A modern CNC has a lot of electrical subsystems, each with their own components and controls, that need a lot of space to ensure that the system is maintainable over time. I didn’t plan my original system with maintenance and upgrades in mind. While this isn’t a “how-to” guiding you through all the elements, this shows some of the key subsystems and touches on a few issues in building your own.
Multi-Purpose Workbench
Workshop & SafetyCommentIn a small workshop, there’s a constant tension between wanting equipment that’s perfectly suited to each task and the practical reality of limited space; balancing efficiency with simplicity becomes a daily negotiation. In this post, I share the thinking behind, and fabrication photos along the way, of me building a torsion box to work for a small workshop: it serves as an adjustable workbench, an outfeed table, and a downdraft table; a scissor lift forms the backbone of this workbench but can also function independently to help lifting pieces on client projects.
From Tech to Tools: by Mason Friedberg
Personal Journey1 CommentAbout two years ago, a colleague introduced me to Mason Friedberg with this enticing line: “He designs cool stuff at the Exploratorium and is thinking of starting his own project featuring craftsmanship”; over the following months, Mason and I met a few times to discuss art & craft. This post is taken verbatim (with permission) from Mason’s writeup of our discussions, with all of the photography credited to him & Edwin Lai.
Workshop Air Quality
Workshop & SafetyCommentWhat I originally thought was an extreme allergic reaction caused me to reevaluate and upgrade many air quality elements throughout my home and workshop - air quality monitors, additional indoor filters, and upgrades that basically force me to use my shop air filter and shop dust collection. Read on for the what, why, and how!
How to Find Used Tools
Sustainability, Workshop & Safety1 CommentThree Phase Power Upgrade
Workshop & Safety1 CommentThe final step in prepping my workshop for a 10HP three-phase planer is getting a source of three-phase power. But … what is three-phase power, why is it necessary, and why is it a bit more complicated to secure in a home workshop compared to a commercial or industrial environment? Read on to learn more.