Should You Buy a CNC? | A Woodworker's Guide
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Should You Buy a CNC? In this episode I go over my experience, as a woodworker / furniture maker and how I use a CNC. I will cover my history, how my opinions have changed, the main things I utilize my CNC for, the basic skills needed to use one, and ultimately if I think a CNC is worth buying.
// FEATURED TOOLS
▸ The CNC I Use
X-CARVE by INVENTABLES
www.inventables.com/?ref=Four...
▸ My Measuring Tools | Woodpeckers (All The Red Stuff)
bit.ly/wpfoureyes
▸ Ultimate Flush Trim Bit - bit.ly/iiii-BitsBits-FlushX
save 15% at Bits&Bits with code FOUREYES15
// REFERENCED PROJECT VIDEOS
▸ CNC Side Table - • Making A Flat-Pack Ply...
▸ CNC Modular Puzzle Planters - • Modular Puzzle Planter...
▸ Silver Fox Coffee Table - • How To Build A Mid Cen...
▸ Epoxy Locking Joint Table - • A New Woodworking Tech...
▸ Bentwood Shoe Shelf - • Bent Lamination Sneake...
▸ Dispenser Boxes - • DIY Box Cover Dispense...
▸ Wireless Charging Night Stand - • Hidden Wireless Chargi...
// FOLLOW
▸ Subscribe | goo.gl/oVdN4f
▸ Patreon | / chrissalomone
▸ Instagram | / foureyesfurniture
▸ Web | www.foureyesfurniture.com/ - Jak na to + styl
I just finished building the handrail on my deck czcams.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
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 valuable addition to my woodwork collection czcams.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.
Thanks that was probably one of the best down to earth and objective reviews of a CNC
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
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.
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.
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 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...
you guys crack me up! The subtle dirty lip curl was the best...
You two are great! Thanks for the info and entertainment!
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 !!
Thanks for all the great info. I am planning on ordering a CNC this week and you brought up lots of great points.
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.
Just Beautiful video and great articulation, Woodworking with stand! Bravo!
hahaha the ending is amazing, another great video chris, thank you!
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.
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.
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!
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
You are awesome! Thanks for all the work and dedication it takes to put these together.
My pleasure! Glad you like them :)
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.
A well thought out and informative video
Thanks
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.
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.
This is exactly the info I have been searching for. TY.
Thanks for sharing all this. Coolest push blocks ever!
Thanks this was very informative and helpful. I most likely will be getting one in the future, and have heard some good things about the X-Carve. My business just has not taken off yet tot he point where I can justify one.
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.
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!
I love how u answered my question in less than 12 seconds
I appreciate the video and honest content. Thanks as I’m still on the fence on getting one.
Great channel. I’m getting a c&c in a few weeks and this has been very helpful. 👍👍🇨🇦
Your shoe push stick was a great example of how you now regularly integrate the traditional with CNC for detail work. 👍
You're right you can't leave your CNC machine unattended, probably something is going to lose, I've been there. but it is a powerful tool without any doubt, the more you use it the more you like it for sure!
I own the first version of x-carve (formal shapeoko) I love it, I'm looking forward to improving it to a larger version like the new x-carve.
Easel software is great, easy to use, once you understand the CNC workflow you're done, lot's small ting to be aware before even turn on your spindle but it's amazing what you can do with this machine. Great Video! thanks!
Awesome video man, been thinking about it for a while. Good to have another opinion and viewpoint on it. Thanks
Thanks Brett. Glad it’s useful for you.
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.
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.
Yes, very helpful dear. Thanks for sharing with us.
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
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.
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.
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 :)
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 ...
Thanks very helpful, honest black and white suggestions love the channel peace from the uk
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.
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.
Excellent information and visuals. A tip of my hat to you sir!
Thanks Stanley
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 CZcams 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 CZcams 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...
Thank you young man for an honest review..
Thank you for inspiring, I will make it.
Great video, Chris. Thank you for posting it.
Digging those push sticks.
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 ;)
Hey Chris, thanks for your opinion. Is there any video where you go in more detail on the whole design to milling process?
Very informative. Thank you.
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.
Thank you Chris. Good info!!
Love both you guys, great video
Thank you...you explained very well and I just subscribed your channel 🙌
Great video! Well explained
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.
Wow not what I thought this video would be, great video! Keep them coming! C u soon!
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.
Thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
Nice!
Great video.
Subscribed. Looking forward to more.
excellent, by gosh. thank you very much for your thoughts and your inside view into this. very useful :-) love it.
This video was really good thank you
Love your designs and ideas
Very well said, bro!! Awesome!!!
Yep needed that! Thanks
Good video. Nice cameo by Shaun.
Good video and thoughts. I too like many others am interested in a CNC however for the price, my future projects and abilities (limited) at best need to weigh out the pros and cons before pulling the trigger. my next project is a table top epoxy filled geo-topographical. Unfortunately i have never used a CNC and to do a 3D reveal right from the get go may be a bit to challenging for my first project. Probably stick to traditional tools... for now anyway... Thanks
Thankyou for the video and the tips
great informative video
I would to have one to make my woodwrokering easier but guess I'll wait for cash to flow in first.
thnx.
Great video... you guys are the best...
Thanks Chris, I like you content 👍🙏
Love the Dunk push sticks!
Jordan 1s :)
haha
Great video. Thank you. Would you comment on bed size. What size is your machine. Do you often wish for more?
I often make things like workbench, chairs and other small things using cnc and I also think it worth.
Good video, just making one of these with the same MRMDF. could you tell me which varnish you find suitable for the top please?
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 vid! Thanks!
Great Video, now that you explained the CNC and yes n no's, can you also do one for laser printers
Excellent video !
You guys are the true dynamic duo 🤣
hi, your video has been very helpful
I know it would be far different than the cool vibe background music you use for your videos but this would have been an interesting place to have some old school C&C music factory playing in the background! Great video btw!
Haha. Not sure it would be worth the copyright strike though 😜
Good advice. I need more practice with Sketch up. BTW- Just a tip...I cut the hand grip hole entirely on the band saw and try to hide the entrance cut with the grain or design feature.
That's a good idea!
Brilliant video - I’ve been looking at X-Carve for my shop. Appreciate your feedback and experience
Glad to help
I wouldn't buy an X-Carve. If the X-Carve had real linear guides, real lead screws and used a real motion controller I'd have kinder things to say about it. But it lacks all of that. It was built down to a price. Then they slapped a high price on it anyways. Because everyone loves money. Educate yourself about what makes a CNC machine decent. Then hopefully you'll see machines like X-Carves for what they are. Cheap pieces of crap!
@@1pcfred Not a very helpful or objective comment. Perhaps you could add what you think is a quality CNC and for roughly what price. Thanks.
@@jefffredrickson6310 LongMill Benchtop CNC, 30 x 30 uses threaded rods, more ridge and far cheaper at 1200 ish vs x carve 2000 usd. Just as good if not even better.
@@jefffredrickson6310 Onefinity. A very solid machine compared to the Xcarve.
Haha, great videos guys! I am perplexed that this video does not have more views. It certainly should.
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?????