Router Carving
Popular Woodworking|November 2020
Ready-to-carve 3D images make it easy to produce finished machine carvings or hand tool ready roughouts.
By Chris Fitch
Router Carving

Creating stunning carved woodwork has never been easier with a CNC router. Think of all the creative possibilities for carvings: door panels, box lids, frieze boards, emblems, awards, artwork, signs or having your signature carved into the back of a project. The more you use your CNC router to carve the more projects you will find for it.

Not only can the CNC router add beauty and interest to your work but it’s a blast to watch as the machine dances along the workpiece methodically and precisely revealing a beautiful carving. Not into digital carving? That’s OK, the CNC router can also be a tireless shop helper for hand woodcarving. (Yes, really.)

Three Elements

So how do we start creating carvings with our CNC router? There are three main elements to consider: the artwork, the type of work, and the carving process. First, we need a digital image. You can create your own or find one online. To create a 3-dimensional image suitable for a carving requires specialized software. Vectric Aspire, Rhino and 3D Systems Geomagic Freeform are some of many examples of software capable of creating 3d models suitable for carving. A simpler solution for those of us who want to incorporate CNC carvings without mastering the drawing software is to use 3d clip art available online. There is an amazing variety and amount of 3d clip art ready for you to download so plan on spending several hours online being awed by all the choices.

Bu hikaye Popular Woodworking dergisinin November 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Popular Woodworking dergisinin November 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

POPULAR WOODWORKING DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Bosch Job Site Table Saw
Popular Woodworking

Bosch Job Site Table Saw

While many woodworkers dream of the largest cabinet saw they can get their hands on, reality often dictates a different path.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
MIDSIZE ROUTER MELEE
Popular Woodworking

MIDSIZE ROUTER MELEE

Routers love them or hate them, there are an overwhelming amount of options available. Here's the breakdown on how this midsized lot performs.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Glancy's No 1 Oil
Popular Woodworking

Glancy's No 1 Oil

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The thing I love most about woodworking is the community around us. I meet some fantastic people within it.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Milwaukee FUEL 61/2" Circular Saw
Popular Woodworking

Milwaukee FUEL 61/2" Circular Saw

Milwaukee recently announced their next generation of tools and batteries at their annual Pipeline showcase.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Scraping is Quicker than Sanding
Popular Woodworking

Scraping is Quicker than Sanding

No matter what grit sandpaper you use on end grain, there's one hand tool that can get the job done faster: the No. 80 scraper.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Bosch Brushless Planer
Popular Woodworking

Bosch Brushless Planer

Every once in a while I'm fortunate to be struck by serendipitous situations in this job.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Spring Green Saws
Popular Woodworking

Spring Green Saws

Some of the nicest saws around are coming out of Warwick, RI, at the hands of Charlie Earnest.

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Bank Manager's Desk
Popular Woodworking

Bank Manager's Desk

With its quartersawn oak, and Arts & Crafts finish, this desk is sure to serve generations to come.

time-read
8 dak  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Record Stand
Popular Woodworking

Record Stand

Brush up on your precision miters, and build this mid-century inspired record player stand.

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024 - Issue 280
Carving a Spoon
Popular Woodworking

Carving a Spoon

Wooden spoons can be as elaborate or utilitarian as you'd please. Either way, it's a great way to spend time in the shop.

time-read
8 dak  |
October 2024 - Issue 280