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From the Editor’s Desk - March 2011 When it comes to tools and machines, woodworking is still a very traditional craft as practiced by most small shop woodworkers. The types of tools on the “I own, I want” check list haven’t changed much in the past 100 years—or thousands...
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The buzz is growing around computer numerically controlled (CNC) routers--particularly around benchtop CNCs for the small and home shop. Why? I believe there are four reasons. First, an increasing number of small shop and home shop woodworkers are discovering the creative possibilities these machines...
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Spring Joint Box Self-locking design requires no glue. By Randy Johnson Squeeze and snap! That’s all it takes to assemble this CNC-routed box. Th e joint’s flexibility comes from a series of slots that allow the hooked tenons to be compressed, so they slide into the mortises. When released...
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Linker Logs Project Have fun while learning to fabricate with plywood. By Randy Johnson Although linker logs are made with the aid of a computer— once complete, they’re a great way to get kids (and parents) off the computer for an afternoon of old-fashioned fort building and pretend. The...
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Linker Logs Project Have fun while learning to fabricate with plywood. By Randy Johnson Although linker logs are made with the aid of a computer— once complete, they’re a great way to get kids (and parents) off the computer for an afternoon of old-fashioned fort building and pretend. The...
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CNC Two-Sided Machining Two carefully placed index pins ensures accuracy. By Randy Johnson Skilled woodturners can easily match a bowl’s inside and outside surfaces by eye and touch. Creating two-sided shapes on the CNC, however, requires a different strategy: To ensure that both sides align, the...
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Creating CNC Textures By Randy Johnson CNC routers are opening up lots of new ways to create textures in wood. Here are my three favorite ways of creating textures using a CNC. Th e fi rst method uses the repetition of shapes to create a design that is routed using one or more bits. If you enjoy doodling...
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CNC "Woodturning" By Randy Johnson A rotary indexing head allows a CNC machine to create 3-dimensional shapes in the round. It’s an accessory that can be added to most CNC machines. Some companies even make it as a stand alone machine. A rotary indexing head looks similar to a standard...
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CNC Project Gallery By Randy Johnson As CNCS become increasingly common in small woodshops, an amazing variety of work is emerging. Although this confirms the technical versatility of CNCs, it’s an even greater testimony to the creativity and ingenuity of woodworkers, designers and artists alike...
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Amana Tool’s CNC Compression Spiral Router Bits Deliver Superior Results in Melamine & Laminated Materials Innovative tool design and special-grade carbide help users avoid chip out in furniture-making, cabinetry and closet manufacturing applications Amana Tool, manufacturer of industrial-quality...
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The new Laguna IQ CNC Router redefines the future of computer numerical control in woodworking. The Laguna IQ is simply a smaller version of the popular Laguna SmartShop technology. The machine boasts smaller footprint with the same accuracy and cut quality of much larger machines. Two machines are available...
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V-Carve Inlay A simple method for creating precision inlays from almost any design. By Randy Johnson V-carve inlay takes advantage of a CNC’s ability to precisely rout matching parts. In this case the parts are made as opposites and fit together to create a precise-fitting inlay. The sides of the...
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Digital Probe Duplication By Randy Johnson Router duplication has been around a long time. Early machines used stiluses to follow the shape of a pattern or master, while on the other end of the machines, routers did the carving. In a similar but computerized fashion, CNC routers are also capable of duplicating...
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V-Carving in 10 Easy Steps By Randy Johnson V-carving is one of the simplest ways to create attractive carvings on a CNC router. With special software and a little practice, it’s possible to transform almost any lettering style or 2D design into a carving that requires only minimal cleanup before...
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CNC manufacturer will launch four new CNC systems and accessories in Atlanta In a year when many IWF regulars are downsizing their show presence or withdrawing from the trade show circuit altogether, ShopBot Tools is drastically expanding its floor space in Atlanta to roll out four new product offerings...