From CAD to Chips: My First CNC Part on the SYIL X7
From CAD to chips — learning CNC the right way through Titans of CNC Academy and the SYIL X7
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a block of aluminum into a finished, precision-machined part — especially when it’s your first one. In this video journey, the team at Titans of CNC shows how a new machinist takes 6061 aluminum from design to a finished part on the SYIL X7, proving that with the right tools and guidance, anyone can learn to machine like a pro.
The Project: From Raw Aluminum to “Titan 1M”
This project started with a simple goal: design, program, and cut a custom Titan 1M part entirely from scratch. Using Titan’s Academy tutorials, our machinist learned every step — from CAD modeling to CAM programming and final machining on the SYIL X7.
Getting the SYIL X7 Ready
Before cutting chips, the SYIL X7 was fully tooled up, with every tool touched off and ready for the first operation.
The X7 is the perfect fit for this kind of training — compact yet powerful, with industrial-grade precision. As Titans of CNC notes, they’re the national distributor for SYIL in the U.S., and the X7 has become a cornerstone of their hands-on learning setup.
OP1: Making Chips for the First Time
With the machine set and confidence high, it was time to run Operation 1.
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Tool 1: Roughing pass – clearing material and creating the first shape.
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Tool 2: Finishing – refining surfaces and leaving a smooth finish.
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Tool 3: Chamfering – breaking edges cleanly.
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Tool 4: Detail cuts – bringing out the final contours.
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Tool 5: Final finishing – polishing off the geometry.
As the first part came to life, emotions ran high. Seeing metal take shape under your own program is something every machinist remembers — especially when you’re cutting on a machine as capable as the SYIL X7.
OP2: Flipping and Finishing
After OP1 was complete, it was time to flip the part and machine the second side. Using a 1-2-3 block and stop setup, the machinist learned how to re-establish work offsets and align the stock perfectly for decking to final thickness.
Once the setup was dialed in, OP2 ran smoothly — taking the part down to final thickness and adding a few personal touches under the guidance of the Titans of CNC crew.
When the part came out, it was perfect: clean finish, crisp edges, no crashes.
Learning Through Titans of CNC Academy
The biggest takeaway wasn’t just a finished part — it was knowledge. Every step of this build was guided by the Titans of CNC Academy, a free online platform that teaches the full CNC workflow.
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CAD Design (with SolidWorks):
Walks through every modeling step for the Titan 1M part.
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CAM Programming:
Teaches toolpath creation, feeds and speeds, and setup best practices.
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Machining Execution:
The Academy lessons are designed so anyone can go from digital model to real part — exactly what happened here.
Why SYIL X7 Is the Ideal Learning Machine
For first-time machinists or small CNC shops, the SYIL X7 strikes a balance between affordability and industrial-grade capability.
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High precision for tight tolerances
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Compact footprint ideal for workshops and classrooms
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BT30 spindle with speed and rigidity
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Easy setup and maintenance for new machinists
Combined with free training from Titans of CNC Academy, it’s the perfect ecosystem for learning, growing, and producing real parts.
Final Thoughts
From a block of 6061 aluminum to a polished “Titan 1M,” this project is proof that anyone can learn CNC machining with the right mindset, mentorship, and machine.
The pride in creating something real, by hand and by code, is something every machinist understands. And for a first part, it couldn’t have gone better.
Want to start your own CNC journey?
👉 Explore the SYIL X7 and other compact CNC machines at syil.com.
Watch the video or visit: https://www.syil.com/x7.