The Easy Way to Make a Coffee Table

Have you ever wanted to create a unique piece of custom furniture for your living room? This project will guide you through making your very first coffee table—from designing a precise CAD model in Fusion 360 to generating tool paths in ArtCAM and, finally, machining and assembling your masterpiece. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, this Instructable covers every step in detail while emphasizing design creativity, proper tool usage, and assembly tips. Get ready to combine modern digital fabrication with hands-on craftsmanship!

Here is a video that goes through all the processes in rapid way.

All thanks to Abo elnaga my friend because we made the coffee table and the stool, here is a link for his build HERE

Software

1. Fusion 360: This is used to create the CAD model and define all design parameters.
2. ArtCAM: To import your design (saved as DXF) and generate accurate tool paths.

Materials

1. MDF Sheet (18mm thick): The table top and legs.
2. Wood (Optional): If you wish to add accent pieces or reinforcements.
3. Adhesives: Wood glue (for assembly, if needed).

Tools & Machines

1. CNC Router/Milling Machine: To cut your design with precision.
2. Router Machine: For machining details or if doing manual work.
3. Clamps: These are used for holding pieces in place during assembly.
4. Sandpaper & Finishing Supplies: To smooth edges and finish the table.

1.1 Concept & Sketching

1. Brainstorm Your Design: Decide on the table’s shape and style. Consider incorporating modern curves or classic straight lines.
2. Initial Sketches: Draft rough sketches on paper or digitally to finalize your design idea.

1.2 Creating the CAD Model

1. Open Fusion 360: Start a new project and set up your workspace.
2. Sketch the Table Top:
3. Draw the outline of your table top. Use parametric dimensions so you can adjust the design easily later.
4. Create features like rounded corners or unique cutouts as desired.
5. Extrude & Add Details:
6. Extrude the sketch to the thickness of your MDF sheet (18mm).
7. Sketch and extrude the legs, either as integrated parts or separate components.
8. Use the “Join” command to combine shapes if your design calls for it.
9. Save & Export:
10. Verify all dimensions and features.
11. Export your design as a DXF file for further processing in ArtCAM.

Tip: Keep your design parametric so adjustments (such as overall dimensions or leg positions) can be easily made using Fusion 360’s “Change Parameters” feature.

Note: The table dimensions were 90*70*70 C

I will link the files down

2.1 Importing Your DXF File

1. Open ArtCAM: I opened ARTCAM and created a new model.
2. I will be using an 18 mm MDF sheet with its standard dimensions of 122 cm * 244 cm
3. Set the units to mm and the job origin to the left bottom corner.
4. Then, I started importing the DXF files by dragging and dropping them into the work area.
5. Setting Up the File:
6. Verify the scale and alignment.
7. I selected the cross-shape in the seat, selected Inside Profile, and set the finish depth to 18 mm.

2.2 Generating the Tool Paths

1. Define Cutting Parameters:
2. I selected a 6 mm End Mill and set the cutting parameters as follows,
3. Stepover = 2.4 mm
4. Stepdown = 2.5 mm
5. Feed Rate = 76 mm/sec
6. Plunge Rate = 50 mm/sec
7. Spindle Speed = 15000 rpm
8. I added bridges so as to fix the cut part with the board with tinny tabs.
9. Material setup: Thickness = 18 mm and the material Z zero to the top.
10. Named the toolpath with Cross and pressed Calculate Now
11. 
    
12. Simulation & Verification:
13. I selected the legs and seat without the cross-shape and selected Outside Profile
14. Set the same parameters as the previous toolpath, named it Seat2legs, and pressed Calculate Now
15. Finally, I saved the toolpaths. I selected Mach2 mm(*.cnc) as the machine file format.
16. Export G-Code:
17. Once the simulation is satisfactory, export the G-code for your CNC router.

Tip: Label your tool paths clearly (e.g., “Table Top Outer Cut,” “Leg Engrave”) to simplify setup on the machine.

3.1 Setting Up Your CNC Machine

1. Material Preparation:
2. Secure your 18mm MDF sheet on the CNC bed with clamps or a vacuum table.
3. Set the machine’s origin point (zero) according to your design reference.
4. Load the G-Code:
5. Transfer the G-code from ArtCAM to your CNC router’s controller.
6. Test Run:
7. Run a test on a scrap piece of MDF to confirm proper settings and tool paths.

3.2 Cutting Process

1. Execute the Cuts:
2. Start with the outer profile, then proceed to the detailed engravings or inner cuts.
3. Monitor the machine for any adjustments or issues.
4. Quality Check:
5. Once the machine has finished, inspect all cut parts.
6. Trim any rough edges and perform any necessary sanding.

Tip: Always follow safety guidelines while operating CNC machines. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure the work area is clear of obstructions.

4.1 Assembly

1. Dry Fit:
2. Lay out all cut parts and dry fit them together. Check for alignment and fit.
3. Final Assembly:
4. If your design uses adhesives, apply wood glue at joints and clamp the pieces until dry.
5. Alternatively, if you’ve designed interlocking parts, assemble them by hand for a clean, fast-fit solution.

4.2 Finishing Touches

1. Sanding & Smoothing:
2. Use sandpaper (start with 80 grit, then 120 and 220 for fine sanding) to smooth all surfaces and edges.
3. Optional Finishes:
4. Apply a wood sealant or paint for both aesthetics and durability.
5. Consider adding additional design elements (like inlays or engraved patterns) using Fusion 360 and ArtCAM if desired.