I just finished building the handrail on my deck th-cam.com/users/postUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z and used this great little router to clean up the top rail before the final sanding and stain. It was light weight but packed lots of power. Either size battery didn't seem to make it top heavy and I'm a 64 yr old women so I really appreciated how easy it was to use...................... CORDLESS only way to go !!
I am 62 years old, I’ve got Parkinson’s and I’m learning woodworking to improve/maintain cognitive function and dexterity. I tune in to your videos to learn how things are done… Even at my best 30 years ago I would never achieve your craftsmanship or artistic talent. Still, your channel is so fascinating and enjoyable. Plus, I just enjoy watching you build beautiful stuff. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
Hi sorry to hear you have Parkinson's , I hope you don't think that I am just promoting cannabis. But have you seen the video of the guy with Parkinson's on youtube that uses it to help him. it was pretty amazing to see the effect it had on him. Might be worth searching for the video. All the best Ralph
Sorry that you are not well, eventually we are all faced with life changing conditions. When life gets a bit tough just remember what Winston Churchill said when asked what he was going to do at the height of World War II: “keep buggering on”. At 76 I envy these enthusiastic youngsters but don’t aim to emulate them. But last year I bought an expensive wood lathe and it is giving me hours of joy. So keep buggering on!
I had a retail fixture company for about five years. I did the design and prototyping. In the beginning I went to a local sign company too and had my parts made. I was lucky as many of the components I used in the design were the same pieces most of the time. Late night when I had to deliver the prototype to the customer in the morning. I had a mistake in the cnc parts. I made the change by hand but cut the others out on the router table. Used that method until the end. Saved a ton of money. I split with my partners and now I’m on my own doing nights and weekends. Not as much work as we had but happier. And I was doing most of the stuff anyway. I have contemplated getting a small cnc like you featured. Thanks for the share. Great video.
This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection th-cam.com/users/postUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.
Mark Emge The best videos bring an honest and surprisingly simple answer to what you have in mind but have not yet been able to put that puzzle together. This is certainly one of them. It helps when the on-line creator also has the talent and insight into their craft to put the pieces of that puzzle together . Chris, you are there. As a 64-year-old potential woodworker who realizes his 'old school' upbringing, yet has lived thru how computer technology has invaded woodworking, crafts, and construction ( for example, my first computer had 'floppy' drives' and a 9 pin dot-matrix printer, all based on a dos operating system). The marriage of traditional woodworking machines with newer technology has, for years now, kept many of us wondering just how to integrate the two. Your video helps make that much more clear. I am now a subscriber.
Wow... Wow, that was really helpful. I've been considering a cnc machine for my wood working. The fact that you are able to use SketchUp for design work is awesome. I've been a graphic designer for 30 years. A few years ago I started using SU to create 3D illustrations and animations for the engineering firm that I worked for (thanks to covid 19 I'm unemployed now) I'm also an artist and a woodworker. At 54 years old, there are very few graphic design options available for me so I'm seriously considering my own business that combines my skills as a designer/artist with my love of woodworking. Your demonstration of the X-carve has my mind positively buzzing with creative ideas. I can't thank you enough and wish you years of success in your business. Cheers, Clint
Hey Clint, I am in exactly the same boat, I started 3D graphic design about 25 ago, have just built myself a workshop and looking to do the same and I am 56. and we are both looking at CNC videos, small world and I bet we are not the only ones. good luck in your venture.
from a metal worker machinist try Autodesk fusion 360. its very cheap you can model and CAM from the same place and its cloud-based. it can also make the code you need for running your cnc. but luck and all your stuff looks great.
Great video! Thank you for grounding me once again- I originally thought about CNC to simply make router templates. Unfortunately, I've been stuck in the muck of building a CNC router. I'm still going to build. But thank you for bringing me back to why I'm doing it and just how much accuracy and performance I really need. I say another tool in the garage always has a home. 70 and still have all limbs!
From this video what I learnt most is the part that ends the video :). Joyful humor. I followed you both since each of you had your own channels, but I like it better this way. Good team.
You'll never be more precise than a cnc. Minus the assembly, you'll be satisfied. That side table was awesome! And you were honest about the xcarve assembly.
Another great video. The hardest part of deciding if a specific machine is right for a woodworker is exactly what you said - defining how you want to use it based on your other tools, workflow and space requirements. Your design eye is great and it's been fun to watch your videos for several years. Congrats on your channel.
This is a well thought out and easy to understand as a preface to purchasing a CNC machine. Refreshing without all the extraneous video that many others employ. Thanks bud.
Hello from U K. I am 80 yrs old and try to self teaching woodworking in my retirement. Learning the new terminology [looking for what it means, like what is end grain and all. Would love to see TH-cam how to lift heavy planks on the table as I am a slight woman. Love your videos. Pl don't stop ever posting- Your new admirer...
I worked with Big Infotec factory CNC in one of my works. I was using AutoCAD for making projects, and next VCarve for making tools tracks. It was very interesting experience and in the future I want to work on CNC in my own garage. CNC have a lot of accuracy, can do a lot of recurrences and you can do awesome projects! For now, I'm realize my dreams with bikepacking and travels, but when I'll have my own workshop I'll buy one of that CNC! Thanks for awesome projects You do Chris and for many inspirations!
I forgot - I see on the movie one of your fault. You can cut the hole and that wood shoes without using traditional tools. It's all about good tools that can drill and mill without problems ;) Remember to slide in to the material from deep 0 to your cut deep (If software can do this), and try to do not starting milling on your detail track, cause mill can go out of dimensions, or it can smoke the wood. For prevent slide your cutting detail, do some tapps in your cutting project. For 20 mm of thickness, 3 mm are enough for example. If you want something know from my experiences with CNC please write ;)
I am a I indudustrial engineer, working I'm the global power industry. I could see alot of use for this machine doing quick proto typing, instead of waiting weeks for a outside company to make a pre run model. I would be up for making videos of this for my industry, I think this could propel this to a new level.
I have a really small shop and having large equipment is going to be a problem, so I DIY'd my own CNC and use Easel. After a year and a half of using it, I think it's the best decision that I have ever made.
What I don't understand.... when show the x-carve cutting out a piece how deep does it cut? Does it leave tabs connecting the cut-out to the background piece of wood? How you 'get it out'? Jigsaw + sander? How thick (deep) are the tabs?
Great video. Just one question. You lost me when you showed not using CNC to finish the shoes... cutting out the shoes on the bandsaw and jigsaw and then routing them out seems like a huge amount of time as compared to just having the CNC cut them all the way out of the sheet of plywood. To me I would let the CNC do want it does best and focus my time on the steps the CNC can't do. Am I missing something?
Yes and no. You missed his point about using the CNC for precision template making and traditional tools for speed or mass production. If he used the CNC for the entire production he would put unnecessary wear and tear on it. The X-Carve is not a production machine. But, what he should have done if he were to follow his own advice is to cut the details for all the shoes AND cut the first shoe out completely with the CNC, and then finish the rest using the bandsaw, router, and the first shoe as router template. He shouldn’t need to finish the first shoe by hand. Basically combining your suggestion with his basic approach.
Great video Chris. I have an X-Carve and it’s great for engraving and letting it run whilst I do other tasks. Can’t get away from the traditional tools, they’re a bigger part of the process and def quicker!
A more capable machine could cut faster. There's CNC machines out there you'd be hard pressed to keep up with. 2,000 IPM is not unheard of. That's 51,000 mm/m for you metric folks. That'd traverse the whole bed of an X-Carve in 1.17 seconds. Although there is acceleration involved. So call it an even 2 seconds.
I recently bought a mini CNC machine. Just a 3018 variation. The biggest thing I've learned is that just because it's computer controlled, doesn't mean you never have to work hard ever again. Turns out there's a lot of variables that go into making a quality carving.
I was a field service engineer for Mazak so when I retired I was bored and made two CNC machines one used ball screws for all the axis. I decided to do it again and used bike chains on all the axis except for Z and the bed on it was 4' x 8'. I got bored with it and sold it. That was 15 years ago. I watched your youtube video and the brain started again.
An Open Source Illustrator alternative that I'm really happy with is Inkscape. I don't need much from it, but it does most of what I need. I use it for making patterns for guitar building.
I can never get the G Code plugin in Inkscape to work. So what I do is export it as DXF, then I open the DXF in this other CAD program and save it again. Because the script I use to generate G Code doesn't like the DXF out of Inkscape. But yeah then Inkscape works fine for me.
Very informational!...More education!...Just finished my Fusion 360 class...looking for a machine. I am looking for a machine for headstock and neck MoP inlay, so my scale is very small. I am looking @ 3018 as a first machine..any recommendations?????
If the X-carve is too much of an investment (especially if you have no prior cnc experience), I highly recommend picking up a Genmitsu 3018-Pro Router Kit. You can find many bundle configurations on amazon for roughly $200 and it'll be plenty for you to determine you're level of interest. I was sent one as a birthday gift and had no prior cnc experience, even the thought of putting it together scared me a bit, but it was all very straight forward and I got it working well with a bit of help from youtube.
When using sketch up and CNC for assemblies - how do you manage to incorporate a bit of wiggle room e.g. for joints? Is there a functionality or are you adding like a 1/128 inch manually?
Hey man, this is the first video of yours that I've ever seen but you got a subscribe from me cuz you went over exactly what I was wondering. I'm a couple years away from completely switching over from corporate job to creator/ woodworker and have been thinking about a CNC lately and how it would fit in. Your video was really well done and really helped me out a lot so thanks!
I have electrical/computer background and now I am interested in woodworking. I am thinking about building a cnc using directions from a major woodworking magazine. The only thing is that the motor is a little over five hundred. I just find that as a little high for a motor. Any comments?
Great information, Chris. I've been wavering about this but as a hobbyist I'm still not sure. At least now I have more ammo to consider. Thanks. I always love the comedic interaction between the two of you.
Chris, this was very informative. I have been kicking the CNC decision down the road for years. I am still not ready (translation: I have no room in the garage). Anyway, I really, really like the comedic ending, it was really well done.
Great video. I'm a graphic designer thinking about getting into wood working. 20+ years of using Adobe Creative Suite. The CNC machine looks like it would be right up my alley. And that it would probably be my "go to" tool in which I would make custom woodworking stuff. (furniture-wood sculptures) With that said, knowing the capabilities of what a CNC machine can do-what would be the most needed complimentary tools to have if you are on a limited budget with only your garage as space.
Your workshop is awesome, if I had that I’d never be in the house, first job carve out a bed for the man shed, super video I’m toying with the idea of a cnc but I’d mainly only need one for sign writing. If anyone already uses on for this, I’d appreciate the heads up on the best model.
Thanks Chris. I'm sticking to traditional tools for now. But, the template making potential is very tempting. I've gotten past thinking it's cheating. As you say it's just another tool in the shop.
Chris, thanks for the valuable insights. If I may suggest, a great sequel to this video could be comparing a desktop cnc to the handheld shaper origin. Hard to decide which one is worth the investment.
I have some imterest in doing some Japanese style furniture but I don't have the skills to do the conplex cuts they use. So I was wondering if a CNC machine could do that. Based on some of the shapes yiu showed it looks like it could work. Could you give me your opinion? I'm an Engineer so it will be easier to design the model and let a machine do the work for me lol
Awesome awesome awesome video. Finally found someone to answer all my questions of whether or not it's worth it to pull the trigger on a cnc or not. Especially stating that it's not the do-all tool that will complete every project.
I personally haven't used any category 1 and 2 CNCs, I work as a 3D designer and at work, we have 2 really big 5 axes >300k$ CNCs, and well, if you can imagine it can do it :) . Also, about the topic of traditional tools vs CNCs, CNCs are way faster and more productive than traditional tools, also you remove some chances of human error, so we end up using it as much as possible; We even make them do simple straight cuts you would do in a saw.
On the one hand, I'm a little bit of a purist who wants to do everything by hand. On the other... hand, I've started a dozen projects in the last couple years and finished only one of them, thanks to the whole "doing it by hand" thing and my own obsessiveness about detail (which a CNC could do wonders to help with). But on the third hand (I have an appointment with a doctor, don't worry ;), I'm in somewhat of the same "CNC or traditional tools" situation, but with no space for my own CNC, yet the possibility of accessing one at a local maker's space. So, considering all three hands, it's likely I'll do the same thing you did, unless I can learn to build my own smaller one for less money.
great video, ive wasted many hours on my workbee cnc trying to get my work flow routine perfected, only til recently have i manage to design an make something with little fuss. On a side not i fully believe those trainers were real right up till the end
Really inspirational. I pondered for some time now whether or not to purchase a CNC Router. This definitely help me make up my mind to go for it. Thank you. ps. I love the CNC you later part ...
Hey man I really wanted to spend few minutes just to thank you and to tell you how much I appreciated your videos and the honest experience you share. And most probably I'm talking with the voice of the majority of the people who are watching your videos. Just keep up the good work and don't bother to share just videos - share knowledge as you always do. Cheers.
I really want to buy one, but a friend of mine got one but warned me about the noise. Is this more for a work environment setting, and less for a home environment setting?
I think in that shot I’m using the 2017 version of “make” which is there free version. To export SVG files I use a plug in. The pro version may be better for that type of stuff. I’m not totally sure.
I liked it, Chris...I bought an X-carve for my middle school class this year...learning a lot with it. I would love to see you do a video on some SketchUp basics as well...that would help a lot for us as we are currently designing in Easel...not the easiest. But, I don't want the kids just downloading designs and cutting them out...defeats the purpose of the class. Oh...and for the longest time I thought you were putting heels on your Jordans and I was like...What?!?!?!
Nicely done video ! To the point, great description of what its about and what you'll tell us, and very educational. You gave me something to think about for the future and thats much appreciated. Thanks for sharing !!
I thought of CNC as a toy for the average woodworker. I bought one recently at an estate sale for a ridiculous low price to flip after a few projects, and it is still here as the project list grows.
I saw a tiny CNC machine at a yard sale once. Wasn't a gantry router. Was more like a mini mill. I almost bought it just for the stepper motors. They wanted a bit too much for the whole unit though.
Thanks for the video! This is the first I've seen of yours and I like your style so I'll subscribe and I look forward to watching more of what you've put out and what you'll produce next.
I am new to your channel, and after this video I had to subscribe. I'm a novice woodworker more of a hobbyist with very little experience and skills. However, you answered the question I was searching for and you did it in a way that was very well articulated. I've recently decided to take the leap from just watching TH-cam videos to now being a creator (of sorts) we'll see how this goes but I will be watching more videos as you post content
Thanks so much for the review very informative answered all my questions great video I’m definitely buying one I have been thinking about it for over a year and a half and this pushed me over the edge
I just finished building the handrail on my deck th-cam.com/users/postUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z and used this great little router to clean up the top rail before the final sanding and stain. It was light weight but packed lots of power. Either size battery didn't seem to make it top heavy and I'm a 64 yr old women so I really appreciated how easy it was to use...................... CORDLESS only way to go !!
I am 62 years old, I’ve got Parkinson’s and I’m learning woodworking to improve/maintain cognitive function and dexterity. I tune in to your videos to learn how things are done… Even at my best 30 years ago I would never achieve your craftsmanship or artistic talent. Still, your channel is so fascinating and enjoyable. Plus, I just enjoy watching you build beautiful stuff. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
Hi sorry to hear you have Parkinson's , I hope you don't think that I am just promoting cannabis. But have you seen the video of the guy with Parkinson's on youtube that uses it to help him. it was pretty amazing to see the effect it had on him. Might be worth searching for the video. All the best Ralph
Sorry that you are not well, eventually we are all faced with life changing conditions. When life gets a bit tough just remember what Winston Churchill said when asked what he was going to do at the height of World War II: “keep buggering on”. At 76 I envy these enthusiastic youngsters but don’t aim to emulate them. But last year I bought an expensive wood lathe and it is giving me hours of joy. So keep buggering on!
Jesus loves you!
America should go for early president ELECTION s
America should cancel old and higher denomination dollars to capture black money
I had a retail fixture company for about five years. I did the design and prototyping. In the beginning I went to a local sign company too and had my parts made. I was lucky as many of the components I used in the design were the same pieces most of the time. Late night when I had to deliver the prototype to the customer in the morning. I had a mistake in the cnc parts. I made the change by hand but cut the others out on the router table. Used that method until the end. Saved a ton of money. I split with my partners and now I’m on my own doing nights and weekends. Not as much work as we had but happier. And I was doing most of the stuff anyway.
I have contemplated getting a small cnc like you featured. Thanks for the share.
Great video.
This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection th-cam.com/users/postUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.
Mark Emge
The best videos bring an honest and surprisingly simple answer to what you have in mind but have not yet been able to put that puzzle together. This is certainly one of them. It helps when the on-line creator also has the talent and insight into their craft to put the pieces of that puzzle together . Chris, you are there. As a 64-year-old potential woodworker who realizes his 'old school' upbringing, yet has lived thru how computer technology has invaded woodworking, crafts, and construction ( for example, my first computer had 'floppy' drives' and a 9 pin dot-matrix printer, all based on a dos operating system). The marriage of traditional woodworking machines with newer technology has, for years now, kept many of us wondering just how to integrate the two. Your video helps make that much more clear. I am now a subscriber.
Wow... Wow, that was really helpful. I've been considering a cnc machine for my wood working. The fact that you are able to use SketchUp for design work is awesome. I've been a graphic designer for 30 years. A few years ago I started using SU to create 3D illustrations and animations for the engineering firm that I worked for (thanks to covid 19 I'm unemployed now) I'm also an artist and a woodworker. At 54 years old, there are very few graphic design options available for me so I'm seriously considering my own business that combines my skills as a designer/artist with my love of woodworking. Your demonstration of the X-carve has my mind positively buzzing with creative ideas. I can't thank you enough and wish you years of success in your business.
Cheers,
Clint
U should start for sure !
Hey Clint, I am in exactly the same boat, I started 3D graphic design about 25 ago, have just built myself a workshop and looking to do the same and I am 56. and we are both looking at CNC videos, small world and I bet we are not the only ones. good luck in your venture.
from a metal worker machinist try Autodesk fusion 360. its very cheap you can model and CAM from the same place and its cloud-based. it can also make the code you need for running your cnc. but luck and all your stuff looks great.
Great video! Thank you for grounding me once again- I originally thought about CNC to simply make router templates. Unfortunately, I've been stuck in the muck of building a CNC router. I'm still going to build. But thank you for bringing me back to why I'm doing it and just how much accuracy and performance I really need. I say another tool in the garage always has a home. 70 and still have all limbs!
From this video what I learnt most is the part that ends the video :). Joyful humor. I followed you both since each of you had your own channels, but I like it better this way. Good team.
You'll never be more precise than a cnc. Minus the assembly, you'll be satisfied. That side table was awesome! And you were honest about the xcarve assembly.
Yeah. I am notoriously bad at that kind of stuff though. Not a good directions follower.
Another great video. The hardest part of deciding if a specific machine is right for a woodworker is exactly what you said - defining how you want to use it based on your other tools, workflow and space requirements. Your design eye is great and it's been fun to watch your videos for several years. Congrats on your channel.
This is a well thought out and easy to understand as a preface to purchasing a CNC machine. Refreshing without all the extraneous video that many others employ. Thanks bud.
Great video. Thank you. Would you comment on bed size. What size is your machine. Do you often wish for more?
Hello from U K. I am 80 yrs old and try to self teaching woodworking in my retirement. Learning the new terminology [looking for what it means, like what is end grain and all. Would love to see TH-cam how to lift heavy planks on the table as I am a slight woman. Love your videos. Pl don't stop ever posting- Your new admirer...
I worked with Big Infotec factory CNC in one of my works. I was using AutoCAD for making projects, and next VCarve for making tools tracks. It was very interesting experience and in the future I want to work on CNC in my own garage. CNC have a lot of accuracy, can do a lot of recurrences and you can do awesome projects! For now, I'm realize my dreams with bikepacking and travels, but when I'll have my own workshop I'll buy one of that CNC!
Thanks for awesome projects You do Chris and for many inspirations!
I forgot - I see on the movie one of your fault. You can cut the hole and that wood shoes without using traditional tools. It's all about good tools that can drill and mill without problems ;) Remember to slide in to the material from deep 0 to your cut deep (If software can do this), and try to do not starting milling on your detail track, cause mill can go out of dimensions, or it can smoke the wood. For prevent slide your cutting detail, do some tapps in your cutting project. For 20 mm of thickness, 3 mm are enough for example. If you want something know from my experiences with CNC please write ;)
I am a I indudustrial engineer, working I'm the global power industry. I could see alot of use for this machine doing quick proto typing, instead of waiting weeks for a outside company to make a pre run model. I would be up for making videos of this for my industry, I think this could propel this to a new level.
I have a really small shop and having large equipment is going to be a problem, so I DIY'd my own CNC and use Easel. After a year and a half of using it, I think it's the best decision that I have ever made.
What I don't understand.... when show the x-carve cutting out a piece how deep does it cut? Does it leave tabs connecting the cut-out to the background piece of wood? How you 'get it out'? Jigsaw + sander? How thick (deep) are the tabs?
Great video. Just one question. You lost me when you showed not using CNC to finish the shoes... cutting out the shoes on the bandsaw and jigsaw and then routing them out seems like a huge amount of time as compared to just having the CNC cut them all the way out of the sheet of plywood. To me I would let the CNC do want it does best and focus my time on the steps the CNC can't do. Am I missing something?
Yes and no. You missed his point about using the CNC for precision template making and traditional tools for speed or mass production. If he used the CNC for the entire production he would put unnecessary wear and tear on it. The X-Carve is not a production machine. But, what he should have done if he were to follow his own advice is to cut the details for all the shoes AND cut the first shoe out completely with the CNC, and then finish the rest using the bandsaw, router, and the first shoe as router template. He shouldn’t need to finish the first shoe by hand. Basically combining your suggestion with his basic approach.
I have had a 4' x 4' CNC in my shop for about 10 years now. Not a tool i use every day but definitely a tool that i would not want to do without.
Good video, just making one of these with the same MRMDF. could you tell me which varnish you find suitable for the top please?
I like the woodworking generally, but I think you guys are nailing the humour. You make me laugh every time. And we all need a laugh right now...
Great video Chris. I have an X-Carve and it’s great for engraving and letting it run whilst I do other tasks. Can’t get away from the traditional tools, they’re a bigger part of the process and def quicker!
Definitely. I’m about 98% traditional tools. 😊
Chris Salomone can’t go wrong that way. Check out @ozlcrafted on instagram. Keep up the good work
A more capable machine could cut faster. There's CNC machines out there you'd be hard pressed to keep up with. 2,000 IPM is not unheard of. That's 51,000 mm/m for you metric folks. That'd traverse the whole bed of an X-Carve in 1.17 seconds. Although there is acceleration involved. So call it an even 2 seconds.
Thanks that was probably one of the best down to earth and objective reviews of a CNC
I recently bought a mini CNC machine. Just a 3018 variation. The biggest thing I've learned is that just because it's computer controlled, doesn't mean you never have to work hard ever again. Turns out there's a lot of variables that go into making a quality carving.
I was a field service engineer for Mazak so when I retired I was bored and made two CNC machines one used ball screws for all the axis. I decided to do it again and used bike chains on all the axis except for Z and the bed on it was 4' x 8'. I got bored with it and sold it. That was 15 years ago. I watched your youtube video and the brain started again.
Your shoe push stick was a great example of how you now regularly integrate the traditional with CNC for detail work. 👍
An Open Source Illustrator alternative that I'm really happy with is Inkscape. I don't need much from it, but it does most of what I need. I use it for making patterns for guitar building.
Good tip :)
I can never get the G Code plugin in Inkscape to work. So what I do is export it as DXF, then I open the DXF in this other CAD program and save it again. Because the script I use to generate G Code doesn't like the DXF out of Inkscape. But yeah then Inkscape works fine for me.
Very informational!...More education!...Just finished my Fusion 360 class...looking for a machine. I am looking for a machine for headstock and neck MoP inlay, so my scale is very small. I am looking @ 3018 as a first machine..any recommendations?????
If the X-carve is too much of an investment (especially if you have no prior cnc experience), I highly recommend picking up a Genmitsu 3018-Pro Router Kit. You can find many bundle configurations on amazon for roughly $200 and it'll be plenty for you to determine you're level of interest. I was sent one as a birthday gift and had no prior cnc experience, even the thought of putting it together scared me a bit, but it was all very straight forward and I got it working well with a bit of help from youtube.
When using sketch up and CNC for assemblies - how do you manage to incorporate a bit of wiggle room e.g. for joints? Is there a functionality or are you adding like a 1/128 inch manually?
Hey Chris, can you please elaborate on how to send your sketchup file to easel???
Hey man, this is the first video of yours that I've ever seen but you got a subscribe from me cuz you went over exactly what I was wondering. I'm a couple years away from completely switching over from corporate job to creator/ woodworker and have been thinking about a CNC lately and how it would fit in. Your video was really well done and really helped me out a lot so thanks!
Yes completely agree..I’m on the same boat! Very helpful.
What was that circle thing you put under the bit and it seemed to attach to the motor
I have electrical/computer background and now I am interested in woodworking. I am thinking about building a cnc using directions from a major woodworking magazine. The only thing is that the motor is a little over five hundred. I just find that as a little high for a motor. Any comments?
Hi Chris, if I don't have space to get regular wool working tools ... would you say cnc can do what others can?
Great information, Chris. I've been wavering about this but as a hobbyist I'm still not sure. At least now I have more ammo to consider. Thanks. I always love the comedic interaction between the two of you.
Thanks 🙏🏻 appreciate it
Chris, this was very informative. I have been kicking the CNC decision down the road for years. I am still not ready (translation: I have no room in the garage). Anyway, I really, really like the comedic ending, it was really well done.
Great video. I'm a graphic designer thinking about getting into wood working. 20+ years of using Adobe Creative Suite. The CNC machine looks like it would be right up my alley. And that it would probably be my "go to" tool in which I would make custom woodworking stuff. (furniture-wood sculptures) With that said, knowing the capabilities of what a CNC machine can do-what would be the most needed complimentary tools to have if you are on a limited budget with only your garage as space.
Your workshop is awesome, if I had that I’d never be in the house, first job carve out a bed for the man shed, super video I’m toying with the idea of a cnc but I’d mainly only need one for sign writing. If anyone already uses on for this, I’d appreciate the heads up on the best model.
Great Video, now that you explained the CNC and yes n no's, can you also do one for laser printers
Great Video! Thanks. By the way what are the Nike wooden shoes/handles used for?
Nice video man! Thanks for that - was quite helpful! Basically aligned for me a bunch of thoughts that have been swirling about in my head. Cool!
Thanks Chris. I'm sticking to traditional tools for now. But, the template making potential is very tempting. I've gotten past thinking it's cheating. As you say it's just another tool in the shop.
Yeah. Templates are by far my biggest use. In terms of cheating. My mentality is always... get the build accomplished by any means necessary
Any tipe of template can be easily made with a bandsaw or jigsaw plus a drum sander
@@giacomobattisti7943 and hour and hours.
Yes, very helpful dear. Thanks for sharing with us.
Chris, thanks for the valuable insights. If I may suggest, a great sequel to this video could be comparing a desktop cnc to the handheld shaper origin. Hard to decide which one is worth the investment.
I have some imterest in doing some Japanese style furniture but I don't have the skills to do the conplex cuts they use. So I was wondering if a CNC machine could do that. Based on some of the shapes yiu showed it looks like it could work. Could you give me your opinion? I'm an Engineer so it will be easier to design the model and let a machine do the work for me lol
Love those push shoes. Any plans on selling templates. I don't currently have a CNC but would love to get one in the future.
Thanks v much - well narrated, plenty of info and a great overview with some excellent footage to show us what you were explaining. Good work.
Awesome awesome awesome video. Finally found someone to answer all my questions of whether or not it's worth it to pull the trigger on a cnc or not. Especially stating that it's not the do-all tool that will complete every project.
May i ask about : x carve vs workbee vs shapeoko where most good? And the reason?
I personally haven't used any category 1 and 2 CNCs, I work as a 3D designer and at work, we have 2 really big 5 axes >300k$ CNCs, and well, if you can imagine it can do it :) . Also, about the topic of traditional tools vs CNCs, CNCs are way faster and more productive than traditional tools, also you remove some chances of human error, so we end up using it as much as possible; We even make them do simple straight cuts you would do in a saw.
Hey Chris, thanks for your opinion. Is there any video where you go in more detail on the whole design to milling process?
What do you think of the Maslow for a hobbyist who wants to do some larger format stuff?
This is exactly the info I have been searching for. TY.
I love how u answered my question in less than 12 seconds
On the one hand, I'm a little bit of a purist who wants to do everything by hand. On the other... hand, I've started a dozen projects in the last couple years and finished only one of them, thanks to the whole "doing it by hand" thing and my own obsessiveness about detail (which a CNC could do wonders to help with). But on the third hand (I have an appointment with a doctor, don't worry ;), I'm in somewhat of the same "CNC or traditional tools" situation, but with no space for my own CNC, yet the possibility of accessing one at a local maker's space. So, considering all three hands, it's likely I'll do the same thing you did, unless I can learn to build my own smaller one for less money.
Would a x carve be big enough to engrave head and foot boards on a bed? If not what size cnc would you recommend?
The cut capacity of this one is about 30” in both axis. But it is open in the front back. So technically you could tile it and do it infinitely long.
Do you sell those Jordan 1 push stick. That’s my favorite pair of Jordan’s and would love to get my hands on one of those.
I dont...I don't think it would be right to.
Would you consider selling the plans for the Shoe push stick .. Or a donation please let me know
Thanks for all the great info. I am planning on ordering a CNC this week and you brought up lots of great points.
I want to be able to work with half sheets of plywood if not full sheets so what do I need
Interested about machines you would consider "in-between" machines at about the $5000 price point. Any recommendation for machines at this price?
I would love to get one of those push sticks! Any chance on you releasing the file or possibly selling?
Thank you young man for an honest review..
What does a 3 axis cnc router allow you to do?... just come across the term... not come across cnc routers before.
which modeling software you mentioned in the video? SketchUp ??
Well done man. I always thought of a CNC as the perfect template maker. As you said, it's just another tool that allows you to multi task.
Thanks.
Thanks very helpful, honest black and white suggestions love the channel peace from the uk
great video, ive wasted many hours on my workbee cnc trying to get my work flow routine perfected, only til recently have i manage to design an make something with little fuss. On a side not i fully believe those trainers were real right up till the end
Can this crave tiny design for small wood??
have you ever considered getting into Fusion? It is way superior to Sketchup, especially for CNC work.
+1 for this. Sketchup is not at all intended to be used for CNC work, a CAD software like Fusion 360 (that you can get for free as a hobbyist) is.
Really inspirational.
I pondered for some time now whether or not to purchase a CNC Router.
This definitely help me make up my mind to go for it.
Thank you.
ps. I love the CNC you later part ...
Hey man I really wanted to spend few minutes just to thank you and to tell you how much I appreciated your videos and the honest experience you share. And most probably I'm talking with the voice of the majority of the people who are watching your videos. Just keep up the good work and don't bother to share just videos - share knowledge as you always do. Cheers.
I appreciate that! Thanks man :)
I really want to buy one, but a friend of mine got one but warned me about the noise. Is this more for a work environment setting, and less for a home environment setting?
Does the free version of SketchUp have the capability to do the type of work that you do or do you recommend getting the full paid version?
I think in that shot I’m using the 2017 version of “make” which is there free version. To export SVG files I use a plug in. The pro version may be better for that type of stuff. I’m not totally sure.
@@Foureyes.Furniture thanks Chris! :)
Do you sell the “Push Shoes”?
Thank you for inspiring, I will make it.
I am not sure why you are using the router with a templating bit? That's basically a manual CNC in this case?
I have just bought the shaper origin, so will let you know how I get on
I have one. I was a preorder even. I love it.
The shaper looks a great option.
Thanks for sharing all this. Coolest push blocks ever!
I liked it, Chris...I bought an X-carve for my middle school class this year...learning a lot with it. I would love to see you do a video on some SketchUp basics as well...that would help a lot for us as we are currently designing in Easel...not the easiest. But, I don't want the kids just downloading designs and cutting them out...defeats the purpose of the class. Oh...and for the longest time I thought you were putting heels on your Jordans and I was like...What?!?!?!
Haha. I’m sure Nike has made heeled Jordans.
I appreciate the video and honest content. Thanks as I’m still on the fence on getting one.
Thank you...you explained very well and I just subscribed your channel 🙌
You are awesome! Thanks for all the work and dedication it takes to put these together.
My pleasure! Glad you like them :)
@7:15 ... what's that aftermarket piece on your tracksaw?
You two are great! Thanks for the info and entertainment!
you try aspire for some of your designs its a great program for your cnc
Nicely done video ! To the point, great description of what its about and what you'll tell us, and very educational. You gave me something to think about for the future and thats much appreciated. Thanks for sharing !!
I thought of CNC as a toy for the average woodworker. I bought one recently at an estate sale for a ridiculous low price to flip after a few projects, and it is still here as the project list grows.
Nice find. 😊
I saw a tiny CNC machine at a yard sale once. Wasn't a gantry router. Was more like a mini mill. I almost bought it just for the stepper motors. They wanted a bit too much for the whole unit though.
Thanks for the video! This is the first I've seen of yours and I like your style so I'll subscribe and I look forward to watching more of what you've put out and what you'll produce next.
fantasic sense of humor man
Nike as a push stick, love it!
I am new to your channel, and after this video I had to subscribe. I'm a novice woodworker more of a hobbyist with very little experience and skills. However, you answered the question I was searching for and you did it in a way that was very well articulated. I've recently decided to take the leap from just watching TH-cam videos to now being a creator (of sorts) we'll see how this goes but I will be watching more videos as you post content
you guys crack me up! The subtle dirty lip curl was the best...
Great vid! Do you sell the Jordan wood pusher?
The answer is yes you should buy a cnc! I've had an x carve for a couple of years and love it!
What software do you use to model up your projects?
Thanks so much for the review very informative answered all my questions great video I’m definitely buying one I have been thinking about it for over a year and a half and this pushed me over the edge
hey, man, howcome this workshop is so clean?? mine is messy, dirty, smoky, garbage everywhere...