Making a Kitchen Utensil Organizer

We have A LOT of kitchen utensils and our collection has outgrown the containers that hold them.  In this video, I make a HUGE wooden Kitchen Utensil Organizer with the Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine.   This project would be easy to make with other tools as well.

I used the Inventables EASEL PRO software to design this project.  This would make a great housewarming gift for a new homeowner or for anyone who loves to cook.  Click here to open my EASEL design and download the drawings.

This was a fun project to design and make.  It solves a problem in our kitchen and those are always the best kind of projects.  Thanks for checking out this project!  Steve...

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Make a Guitar Effect Pedal Board

I made a Guitar Effect Pedal Board about two years ago, and of course, my collection of pedals has changed a lot.  I challenged myself to make one with my Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine.  It's made from 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood with holes in the top for routing cables under the board.  Check out my video of this project below.

I designed this project using the Inventables EASEL online software.  There are three cut jobs in the project, a Top Board, 2 Side Pieces, and a Front Cover.  I used a pattern from the Easel Pro library to V-Carve a cool diamond pattern on the sides.  Click here to open my EASEL project to see how it's designed and make one yourself.

It took about 2 hours of machine time to cut all of the parts using the default settings, which are very conservative.  I did a two-stage carve on the two side pieces.  I used a V-Bit to carve the diamond pattern, then used an 1/8" straight bit to cut out the shapes.

I cut the Front and Back covers to the correct height with a 7 degree bevel to line up with the angle of the side pieces.  I glued the four sides together, then glued that assembly to the underside of the top.  The bottom was screwed on for easy access to run the cables inside the board.  I added non-skid rubber pads to the bottom of the board.

The pedal board is finished with Deft Clear Wood Finish Satin spray lacquer.  I attached the pedals using Velcro strips.  I highly recommend these Flat Guitar Patch Cables for saving space between the pedals.  Thanks for checking out my pedal board project!

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Making a Jewelry Box with the Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine

Previously I made a Jewelry Box for my daughter using the bandsaw.  It was a fancy bandsaw box.  I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to make one with my Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine.  I designed a more modern box with shallow drawers and more compartments for separating the jewelry.  I think it turned out pretty awesome!  Check out my video of this project below.

I designed this project using the Inventables free EASEL online software.  The project workspace has 4 tabs at the bottom.  Tabs 1-3 are used to actually cut the parts from 3/4" maple and cherry boards.  The 4th tab contains my original design drawings so anyone can customize the design to fit their needs.  Click here to open my EASEL project to see how it's designed and make one yourself.

It took about 4 hours of machine time to cut all of the parts using the default settings, which are very conservative.  That's ok, because I got a lot of other stuff done while the machine was hard at work.

I purchased some 1/4" aluminum rod from the home center and cut six pieces that are 3/4" long for the drawer pulls.  I used the drill to spin them while I smoothed them out with sandpaper and gave them a brushed look.  These look great and were super cheap.

The design contained alignment holes and I used some pieces of bamboo skewers as pins to keep the boards from sliding around during glue up.

I applied my favorite finish which is Deft Clear Wood Finish Satin Spray Lacquer and the box came out great.  Thanks for checking out my project!

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Make a Pint Glass Display Rack

In the early 2000's, I traveled sometimes for work.  If a city had a Hard Rock Cafe, I would check it out and pick up a pint glass.  I've collected glasses from 16 cities, so I made a custom display rack. Check out my video of this project below.

I used my X-Carve CNC Woodworking Machine from Inventables to cut out the entire project.
 

I used the Inventables free EASEL online software to design the project.  All of the parts can be cut from two 29" long sections of standard 1x12 boards.  The sign at the top can be customized by simply changing the text.  Click here to open my EASEL project to see how it's designed.

I included dado cuts in the side pieces to accept the three shelves and also holes to make for quick and easy assembly with 8 screws.  I added some hangers on the back and mounted it to the wall with strong drywall anchors.

This display rack holds up to 21 glasses, so I will be able to add to it as I visit other cities with Hard Rock Cafes.  I can look at each glass and remember the story behind it, such as how I got to the Hard Rock Cafe and what the place was like inside.  Thanks for checking out this project!

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Make a "Now Playing" Rack for Vinyl Records

I had fun hanging out at record stores back in the 1980s.  My favorite local Atlanta store was Turtle's Records & Tapes. They had a "Now Playing" rack on the wall where they would display the album cover of a record while it was playing in the store.  I thought it would be fun to make one that I can use when playing my records.  Check out my video of this project below.

I used my X-Carve CNC Woodworking Machine from Inventables to cut out the entire project, except for two small dowels.

I used the Inventables free EASEL online software to design the project.  The project consists of a backboard with an engraved logo, and a separate "Now Playing" piece cut from 1/2" Baltic birch plywood.   Click here to open my EASEL project to see how it's designed.

I found the Turtle's logo on Google Images.  Luckily, I was able to also find the matching font called Keep On Truckin' that I was able to use to type the "Now Playing" text.  The text at the top is engraved with an 1/8" straight bit at a depth of 0.05".  The X-Carve also drilled matching holes for me, so that I could attach the "Now Playing" cutout using two 2.5" long pieces of 1/4" dowel rod.

This display rack will get a lot of use when I play my vinyl records.  I love the colors and it brings back some great memories of hanging out in the record stores.  Thanks for checking out this project!

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Making a Funko Pop Rocks Stage Set

Funko Pops are pop culture action figures made from vinyl.  I collect the Funko Pop Rocks series that features members of awesome rock bands, like KISS and Metallica.  I thought it would be cool to make a concert stage set to display them on, so check out my video below, then read on for more information about this fun project.

I'd like to thank Inventables for sponsoring this project and providing me with the X-Carve CNC Machine that made this a snap to build.  I used their free EASEL online software to design the project, then the machine cut it from a single 1x12 pine board (.75"x11.25"x27").  Click here to open my EASEL project to see how it's designed.

The stage set features a large main stage with a groove in the back to hold a record album cover as a backdrop.

It also has three elevated platforms, four guitar amps, and an overhead lighting truss with an LED Light Strip.  The only other additions were three pieces of 1/2" dowel rod to raise the platforms and a little paint.  (I did not paint the surfaces that would touch the vinyl figures, as some finishes may deteriorate vinyl.)

Some of the drummer figures come with a small drum set, but some do not.  My EASEL design includes a bass drum and a pair of toms that can be glued together and painted for those ill-equipped drummers.

I have Metallica, KISS, Guns n Roses, and Rush.  Angus Young and Animal are sitting in for the missing original GNR members.  I also have The Police and Wayne's World figures in my collection (not pictured).  Thanks for checking out my project!

Making an Autographed Van Halen CD Frame with the Inventables X-Carve

Back in 1988, I won an autographed Van Halen CD from the Rockline radio show.  It's hard to believe that was over 30 years ago!  I think it's past time to build a display frame for it.  I put my Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine to work to make a cool Van Halen striped frame out of cherry and maple.  Watch the video below, then read further for more details and pictures.

This is a CD single for the song Black and Blue from Van Halen's OU812 album.  It is signed by Eddie, Alex, Michael, and Sammy.  Van Halen is my favorite rock band, so this is a cool thing to have.

I kept the letter that Rockline sent with the CD to prove the authenticity of the autographs.  It has a sketch of an old phone plugged into a boombox to represent calling into a radio show, which looks dated but kinda cool.

I had to be really careful when preparing the blank for this project.  The X-Carve is very accurate, so my frame had to be perfectly square so that the CNC could carve the stripes in the correct place and centered around the frame border.

The frame looks great in the EVH corner of my office.  I should have framed this CD 30 years ago!  Oh well, better late than never.  I hope this project gives you some ideas for framing autographs or other memorabilia.  If you would like to check out this project in the Inventables Easel software, click here to open my project.  You can even carve one yourself if you have an X-Carve.

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Make a Headphone Stand - Inventables Easel Power Hour Project

Inventables is hosting an Easel Power Hour Challenge contest during the month of June 2018.  They are giving away gift cards and an X-Carve CNC Machine.  In this video, I make a Headphone Stand as an example of a project that can be designed in their Easel software and carved in less than an hour.  Watch my video, then visit the Easel Power Hour Challenge page on the Inventables website for the contest rules.  Good luck!

The Headphone Stand looks great in my office.  This project can also be made using a scroll saw or other tools.  Click here to download my PDF cutting template.

The headphone cord inserts perfectly into an oblong hole on the stand to keep it nice and tidy.  Plus, even the 1/4" adapter plug has a home.

It is in the shape of a music note and it's cut from some really nice walnut for a classy look.  Now it's time for me to go listen to some music!  Later, Steve...

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Making a CNC Serving Tray - An Inventables Easel and X-Carve Project

My wife requested that I make her a large Serving Tray to put on the ottoman of our new living room furniture.  This was a perfect project for the Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine.  Watch my video showing how I designed the project in the free Easel software and carved it on the X-Carve.

Anyone can create a FREE Easel account and design CNC projects, even if you don't have a CNC machine!  CLICK HERE to create your account and begin designing.  If you design a project, I would love to see it.  In Easel, click the File menu and choose Share, then click the Shared With Link option.  Copy the link and Save, then email the link to me at thecarmichaelworkshop@gmail.com.  I will review all projects submitted by June 6, 2018 and pick a few to carve out and ship back to the designers.  This is gonna be fun!

Do you have a CNC machine?  If so, click here to open my Easel project and carve one of these yourself!  The Serving Tray turned out great and my wife loves it!  It's made from ambrosia maple and hardwood plywood.  Wanna use regular tools?  Then, click here to download my FREE PDF Cutting Template for this project.  It's 21.5" square and just the right size for a large pizza!

Guitar Clock X-Carve CNC Project and Fold-Up Workstation Update

When Inventables offered to send me a large X-Carve CNC Machine, my first thought was “Where am I going to put it?”  Check out this video to see how I solved my space issue with a Fold-Up Workstation, plus watch the X-Carve make a rockin’ Guitar Clock!

The 1000mm X-Carve has a footprint of 45” x 42”, so it fits comfortably on my 48” x 48” fold-up workstation.  It folds up nicely...check this out!

This CNC kit was much easier to assemble than the Shapeoko2 kit, since it has fewer parts and self-tapping screws.  The X-Carve has a sleek look and it works great; however, I think the wiring connections at the power supply could be better organized to improve the look and prevent damage.  Also note that the limit switches are delicate, so handle them carefully so you don't break one like I did.

I mounted the X-Carve to the table with wooden hold-down blocks.  I made these super-strong and secure because I don’t want the machine falling to the floor.  When the machine is not in use, I can fold it up and out of the way to free up floor space.  I will usually keep the machine folded down and ready to run, but it’s nice to have the option to fold it up if the need arises.

To test the X-Carve, I created a simple Guitar Clock project in Inventables' free EASEL design tool.  This project requires the CNC to cut a recess for a clock insert, plus make a through-cut with tabs for the guitar shape.  The overall size of the clock is 5” wide, 6.6” tall, and .75” thick.  The Clock Shoppe Insert that I purchased requires a recess that is .6” deep and 2.375” wide.

I am really pleased with the performance of the X-Carve on this project.  I pushed the limit with the depth of cut, so it did require some light sanding.  This Guitar Clock was cut from curly maple and the Danish Oil finish really highlights the beautiful figure in this wood.  I will be posting some of these clocks for sale on my Etsy Store, so if you would like to support what I do, please consider purchasing one of my featured items.

If you have a CNC machine, I have shared this Guitar Clock Easel Project (you may need to create an Inventables account to access it).  If you have a scrollsaw or bandsaw, download this Guitar Clock PDF Template.  To make sure the clock will fit, buy the clock and measure it before you cut the recess.

Thanks to Inventables for sending me this awesome machine!  If you are interested in more information about the X-Carve, visit Inventables.comhttps://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve?ref=CarmichaelWorkshop.  They have an excellent User’s Forum and a nice Project Library.  Look out for more CNC projects coming soon from The Carmichael Workshop!