There’s always a ton of discussion surrounding the limitations of Create and how people “need” to move to another software. Lots of the “features” in software amount to automated thought processes. These are definitely handy in reducing the amount of attention needed.
However, you don’t “have to have” expensive software to accomplish some ambitious projects. Our latest video features an exploration with the Free Version of Create. Perhaps this will spark some new ideas for your next build.
Thanks to the C3D Team for continuing to show us what this platform can do.
For me, digging into the details of the software, building the machine, designing and machining is the experience I’m looking for.
I think many that come into this world of CNC machining, think they have to have the latest and greatest programming in order to do some of the simplest things in machining, but this is not true. It really comes down to creativity and forward thinking. Yes, some projects require more advanced programs in order to achieve the desired design, but its not limited to having to go with the more expensive programming. I wanted to purchase Fusion 360 but can’t see myself making enough projects within that program to earn back the high amount having to pay per year. It is an expensive program and I have been able to do everything I wanted and need within Carbide Create Pro. Yes, I bought the Pro version, but that was because I wanted to create 3D designs. Most of my learning has been from this community, and that has been the most invaluable thing about working on my CNC mill and programming designs.
This video is a great example of CNC work and traditional woodworking. Very nice chair. Walnut is beautiful but expensive. I had not thought about domino loose tenon on my CNC. I bought a Jessem Pocket Mil Pro with the workstation about a year ago. I have used about 5 times but have the 5, 6, 8, 10MM dominos so I will have try making the pockets on my SO3.
I use the painters tape and super glue and have never had a failure.
The use of a Domino is a nice application of a special purpose tool which meets the exact need at hand. I will note that I’ve done a bit of joinery directly on the CNC (the mathematics of it fascinates me, and I haven’t been able to justify any Festools beyond the CT Midi I purchased in a noise-induced, migraine-fueled rage), so if anyone has trouble putting some wood together, let me know and we’ll look into it with you.
That said, I couldn’t resist a Bridge City Tool Works DJ-1 w/ Jaw Kit, so that sort of thing may begin to play into my designs beyond just making a template on the machine and drilling holes for a hinge pin:
What keeps me going is looking back at all the items & products that the manual machinist have done without CNCs, software, machines/floor/tables leveled to the trillion decimal points, etc.
I think It comes from having a teacher that has more manual machining experience then I’ve been alive decided to take an interest in me.
I’m not even worthy to be in the same room with him most times BUT ABSOLUTELY grateful he took an interest in me.
Learning manual machining is the greatest. The experience and knowhow to make something from raw metal blanks, into a finished product is great. I learned in my early 20s about machining. I started on CNC mills and there was a huge learning curve there for sure. Then I was blessed to be able to learn manual mills. Then I started asking questions with manual lathes. I am not trying to toot my own horn, but learning all of this still really opened my eyes to the possibilities of manufacturing.
Learn, learn, learn. Ask as many questions you need to understand and gain confidence in yourself enough to trust yourself in being able to produce at such a close tolerance. Also, learning to see a product blueprint and figuring out how to process it through the different stages as needed to get to a finished product, as in part holding, and what parts should be done first, second, and then final until it is completed. That is why designing and running our wood mills here are so much fun, because we do the same thing, but only with wood.
Learn as much as you can from this man that you can. What he teaches you will not be able to be taught from a book or even a video. Hands on learning from a master in their trade proves invaluable.
