Request Input - Master's Degree Term Project

@PeteM thank you for your input. To your point regarding 2D vs 3D, I certainly agree with you. I myself have a fair amount of CAD experience, as I do it often in the day job, so I can easily see the benefits of it and how common it is for engineers. I also agree with how CAD is becoming more commonplace with Sketchup and the like. I see more hobbyists utilizing this because they see the benefits of computer modeling before cutting wood.

Here is the updated compilation list:

FUNCTIONS

[3D Functions]

-Carving

-Duplicating

-Determine grain direction

[2D Functions]

-Interpret 2D drawings

-Generate cut list

-Determine grain direction

[Measuring]

-Length, width, thickness, parallelism, concentricity, flatness, etc.

-Moisture content

-Cupping

[Drilling]

-Pilot holes (hinges, drawer glides, etc.)

[Turning]

-Lathe operations

[Routing]

-Profiling (CNC with read out, speed control)

[Surfacing]

-Planing

-Jointing

-Sanding (range of grits; oscillating; spindle)

[Cutting]

-Rough cut

-Final dimension

-Angle cut (0 to 90 degrees)

[Combining]

-Gluing

-Veneer

[Finalizing]

-Staining

[Requirements mentioned:]

-Change over between tools should be 5 minutes or less, without use of tools

-Drilling functions to use 1/4”, 1/2” bits

-Motors (more than one is highly likely) should be between 1 and 5 HP

-Surfacing operations for up to 15” wide boards

-Tool bit swapping capability

-Measure wood moisture content (and use this to anticipate dimensional change)

-Traditional joinery needs: mortise and tenon, dovetail, grooves (dado, rabbet)

[NOTES:]

Traditional joinery encompasses many aspects, like cutting, drilling, surfacing, etc. For these, I will categorize them by their primary function. I.e. mortise and tenon – tenon is a cutting operation, mortise is drilling.

Can you guys describe a scenario of how you’d use a machine like this? As a very simple example, here is a very short scenario:

After purchasing some rough-cut wood, I’d use this machine to 4-square various pieces to then cut joinery. I’d want to cut the joinery to create cabinet doors (cutting tongue and groove, mitres, etc.). Also, I’d likely want to try some engraving or carving to add decoration. I’d use a pattern previously created or design a new one to feed into the machine to carve out. I’d also want to replicate the process as I’m creating a number of doors. Finally, I’d take the cut pieces to then final assemble.

You guys can get as creative as you feel, as details do help.