CNC SIG Recap — January 2026
All,
Two weeks ago, the CNC SIG was alive. Sawdust was in the air, spindles humming, and brains firing on all axes–but, to be frank, some more than others.
Here’s what went down. And as always, the recorded meeting is at the end of the post for those who were unable to attend.
Austin
Austin came in hot, carving dogbone joints on the Shaper Origin, turning walnut legs on the lathe, and casually making a cherry bed post like it’s no big deal. This didn’t leave him unscathed–in fact the hand planer bit back and claimed a finger! But Austin was not dissuaded, and he powered through like a true maker. Blood was shed. Wood was conquered. Respect was earned.
Steve_1
Steve_1 showed how Fusion 360 can shine for design and production (especially for sewing projects).
Key takeaway: set up profiles. Otherwise Fusion makes you answer 47 painfully personal questions before you can cut anything.
Steve_2
Steve_2 showed off a specialized box made by Ryan from Cutting It Close.
It’s super cool and I love it any time Steve shares with us a way to avoid design. Here’s exactly where he bought the material and file from:
There is another golden nugget Steve_2 shared with us: aribabox.com. Here you can search for more digital files (some are free!) and use these files to instantly start jumping into making. It’s the perfect inspiration for anyone trying to figure out what to make, because these designs can give you a path to quickly start making.
James
Finally, James dropped some gold-tier CNC knowledge about the dog holes and machine limits on the CNC:
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Never reference dog holes for measurements – MDF expands, contracts, and lies to you
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Machine limits live in the controller, not the post-processor (important, painful lesson avoided)
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Bonus teaser: James is planning a monogram inlay
Next CNC SIG Theme
“I don’t know what love is…but I’m learning.”
Hearts, curves, inlays, boxes, gifts, chaos – whatever love means to you (or your CNC).
Bring an idea, half-finished project, or a smile–we’ll figure it out together.
Recording
Zoom link:
Cya guys on Sunday, February 1st, in two weeks at Asmbly at 12:30pm!
@SteveW @rjnevels @Kasper @jamesfreeman @TravisGood @taylor.gates @Rennay @bwatt @michleon100 @qryche
Joaquim