3-axis CNCs are very accessible now to a small- to mid-size shop. But how might one go about upgrading that to a 4-axis or even 5-axis machine? And what are the limitations or barriers along the way, in hardware, in work area, in software, and of course, in cost? Join me in the journey as I pull together all my research of the last few months on how to upgrade my Inventables X-Carve.
Use (or Avoid) the Force!
Workshop & Safety2 CommentsThis guide helps make sure you keep your fingers (and yourself) safe when working with large power tools, via tips & guidelines that encourage you to think about the force the tool is applying to the workpiece in relation to your hands and your body, not via a listicle of obvious-and-generic pointers.
Tools Tools Tools
Workshop & Safety4 CommentsThe fifth in my series of tool posts, a full shop can still benefit from some small additions and upgrades - this post outlines a number of tools that don’t necessarily allow me to do anything new, but rather, allow me to do things I could already do either more quickly or with greater quality: a track saw, a large angle grinder, a domino cutter, right angle drill, a helical cutter head on my planer.
Ode to Recycling
Sustainability3 CommentsA few examples of applying the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra to my workshop, and resources you can take advantage of that allow you to do the same. This is good for the planet, and good for your wallet. And - at least for me - gave me some warm fuzzies in meeting a community of fellow makers and woodworkers who could benefit from my scraps, and were willing to give me theirs, all free of charge.
Other Handy Calculators & Resources
How To & CalculatorsCommentMoisture & Wood Movement
How To & Calculators3 Comments“Wood movement” - or how wood expands and contracts in response to the environment - confuses a lot of folks, yet its a critical consideration in building solid wood furniture that will survive generations. This article consolidates a lot of disparate sources and calculators, providing both a foundational understanding of why wood moves, some detailed resources so that you can calculate how much movement to expect, and a few tips & tricks for how to design with movement in mind.