DIY Twist on Hot Chocolate Frothers

Hey there, I'm Carla, and I'm stoked to share my first-ever Instructable! I'm currently Studying Digital Fabrication and Design at Selkirk College. If you're all about getting hands-on and love the idea of turning your hobbies into a profession, check it out.

Originally from the Philippines, I made the leap to Canada to chase my passion in this program.

This project allowed me to redesign its classic shape, enhancing its frothing capabilities and overall efficiency. Growing up, the batirol held a special place in our home, as a kid, it captivated my fascination like no other kitchen tool. This is a Filipino traditional tool for making hot chocolate. Milling it out of teak wood added an extra layer of significance, ensuring its place in my kitchen for years to come.

This Instructable is all about sharing what I've learned from this project. I'll walk you through the design process I followed, the iterations I made along the way, the tools and machines I used, and how I completed the final piece.

Problem Definition:

Create unique asymmetrical hand tool to mill on the AVID CNC 4th axis rotary tool with attention to correct ergonomics and milled out of hardwood.

Use Scenario:

• Must have blades that can infuse air to effectively froth chocolate drink.
• Stem diameter that is comfortable to roll along the palm.

Use Environment:

• Should fit most glass sizes
• Food safe
• Washable

4th Axis Rotary CNC

1/2" Chip Breaker End Mill

1/4" Ball Nose End Mill

2x2x12 Food Safe Hardwood (I used Teak Wood for this project since it's easy to mill but really strong)

Photo 1: Plasticine Prototype

One of my favorite rapid prototyping methods is using plasticine to quickly figure out the overall shape and size. From here, I can even measure it and get an idea of how to model it.

Photo 2: 3D Printed Prototype

After modeling my first iteration, I printed a low-quality prototype to check the form. It's always better to have something tangible to touch and figure out where you can make changes and improvements.

Photo 3: Soft Wood Prototype

This step was crucial to the project. Making this soft wood prototype allowed me to understand how to program my tool paths effectively.

Photo 4: Hollow Core

This design feature sets it apart from the traditional batirol. Having airflow makes the hot chocolate froth fuller.

Photo 5: Final CAD Model

CAD model made in Autodesk Fusion.

Photos 1, 2, 3: Roughing Pass

I used a 1/2in bit to speed through the roughing pass.

Photos 4, 5, 6: Finishing Pass

With just a 10% step-over setting, I barely needed any sanding afterward. A quick run with 120 grit sandpaper and a light touch with 220 grit did the trick.

CNC Programming Software: VCarve Pro

Photos 7, 8: Finishing

To finish it off, I applied some food-safe oil. Went with Circa 1850 Tung Oil this time.