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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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!

Electric Guitar Follow Up

This is a follow up to my Electric Guitar build video where I answer lots of questions and play some guitar riffs for you.  See if you can recognize the riffs!

Take a look at my Electric Guitar Project on the Inventables site for some basic instructions and links to copy my Easel jobs.  Also, check out the X-Carve CNC Machine while you are there.  Below are links to some great resources that I found very helpful:

• Subscribe to Fletcher Handcrafted Guitars Channel 
• Subscribe to Sully Guitars
• Join the TDPRI Telecaster Forum
• Join the Project Guitar Forum

David Picciuto of the Drunken Woodworker/Make Something channel also made an electric guitar with the X-Carve.  Watch his video below to see how he did it!

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!