Laser engraving & CNC machine: opening new doors
Contrary to the obvious, daily miracles we observe from technology, machines like laser cutters and CNC machines are not magic, but very satisfying journeys of understanding, leading us to wielding incredible powers of endless creativity.
When we first purchased our Inventables X-Carve CNC machine, I was overwhelmed from the start - mainly because the first “test,” as I perceived it, was assembling the entire thing, one tiny piece at a time. With that out of the way, then it came to: now what can we make with this? Thus began the long, difficult, ever-enlightening and satisfying adventure of learning how to use the software, deciding between different router bits, and learning what we could build with it all.
One lovely function of a CNC machine, is its ability to cut out odd and specific shapes. For our cedar Adirondack chairs, we wanted to give the shape some contours, something interesting, rather than just square pieces. The CNC allowed us to cut (and replicate) the very specific pieces, such as the base legs, as well as the arms, including the wine glass holder.
There are of course many other great aspects to what the CNC can do. It has helped us with signage - carving out letters with a V shaped bit to give that 3D look, as well as carving out pockets, as we’ve done with some of our serving trays and a cigar ashtray. The bottom line is that while it takes a lot of trial, error, experience and determination to learn, you begin to learn how to use it with efficiency coupled with creativity - which really is a magical thing.
Our Glowforge laser cutter/engraver is in a slightly different realm of wondrous technology. These days, something like a laser engraver is made to be much more plug and play out of the box. No assembly, no changing out bits or pieces etc. But of course, with that convenience and simplicity comes an even greater pressure to figure out how best to use it. Along with it also came a sudden need to become proficient in image editing software, such as Adobe Illustrator, to create the files in the correct way for everything to run smoothly. But we’ve forged ahead as always and the laser cutter has provided so many great opportunities, from engraving personal messages, cutting stencils, specific signage outlines, dominoes and so much more!
When it all comes down to it, the point to this particular post is a reminder of the payoff and fulfillment of putting in the hard time and effort to really learn how to harness the amazing technology we have in the world today. In using it to create things, there is, of course, no end to this path.
-Daniel Easley