The Shaper Origin

[Ryan]

Looks like this thing is finally shipping to people and thus far, the reviews are pretty positive. I own a traditional CNC router that I love, but would still love to give one of these a shot...


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[Oggy]

Definitely a great idea. I can see how someone who is skilled in CAD can make this move along for them, and I see the benefits of having things mapped out on the screen for you, however I don't really see this as providing one of the key advantages you get from a CNC router, consistent duplication of the result.

You're dependent on the operator to "trace" the image they see on the screen, a CNC can reproduce the image multiple times with out error, something that takes a lot of skill to do when holding a tool by hand.

That said, this is still looks to be product that I could see in a volume shop that want's to say "hand made."

 

[jdm5]

@oggy I don’t have one and don’t plan on getting one, but as I understand it, it doesn’t rely on the operator per se - the user needs to get it close and the router cuts the file for you - go off path too far and it retracts the cutting bit. It does reproducible work...the operator just needs to get it close.

 

[K13]

In this video you can see the head actually moving within the tool to adjust the cut to stay on the cut path.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=_0clzXWSaCw

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Rad. They are beginning to perfect these for concrete engraving as well.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Looks like a perfect tool for onsie-twosie projects. Would really save on the woodworking setup time and add the precision you need with prototype design. Does not seem to accommodate feeds and speeds that CNC covers so nicely.

CNC in my opinion is best for multiples of a design. Usually the CNC cost and real estate needed is too much for the home owner. I need to get myself to one of the local "maker spaces" that has CNC available. Heck, the public library space is even free.

 

[BoostAddiction]

I saw this demoed at the NYC Maker Faire this past summer, and was impressed. But the cost was too much for me as just an occasional user. If I were really into woodworking, it would be something to seriously consider, though.

It would be way faster than setting up a regular CNC machine for one-offs, but requires CAD skills which I'm guessing not all woodworkers have yet.

 

[mowkep]

As a CNC machinist and very amateur wood worker, I say cool....really cool

 

[neilc]

I have one on order. Hope to get it by early March if their schedule holds.

 

[jmlcolorado]

Youtube “Tested”channel has a solid video on it. I kinda dig it.