These are the files and directions to create an articulating wood snake with a CNC router. The pure wood joints allow a lot of movement! Originally $5, but now free.
Build Video: Making a Wooden Snake on the CNC
The project is all setup in Autodesk Fusion 360 for machining. The CAD and CAM/toolpaths are fully tested and ready to go. You may have to change some of the router bit speeds and feeds for your particular CNC machine.
Also included are the STL models. I exported the models in groups to allow one to import them into Vectric VCarve and carve them out. I haven’t tested using VCarve, but it should be possible to create this project with it, however you will have to setup all the toolpaths for a successful two sided machining operation.
Included in the download (Zipped):
- Snake v115 Public v1.f3d – the Autodesk Fusion 360 file
- 5 STL Files for the individual body part pieces (inch scaling)
- 9 other STL files for variations: pieces grouped together and pieces without alignment holes
- Three DXF files for the alignment hole locations, which are optional to use
- Wood Snake Directions v1.pdf – the PDF directions
The snake is a fun project for kids to play with! However, the joints are wood, and it is possible to twist and break them. I recommend using a strong hardwood: maple, walnut, etc. I did some out of redwood, which is just too soft, and the joints on one failed after some rough play.
Photos are from my 6 year old’s snakes; he customized one with some markings. Cherry/walnut, and the second is redwood (redwood is not strong!)
The design is © Corbin Dunn. You are welcome to sell products you create with these files!
Note: the head is a re-mix of the 3d printed snake from thingiverse.
