EASY CNC ROUTER PROJECTS
HOW TO MAKE A PIZZA PEEL ON A CNC ROUTER W/ A TAPER (IT'S EASY)
WITH FREE DESIGN FILES
Pizza peels are fun and easy CNC router woodworking projects to make. The design is straight-forward and can be done quickly in all design software, such as Vectric Vcarve, Easel, Carbide Create, Carveco, Fusion 360, etc.
Even better, your pizza peel can be completed in a single setup on your CNC router with only 2 or 3 CNC router bits. It can even be done with one bit.
Traditionally, you can make a pizza peel with a single 1/4” compression endmill (also known as an up-down bit). But you also want to round the edges of a pizza peel. That can be done with the same profile line in the design software and using a rounding bit, or round over bit, without changing the setup.
However, there is the one question almost every CNC router own has that wants to make a pizza peel. That is, “How do you cut a taper in a pizza peel on a CNC router?”
You’re in luck because it is much easier than you might think.
Most creators overthink how to make a taper on a pizza peel, and believe they have to create a 3D model of it, or design complicated drive rails (a method of designing odd shapes in design software).
But you can do it using a simple vcarving tool path. Trying to explain it in text is a bit complicated so I crated a video for you that walks you through this simple technique. This step-by-step video on how to make a pizza peel on a CNC router complete walk-through of a pizza peel for the beginner.
It will teach you exactly how to design a pizza peel to setting it up on your CNC router to cutting it. And you’ll learn the 3 CNC router bits you will need. AND, you will learn how to design a taper in any way you want the easy way.
THE 3 CNC ROUTER BITS YOU NEED TO MAKE A PIZZA PEEL
1/4 COMPRESSION BIT (A.K.A. UP-DOWN BIT)
1/4 Compression Bit (aka up down bit) For CNC Routers CNC Router Bit 1/4 Shank by IDC Woodcraft
The 1/4 compression bit is a special design that has a downward cut for most of the length and a short area at the end of the bit that has an upward cut. The purpose of this design is to prevent tearout at the top or bottom of the CNC router project while it is being cut out.
1/4" ROUNDING BIT ROUNDOVER BIT FOR CNC ROUTERS 1/4" SHANK
1/4" Radius Rounding Round over Bit For CNC Routers 1/8" Shank by IDC Woodcraft
The rounding bit or round over bit (with 1/4 shank) is the ideal CNC router bit to round the edges of your CNC projects.
It is advisable to get a ‘pointed’ rounding bit like the one you see in the image. This way, you do not have to calculate an offset value, which can cause mistakes in your CNC project.
150 DEGREE V-BIT
150 degree V-Grooving V-bit CNC Router Bit 1/4 Shank, Good For Pizza Peel Woodworking CNC Router Projects by IDC Woodcraft
150 degree V-Grooving V-bit CNC Router Bit 1/4 Shank, Good For Pizza Peel Woodworking CNC Router Projects by IDC Woodcraft, BV-150
If you watch the video above, you will understand why the 150 degree v-bit is the ideal bit to create a taper on a pizza peel.
It has an ideal angle that creates a perfect taper without doing complicated design work.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE PIZZA PEEL DESIGN WITH G-CODES
When you click the button below, you will download a FREE design file for the pizza peel you see in the image. It is the same pizza peel you will see being designed in the step-by-step video. Included are instructions for all materials needed and various file types so you can run a pizza peel from almost any design software.
BASIC PIZZA PEEL MAKING INSTRUCTIONS
To make a pizza peel on a CNC router, you will need the following materials:
- A piece of wood (such as maple or ash) that is large enough to make your desired size of peel
- A CNC router
- A cutter bit (such as a straight or spiral bit) that is appropriate for the type of wood you are using
- CAD software (such as AutoCAD or Fusion 360) to create a design and generate CNC code
Steps:
- Create a design for your pizza peel in CAD software. This should include the shape of the peel, as well as any text or images you want to engrave on it.
- Use the software to generate the CNC code for your design.
- Load the code into your CNC router, and secure the piece of wood to the router’s bed.
- Adjust the router’s settings as necessary for the type of wood you are using and the cutter bit you have selected.
- Start the router and let it run until the design is fully cut.
- Sand the edges and surface of the peel to smooth out any roughness.
- You can finish the peel with mineral oil or beeswax to protect it and make it look nice
Note: Be sure to use safety equipment such as a dust mask, safety goggles, and ear protection when operating a CNC router. And you should have enough knowledge about CNC routing and safety measures.