CNC Serving Tray with Inlay – Design, Toolpaths & G-Code Workflow

Download the FreeCAD 1.1 file created in this video: https://ko-fi.com/s/d1a3ad957c Learn how to create a custom serving tray with an elegant inlay using a complete CNC workflow: from designing your parts, to creating precise toolpaths, generating G-code, and milling everything on your CNC machine. In this tutorial, you'll see: • How to design a serving tray and decorative inlay • Setting up toolpaths for cutting and inlay fit • Generating G-code • Milling the final project with clean results This method works with FreeCAD (shown here) but is also applicable to other CAD/CAM tools. Perfect for CNC enthusiasts, makers, and woodworkers looking to expand their projects with beautiful inlays and precise machining. 00:00 CNC Serving Tray with Inlay | FreeCAD Design to G-Code Workflow 01:13 Sketching the Tray Outline in FreeCAD (Length, Width & Radius) 02:00 Turning the 2D Sketch into a 3D Tray Model 02:03 Creating Sloped Pockets with Sketches & Loft Tool 05:06 Modeling the Tray Interior & Subtractive Loft 05:43 Adding Handle Cutouts with Sketches & Pockets 08:19 Importing an SVG Design for the Inlay 08:39 Scaling & Adjusting the Inlay Sketch for Correct Dimensions 11:08 Mapping & Positioning the Inlay Sketch onto the Tray 11:56 Creating the Pocket Recess for the Inlay 12:39 Designing the Inlay Piece to Match the Recess 14:16 Using Boolean Cuts to Generate the Inlay Shape 14:40 Rounding Corners with Fillet Tool for Better Inlay Fit 16:13 Setting Up a New CAM Job: Tools, Speeds & Post Processor 17:49 Facing Operation: Milling the Inside of the Tray 18:45 Beveled Edges: 3D Surface Operation & Toolpath Fixes 21:10 Tips for Smooth Finishes on Sloped Walls 23:13 Pocket Operation: Cutting the Inlay Recess on the CNC 25:14 Optimizing Pocket Operations + CNC Inlay Cutting 25:46 Profile Operation: Cutting the Tray Outline 29:21 New Job for Handles: Setup & Positioning 30:51 Adjusting Handle Geometry for Pocket Machining 31:39 Pocket Operation for Handles + CNC Machining 33:47 CAM Setup for the Inlay Cutout Job 34:38 Rotating Model & Origin Setup for Inlay Milling 35:09 Pocket Operation for Isolating the Inlay Shape 36:11 Fixing Toolpath Cutting Issues in FreeCAD CAM 36:50 Post-Glue Cleanup: Face Milling the Inlay Surface 38:29 Finished CNC Serving Tray with Inlay | Final Result Thank you for watching! Visit my Patreon page for a lot of useful files: https://www.patreon.com/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): https://www.patreon.com/OpenSourceCNC/shop/one-time-big-thanks-244233 Thanks ($3): https://www.patreon.com/OpenSourceCNC/shop/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: https://www.patreon.com/posts/one-hour-one-on-138672386 #CNCProjects #GCodeWorkflow #CNCWoodworking #InlayCNC #CAMTutorial