A piece of scrap Pink Syrofoam sitting around in my shop inspired me to attempt designing and cutting a dish. The piece was 5 by 7 inches and 2 inches thick. This first cut is a roughing cut to remove most of the waste material.

As the cut continues you can see the dish pattern taking shape. Cutting foam like this is a very messy chore and your dust collection should be in top shape.

A ¼" ball nose milling cutter with a 8% pass cut gives a nice fine finish. I cut this at a 45° angle, Vetric Aspire is the software I use to design and I cut my projects with a ShopBot Desk top.

This is the finished dish sitting on my keyboard. As I said, this was only a test and the dish has no pratical use. However, a friend of mine that has a hobby of aluminum casting commented that he has used such items to cast aluminum parts.

The bottom side of the dish. I am pleased the way it has turned out and will try a nice piece of Walnut or Maple for my next attempt, if I ever get time.

I used the same file to cut the dish from Black Walnut.

As my first attempt the dish wall and the lip are too thick, so I will change that for the next time.

Just another photo.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.