hextech.cloud://articles/cnc

Browse all articles — cnc on hextech.cloud.

The idea

Was looking to make something out of a metal.
Though making a weight that would reach the bottom level of the Arca Rail would replace the idea of using a Gamer Plate or some of the side extensions like the MDT Baker wings.

Design sketch

This is the base sketch with measurements, used create the weight.

https://cdn.sanity.io/images/e6knjwjq/production/d8face05c2eba6f0f721708b0d6d8bc8f188fa75-1976x1120.png

sketch measurement
sketch measurement

This is the 3D render of the weights.

render of weights
render of weights

M-Lok hole milling

Z1 milling out M-Lok holes

Contour milling

Z1 starting to mill out the outline of shape.

Rounding edges

Rounding the edges, I though the finish would be nicer than just a chamfer.

End results

Well this is the end result.

Widens the base of the chassis, makes it more comfortable hold.
Widens the base of the chassis, makes it more comfortable hold.
Being inline with the Arca base, make the surface wider for resting on bags.
Being inline with the Arca base, make the surface wider for resting on bags.
1 / 2

It make the base of the rifle chassis wider.

  • The width does make it more comfortable to hold off hand. Wider weight distribution for heavier rifles.
  • Angles add a place for fingers to rest on
    • Top angle acts like a thumb rest to push against.

I’ll try them, but probably would want to make them thicker, some where between 15 - 20mm i think would be better.

Packaged very well.
Packaged very well.
Lots of shrink wrap, it fits on a IKEA Melltorp Table - Square
Lots of shrink wrap, it fits on a IKEA Melltorp Table - Square
Jam packed with bits and pieces.
Jam packed with bits and pieces.
First look at the inside and the work bed.
First look at the inside and the work bed.
1 / 4

Makera Z1 Pro

Backed the Kickstarter in 2025.

Upgraded to the Makera Z1 Pro option that was annouced later in the campainge.

Also got the following add-ons \ bonuses:

  • Low Profile vise
  • 4th Axis Module
  • Ionising Module
  • 3D Wired Probe
  • 6mm Collet, 3.175mm to 6mm sleeve & 6mm bits
  • Threading bit up to M6 size

Setup

The setup was quite easy and I didn’t have any issues (I’ve seen online that some user had issue updating).

  • Downloaded Makera Studio
  • Installed on PC
  • Started Makera Studio
  • Went to the device tab and found the Z1 straight away
  • Alerted about Firmware update, so downloaded and installed that.
  • Restarted the device.
  • Installed the Makera Android app
    • Connected and controlled the Z1 a bit

First Project

For some reason I had the great idea I should dive in and make my own first project, instead of running the preloaded Top Clamp project.

The first project I though it would be easy and useful to design is a Bit holder.

  • Measured up the bit containers.
  • Found some wood. The piece of wood in hind sight was too thick (40mm).
  • Drew a rectangle then put some more rectangle for the bit containers. 7x2 rows for bits.
  • Saw there was some extra space, so decided it would be a good idea to make a lip so that it would be possible to stack another on top (in the future).
  • At the same time I thought rounded corners would look nicer.
  • Started generating tool paths, then realised that I didn’t have any bits that would be able to cut along the full depth of the side.

First chips coming off

Final Box with bits

Bit holder
Bit holder