shapes & Outlines | FreeCAD 1.0 CAM G-Code Workflow (Full Guide)
Learn how to create CNC profiling toolpaths to cut precise shapes and outlines using the new FreeCAD 1.0 CAM Workbench!
In this detailed step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how to set up a CNC job, define stock and origin, choose tools and feeds, and create profile operations for cutting part outlines. You’ll also learn advanced tricks like lead-ins, dogbone dressups, and array operations to get professional results with open-source CAM.
Perfect for beginners and intermediate CNC users who want to master FreeCAD 1.0’s Path Workbench and generate clean, production-ready G-code.
What you’ll learn in this video:
How to set up a CNC job, stock, origin, and tools
Understanding feeds, speeds, and rapid movements
Creating and customizing profile operations
Setting depths, heights, and processors for G-code
Using simulation to preview toolpaths
Adding tabs, splitting operations for clamping
Using lead-in/out and dogbone dressups
New features in FreeCAD 1.0 CAM
Surface finish tips for better outline cuts
If you’ve learned how to create clean profile cuts and outlines in this video, continue your CNC journey with my latest tutorial. This project combines multiple operations — facing, pocketing, helix drilling, and profiling — to produce a real replacement part, showing how to integrate everything you’ve learned into one efficient FreeCAD CAM workflow.
— FreeCAD CNC Tutorial: Model, Toolpath & Mill a Replacement Part (Full G-Code Workflow): • FreeCAD CNC Tutorial: Model, Toolpath & Mi...
Continue Learning CNC with FreeCAD 1.0:
Start here: FreeCAD 1.0 CAM Tutorial | CNC Machining & G-Code Workflow (Step-by-Step Guide): • FreeCAD 1.0 CAM Tutorial | CNC Machining &...
Next step: FreeCAD CAM Tips – Smarter Toolpaths & G-Code Tricks: • FreeCAD CAM Tips – Smarter Toolpaths & G-C...
Explore advanced projects: FreeCAD Parametric CNC Projects – CAD to G-Code Workflows: • FreeCAD CAM Parametric CNC Projects & G-Co...
Unlock the full power of open-source CAM for your CNC router, mill, or machining center — no expensive software needed!
00:00 Introduction: CNC Profiling & Outline Cutting Overview
01:15 Creating a New CNC Job in FreeCAD 1.0 CAM
01:58 Setting the Stock and Origin in a CNC Job
03:00 Adding Tools with Correct Feeds and Speeds
03:56 Setting Horizontal and Vertical Rapids (Why They Matter)
04:20 Managing the Model Placement in CAM Job (Move, Rotate, Adjust)
04:49 Creating a Profile Operation for Cutting the Outline
06:11 Adjusting CNC Depths (Start, Final, Stepdown)
07:07 Understanding Safe and Clearance Heights in FreeCAD CAM
08:04 Setting Safe/Clearance Heights Across Multiple Operations
08:51 Choosing the Correct Post Processor for G-Code Export
10:00 Using Simulation to Preview Toolpaths in FreeCAD CAM
11:54 Generating and Saving G-Code Files
12:10 Adding and Editing Tabs (Holding the Workpiece Securely)
15:31 Splitting Profile Operations for Clamping Strategies
19:16 Using Lead In and Lead Out Dressups to Remove Cutter Marks
22:39 Applying DogBone Dressup for Better Corner Fits (with Simulation)
25:44 What’s New in FreeCAD 1.0 CAM Workbench
29:21 Using Array Operation (Multiply Toolpaths + Offset Formulas)
36:31 Tips for Better Surface Finish in Outline Cuts
38:15 Pro Finish Tip: Same Toolbit, Different Speeds Method
40:08 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
If you want to support me, please subscribe to my Patreon or buy a one time support through the following links:
My Patreon page:
/ opensourcecnc
Big Thanks ($10):
/ one-time-big-thanks-244233
Thanks ($3):
/ one-time-thank-you-244228
You can book a one on one session with me, to sort things out if you need help with certain projects or situations:
/ one-hour-one-on-138672386
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