Chinese Checkers

Apply your ShaperTape to at least 20in x 20in of work surface. For this design, space your tape about 2in apart.

Scan your work surface.

First, place the Chinese Checkers design file in the center of the area you just taped.

Once placed, test your placement on the workspace by hovering over the edges of your design with the tool to make sure you will be able to complete all cuts without running into clamps, edges, or losing the view of the ShaperTape.

Install the V60 Engraving Bit.

On screen, update the following:

Bit size: V60 (.03in)
Z touch to calibrate the new bit height to your workspace

In this design we will be making 3 types of cuts: We will begin with engraving cuts for the six triangles, move to outside cuts for the exterior contours of the design, and finish with inside cuts for the marble holes.

Hover over the edge of one of the six triangles and adjust/confirm the following the cut settings to:

Depth: .035in
Cut type: On line
Offset: 0
Bit size: V60 (.03in)
Spindle speed (off screen): 1.5

Before you plunge to cut, make sure Origin has enough tape within view to cut. You may need to face Origin towards the inside of the circle in order to view enough tape for the camera tracking.

Engrave all six triangles. If needed, you can make multiple passes with the engraving bit to clean up any edges.

Remove the V60 Engraving Bit, and install the ¼” Up-Cut Bit.

On screen, update the following:

Bit size: ¼” (.25in)
Z touch to calibrate the new bit height to your workspace

Since our material is ½” thick, we will be making multiple passes over each cut line in order to cut through the entire depth of the material. As a rule of thumb, we recommend only cutting as deep as your bit is wide in any one pass (eg- ¼” bit should only cut ¼” at a time).

Hover over the edge of the outside circle and adjust the cut settings to:

Depth: ¼” (.25in)
Cut type: Outside
Offset: .03in
Bit size: ¼” (.25in)
Spindle speed (off screen): 6

Note: We recommend using offsets in your depth passes and then removing the offset for your final pass in order to ensure a clean edge.

Make a first cut pass over the outside circle. Clear away any excess shavings.

Hover over the edge of the outside circle and adjust the following cut settings:

Depth: ½” (.5in)

Make a second cut pass over all the three interior shapes. Clear away any excess shavings.

To clean up the edges, we will do a finishing pass without an offset around the outside circle. Hover over the edge of the outside circle and update the following settings:

Depth: ½” (.5in)
Offset: 0

Make the finishing cut pass over the exterior circle.

In order to maintain enough tape in view of the tracking camera, you will have to be strategic in cutting out the marble holes. We recommend that you start in one corner of the workpiece and move from side to side across the design.

Option: You can use a ½” plunge cutting ball bit, instead of the ¼” Up-Cut Bit, to cut out the marble holes. This will create nicely rounded pockets for your marbles.

Hover over the edge of one of the marble circles and update the following cut settings:

Depth: .2in
Cut type: Inside
Offset: 0 [If using the ball bit, you must use a 0.124in offset so that the ball bit goes straight down and up]
Bit size: ¼” (.25in)
Spindle speed (off screen): 6

Since the marble holes are smaller than the tolerance of the spindle, you can use the auto-cut function. Center the cursor over the hole, plunge the cutter, and hold auto until the circle is complete.

As you move across the checkerboard, you will have to turn the tool to make sure it can see enough tape. You should be able to complete the design by turning Origin around the design. However, if you are having trouble keeping enough ShaperTape in view you can add tape in sections outside of the design and re-scan the workspace.

Note: Be sure not to tape over holes or uneven surfaces, as this can lead to lower quality results.

For more instruction on how to re-scan a workspace, click here

Pop the finished pieces off of the spoilboard and remove all of the tape. We recommend prying out the cut with a flat head screwdriver.

Sand with 180 grit sandpaper to get rid of any "fuzz" around the holes and soften the edges so they are no longer sharp.

If desired, you can spray paint all of the marble holes and lines. Once dry, sand back the top surface using 100 grit sandpaper, leaving only the holes and lines filled with color.

You can also apply stain or finish, as desired.

You’ve completed the project. Nice work!

Time to challenge someone to a match.