Hand-cut vs CNC climbing volumes: which files you need
Both hand cutting and CNC can produce strong plywood climbing volumes. The difference is precision, speed, and which files you order. This guide helps you choose a path — and the VOLUME exports that match it.
Hand-cut volumes
Best when: home wall, one-off shapes, no CNC access, you are comfortable with mitres.
Files to use:
- Print pattern — dimensioned face schematics to transfer onto plywood
- Corner marks — assembly references
- Cut list — checklist of edges and angles
Workflow: design in VOLUME → print patterns → cut → dry-fit → glue/screw → T-nuts → mount. Full narrative: how to make a climbing volume.
CNC volumes
Best when: repeatability, gym batches, tight mitres, complex nests, or you outsource cutting.
Files to use:
- CNC DXF / SVG — 2D contours and holes for routers
- Nest DXF / SVG / PNG / STEP — panels arranged on a sheet
- STEP — solid CAD for shops that program from 3D
- STL — mesh preview / some additive or visualisation workflows (not a substitute for plywood cut files)
What to send a CNC shop
- Confirm their preferred format (often DXF for 2.5D nesting, STEP for solids).
- State plywood thickness and material.
- Include nest files if you want them to cut your layout; otherwise ask them to renest.
- Call out T-nut and mounting hole diameters so tooling matches hardware.
Hybrid approach
Many builders CNC the outlines and drill T-nuts by hand — or cut panels by hand and only CNC a complex nest later. Design once in the browser; order only the formats you need (single formats or a full package).
File cheat sheet
| Goal | Prefer |
|---|---|
| Trace on plywood by hand | Print pattern |
| Assemble with references | Corner marks |
| Saw checklist | Cut list |
| CNC 2D cut | DXF / SVG (± nest) |
| CAD / CAM solid | STEP (± nest STEP) |
| 3D mesh preview | STL |
FAQ
Can I CNC from a print pattern alone?
Not cleanly. Shops want vector DXF/SVG or STEP. Use print patterns for hand tools.
Do I need CAD software if the shop has CNC?
No — generate DXF/STEP from VOLUME and send those. See also design without CAD.
Dimensions deep-dive: dimensions and cut lists. Ready to pick files? Design first, then order exports.