CNC CAM Workflow – Embossed Letter Project | Design to G-Code & Machining Tutorial (FreeCAD)
Learn how to create and machine embossed letters with CNC using FreeCAD’s CAM Workbench!
In this full workflow tutorial, you’ll go from designing a 3D embossed letter to generating toolpaths, exporting G-code, and milling it on your CNC machine. Perfect for beginners and hobbyists who want to bring text or logo engravings into real projects using free and open-source software.
What you’ll learn in this video:
How to model embossed letters in FreeCAD
Preparing the geometry for machining (faces, unions, and recesses)
Creating CNC jobs and configuring stock
Adding tools, feeds, and speeds
Generating toolpaths: pocket, deburr, millface, and profile
Setting depths, heights, and post-processor options
Exporting G-code and milling on a CNC
Project goal: Cut a raised (embossed) letter on wood — ideal for signs, decorations, or custom engravings.
Continue your learning:
Playlist: CNC CAD to G-Code Workflow – Real Projects & CAM Tutorials (FreeCAD): • CNC CAD to G-Code Workflow – Real Projects...
Learn CAM fundamentals: FreeCAD CAM - Complete Lessons (CNC G-code Tutorials): • FreeCAD CAM - Complete Lessons (CNC G-code...
Want to try a different workflow?
Watch the Blender with Fabex CNC version for embossed letters here: • Embossed Lettering on a CNC Router: Design...
Both tutorials show how to go from design to real machining, using only free software — choose the one that fits your workflow!
00:00 Introduction: Full CNC Workflow – Embossed Letter from Design to Machining
00:32 Modeling the base 3D shape for the letter in FreeCAD
01:06 Adding and positioning the letter using FreeCAD’s text tool
01:49 Rotating, scaling, and placing the letter on the base
02:42 Converting the letter shape to editable wires
02:55 Cleaning geometry: fixing overlaps and creating faces
03:34 Joining faces into one face (Join Faces macro)
04:16 Best practice for extruding the letter into 3D
04:41 Uniting solids with Boolean union
05:05 Creating a recess inside the embossed letter
06:01 Setting up a new CNC job and configuring stock
07:09 Adding toolbits with correct feeds and speeds
08:07 Choosing a post-processor and output file setup
09:39 Setting stepdown, clearance, and safe heights
10:09 Creating a pocket operation to remove material
10:25 Improving pocket operation parameters
11:40 Generating toolpath for inside letter cutting
12:33 Creating a deburr operation for beveled edges
13:05 Editing toolbit parameters directly in the deburr operation
14:50 Cutting outer chamfers with deburr operation
15:20 Avoiding collisions when chamfering
15:44 Using millface operation to flatten letter top
16:41 Creating a profile operation to cut model outline
17:06 Adding and editing tags in profile operation
18:17 Exporting and saving G-code files
20:14 Final CNC results: embossed letter milled on wood
Thank you for watching! Visit my Patreon page for a lot of useful files:
/ opensourcecnc
If you don't feel like subscribing yet, you can support me by buying a one time thanks or big thanks from here:
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
You can download the macro for free here:
/ freecad-connect-101097092
#CNC #FreeCAD #GCode #CAM #CNCWoodworking #CNCProjects #FreeCADCAM #CNCEmbossedLetter #GCodeTutorial #CNCBeginners