This Christmas tree-shaped wooden serving tray was designed and machined using the Makera Z1 CNC. Featuring three recessed compartments, it's a simple but attractive project that's perfect for holding Christmas treats, chocolates, nuts, or other small items during the festive season.

The entire tray is machined from a single piece of wood, with no assembly or additional components required. The design features smooth, rounded edges and three progressively larger compartments that follow the shape of the Christmas tree.

It's a great project for experimenting with 3D pocket machining and contour cutting on the Z1.

Materials & Tools

Stock: Wood – 180 × 180 × 18.5 mm
Cutting tool: 3.175 mm × 25 mm flat end mill
CNC Machine: Makera Z1
Workholding: 2 × Makera top clamps, double-sided tape and 2 × M5 screws
Finishing: Sandpaper
Additional materials: None required

Machining & Setup

The wooden stock was secured to the Z1 spoilboard using a combination of two top clamps, double-sided tape and two M5 screws. This provided additional stability during machining, particularly for the final outer contour cut.

All machining operations were completed using a single 3.175 mm flat end mill, eliminating the need for tool changes.

Important – Probe Positioning:

Careful attention is required when positioning the Makera Z1 probe. The probe must be oriented correctly to ensure the machine can complete its probing routine without the spindle assembly or probe colliding with the wooden stock.

Before starting, check that the probe is positioned correctly and that all clamps and screws are clear of the programmed toolpaths.

Final Result

A simple, festive wooden tray machined entirely on the Makera Z1 using a single cutting tool.

The finished project makes a lovely Christmas decoration, serving tray or handmade gift. It's also a good demonstration of the Z1's ability to produce functional wooden items with detailed pockets and smooth contours.

Feel free to make it, modify it, experiment with different material combinations and share your results or remixes with the community.