CNC Router Design Concept

CNC Router Design

A CNC router is just cool. That's pretty much my basis for wanting to build one, though it is very versatile. It can cut signs and even 3d objects with amazing precision. Designing it has been a lot of fun as I've calculated weight, deflection, and center of gravity.

DIY Hydraulic Press Concept

Make a Hydraulic Press

I decided to forgo this project when I discovered Harbor Freight sells approximately the same thing I was going to build for $80. I can't buy materials for less than that. I'm going to go ahead and post my notes anyway.

Sheet Metal Brake

Sheet Metal Brake

I love building tools. There's been more than a few times I've needed to bend metal and I've resorted to clamping 2x4s together and using a hammer. I needed better.

Portable Overhead Camera Mount

Portable Overhead Camera Mount

​I wanted an overhead camera mount that I could disassemble and move around easily, though the final result has slightly more screws than anticipated.

Build a Vacuum Former

I finally built a vacuum former. I've been looking at builds for years, and I started talking about this build three years ago, but finally it happened.

If I ever build another one, this post lists everything I need and the tricks I learned along the way. To buy a vacuum former like this, I would have spent over $5,000. I spent a LOT less.

Build a Mini Vacuum Former

I built the larger vacuum former first, and then decided that I needed a mini vacuum former for smaller pieces and for the leftover scrap plastic from the big former.

Essential Hand Held Tools

Power tools are a lot of fun, but hand tools are necessary. Hand tools offer precision and fine movement. Which hand tools you need depends on the job, but I'm going to tell you want I use. My projects range from wood working to props and plenty in between.