woodworking.digital

a digital woodworking blog

You are here: Home / blog

Vise Chops

By

I confess. I sometimes have a problem with self-induced volunteerism. Throughout my adult life, I’ve been consumed many times by a project, cause or group in need of something I could contribute. One of my latest adventures was to design and build 9 workbenches for a community woodworking group. Good folks. Happy to help. But, like a lot of things, I’ve taken it way over the top.

So, besides a new bench design each one got their own unique vise chop. Designed in Rhino3D, programmed in RhinoCAM and machined on my CNCs. I’ve been writing about this project over several blog posts at Popular Woodworking’s online site. Here’s a link if you missed it. And, here’s a link to photos of the vise chops.

CNCs vs Shaping

By

Both processes give you great results but there are clear advantages to using a CNC to cut parts. More accuracy, a better finish and speed are three reasons I prefer a CNC for the task. And, it’s great to walk away to work on other things. To learn more about the two techniques, check out my latest YouTube video…

Woodworking.Digital YouTube Channel Open

By

At some point in this online world, you face the reality that you have to do videos. If for nothing more then to explain complex subject matter better. And so, for better or worse I started to post videos on YouTube. I do promise to get better. Really.

First up, is a review of a great small shop size CNC machine: The Laguna IQ. I’ve been putting this to work for a few weeks and have found it to be solid, accurate, spec’d well, nicely engineered and well built CNC.

Check out the channel and be sure to subscribe.

Here’s a link to the channel:  digital.woodworking

CNC Tooling for Woodworkers

By

If you already have a CNC, then you already know what a challenge it is to select the right bit and set the right cutting speed for a given job. On the Popular Woodworking website, I’ve started a series of posts to help you make the right choices when you buy your router bits or CNC mills.

This is a multipart series that will be ongoing. Four articles so far with several more to go.

Here’s a link to the introduction…

CNC Tooling for Woodworkers

Laguna IQ CNC Available at a Great Price

By

There are some good choices in small CNCs that are well designed for woodworkers. What I’m referring to are well designed, sturdy and accurate machines in the 2×3 and 2×4 size range. One of best of them is the Laguna IQ 24″ x 36″ CNC. This machine uses a 3HP water cooled spindle, linear rails and balls screws – key ingredients that make for a high accuracy, heavy duty machine capable of serious digital woodworking. The Laguna IQ also has a feature that I really like that the other competitors don’t have – 4″ of overtravel. With that, you could add a setup to work vertically for joinery.

Good news. Between now and the end of January 2017 they are priced at $5500 instead of the normal price of $6000. Plus, shipping to your door is just $99 throughout the continental US. A good deal on an excellent woodworking CNC machine.

Here’s the link… Laguna Tools IQ