The Woodshop Shed

CNC box using Vectric Box Creator Gadget

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I realize this isn't exactly and impressive project, but I am mostly posting this to let CNC people who use Vectric know that there is a pretty handy gadget available for free download called Box Creator that pretty much designs the box and tool paths in one simple step.

This is a prototype of a playing card caddy that I built. Ithas some flaws (like the missing chunk of wood in the bottom center front) and is made out of poplar. Keep in mind it is just the prototype.


  CardCaddy.jpg (Size: 109.86 KB / Downloads: 47)

If you use Vectric as your CAD/CAM tool then you have access to this gadget called Box Creator. All you do is fill in a few fields with your outside box dimensions, box joints or dovetails, lid style, pin width, material thickness, and the tool you are going to use to cut it out. One step and Bam! it generates the vectors and tool paths (including the dog bones for the square corners of the sockets) for the entire box.


  BoxCreatorMenu.PNG (Size: 52.01 KB / Downloads: 47)

Because my box is not quite as simple as just a 5 or 6 sided box (I have the center divider and the cutouts in the front and back panels) I had to make some edits to the data that the gadget generated. I wrote a tutorial explaining how I did thatfor a CNC forum that I am a member of. It is a 12 page pdf document with lots of pictures. Is there some way to share it here or do I have to have people who are interested send me a pm with their email address?

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Purple Heart Project Orlando FL Feb 26, 2026

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Rob Cosman will be at the Woodcraft Store in Orlando FL on February 26 6-8PM
for a fundraiser for the Purple Heart Project.

Here is a link to the announcement short of youtube:
https://youtube.com/shorts/yO4AOL61scQ?s...nUdcLIDVSl

There is an admission fee (the fundraiser) of $50/head.

Registration by calling the Woodcraft store is requested.

Edited to add:


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Making a Leaf Applique

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My friend is (slowly) building a Thorsen sideboard, which looks like this.



It's based on one in FWW a couple of years ago. On the doors, the designer added Ginko leaves in sort of a falling pattern. My friend's wife is Canadian and suggested he use maple leaves. So I agreed to see about making some maple leaves using my CNC.

I started with a 2.5D file in the clip art included with my VCarve Pro software. W/o changing anything other than scaling it to about 3" x 3", I created the toolpaths and made this prototype.



It takes 3 toolpaths and bits to create the part, a 0.25" endmill to remove the waste, a 0.125 ballnose endmill to mill the surface of the leaf, and a 0.125" endmill to cut around the perimeter of the leaf to a depth of 1/4". At modest speeds,milling time was about 35 minutes. To release the leaf from the board, I resawed it on my bandsaw set at 1/4". This is what it looked like afterwards.



I did no sanding of the leaf; this is straight off the CNC. To make it look like a maple leaf, I dyed it with some Honey Amber Transtint and then put on a couple of coats of Polycrylic.



Why not red? The cabinet is being made from mahogany, so red's probably not going to show very well. However, I could see doing a collage of colors on one or more of the leaves to replicate how actual leaves often look.

The leaves are flat on the back, so they can be glued directly to the cabinet wherever desired.

This was just a test. When it comes time to make the ones for the project, I'll adjust the size and shape of the leaves to create a realistic mix. Also, the surface detail can be changed by the bits used to mill them. A smaller diameter ballnose endmillwould give greater detail, while a larger diameter would give less. What we end up making will depend on what look the builder wants.

This is another example where the CNC makes it possible to pretty easily do what would be very difficult to do by hand.

John

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Buyer beware

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Do not attempt to buy any tool from this guy.Name:Joseph Villarreal,Address:2926 s mabbett Ave Milwaukee WI USA 53207.
He appears to be a fraudster. He may go by the name ( @David Katz ) email: Davisnoir5220@gmail.com
BRIEF SUMMARY:During my search for a mobile base for my lathe,I was given his name by a member here that goes by Johnielse3. I contacted Mr. Villarreal at the email I was given,. He stated he had a mobile base for sale for $150.00 including shipping. Iagreed to purchase a mobile base for $150.00 shipping included. When I asked for a price and picture of this mobile base I was told it was already packed up and ready to ship. ( First red flag ) Having dealt with people on this site many times I decided to trust this clown and agreed to the $150.00.
I asked about payment as I have paypal and Venmo. He stated he had neither. I agreed to send him a money order since there are many older gentlemen on the various woodworking sites like me, that don't have paypal etc.. I have never had an issue with anyone on this site or any other woodworking site for that matter. So amoney order was obtained and sent with a tracking number, as he requested. He received the money order, but suddenly states he requires an additional $50.00 to ship the item because he was"told" his packaging was not good enough to prevent damage. ( 2nd Red flag ). After some conversing I finally agreed to pay the extra $50.00. Then he tells me "his Wife has pay pal and this was that paypal address:(brian.nowak1967@gmail.com )(3rd red flag). When I questioned that "Wife's" name he stated it was her "surname".
So when I checked with Pay pal I received a paypalmessage this was a "scam" and directed me to the section dealing with scams.( Final Red flag ). So to recap: first he says he has a mobile base to sell for $150.00 including shipping. 2) He states it is already packed up and ready to ship. 3) States he does not have Pay pal or Venmo, then later states he does in fact have Venmo and PayPal. Or at least his wife does. 4) sends me a pay pal address with clearly a man's name. 5) Now refusing to send the item despite the fact I made my concern clear and agreed to pay the extra fee only upon arrival of the item. I realize it is only $150.00, but in my mind it is the principle of it all and I wonder just how many other people he has done this to. SO buyer beware.

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Shaker boxes

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Where can a person but the copper nails to build the oval shaker boxes? Lee Valley is not a source anymore.

Tom

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Structural integrity melamine shoe rack

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I asked a question previously about using melamine for a shoe rack and a couple of people suggested using confirmat screws. I have another question.

I was planning on making the dimensions of the case 4ft wide and 4 ft high with about 4 or 5 shelves. I had planned on drilling holes in the sides so I could use adjustable shelves, so the shelves would not be glued or screwed into the sides of the case. I had also planed on not attaching a back to the case. My question is will the case be structurally sound if I only have screws at the 4 corners of the case or will the case be subject to racking. Will the internal shelves help with racking or not since they are simply supported with pins in the side of the case?

I'm not wanting to have a back on the case to save money and reduce weight. I thought I could attach some corner brackets on the back of the case if they are needed. Anyone have any thoughts on this. The shoe rack would not really be move once it is in place in the closet.

Thanks

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bevelling dominos

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I screwed up and cut 2" squares 1/2" thick (think square dominos) that I want to bevel at 30 degrees to make hexagon boxes. I am making at least 3 boxes. I should have cut the bevel when I initial cut them to size. How can I "safely and quickly" (oxymoron I know) bevel 2 opposite ends at 30 degrees? I have table saw, router table, miter saw, band saw, 12" disc sander. I am guessing disc sander. but that wont be quick.

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I need a shop

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I sold my shop and moved over 2 years ago and moved into a nice apartment complex but miss the shop and having my own home. I had to change my username to this but my previous name was halfathumb. It'll be a slow process but I'm looking forward to making saw dust again and hopefully keep my 9 1/2 fingers in tack. Just getting back on here I feel like I've already began my journey.

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Kansas City Hardwood Dealers

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Greetings good folks of WoodNet,

Moved to KC, Kansas a short time ago. I am exactly between Topeka and Kansas City, MO.

I can use apps and the Internet to find hardwood dealers but wondered who are your favorites in KC MO, KC KS, and Topeka.

Maybe they're in St. Joseph's?

I'm not usually in search of exotics and will take integrity, selection, and Saturday hoursover low cost - anytime.

Mostly looking for Maple, Cherry, QSWO, and occasionally, Walnut.

Thanks,

Stan

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Can you pocket hole melamine?

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My wife wants me to build her a shoe rack for her closet and I was thinking about using melamine. Have never worked with it before. Does anyone know if you can pocket hole it. Also, is it easy to cut dado's I. It?

Thanks

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Shop finally done!

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Obviously there is ALWAYS something that can be done or organized but after 2 1/2 years, I am declaring victory!
The last big job was to swap out flexible duct for hard duct on my dust collector.
The shop is 30'x50' and it feels just right to me!

This is where you walk in. I call it the garage.


  Garage #2.jpg (Size: 166.26 KB / Downloads: 180)


  Shop Garage.jpg (Size: 180.49 KB / Downloads: 180)

Spray room.


  Shop Spary Room.jpg (Size: 102.93 KB / Downloads: 180)

And the shop itself for each corner.


  Shop SE Corner.jpg (Size: 173.19 KB / Downloads: 180)


  Shop SW Corner.jpg (Size: 169.6 KB / Downloads: 179)


  Shop NW Corner.jpg (Size: 159.63 KB / Downloads: 179)


  Shop NE Corner.jpg (Size: 175.67 KB / Downloads: 178)

For me, a very cool thing is the doors on the cabinets came from the house where I was born and raised.
Dad made those cabinets in 1957.
I think he and Mom would be happy that I repurposed them.

Any comments or questions, don't hesitate!

Toney

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Murphy Bed Project Advice Request

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I am building a Murphy bed for our office/spare room and planning on using Rockler's Deluxe Murphy Bed Hardware kit. Does anyone have any experience with this kit - or Murphy bed construction in general? Any insights and/or tips would be appreciated. Thanks

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Pocket Hole Screws on Tabletop?

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This is a screenshot from a YouTube showing how to build a hard maple table. Screwing the apron to the table goes against everything I know about woodworking.
Thoughts?
Peter

  IMG_1147.jpeg (Size: 305.37 KB / Downloads: 21)

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Granadillo

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Where is a good place to get some Granadillo?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

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prefinished maple ply

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Anyone know where I can source prefinished maple plywood? i see guys on youTube using it but I can't find a source local to me in Central Massachusetts.
I tried a "specialty" plywood supply house just outside of Boston but they said they don't carry it

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PSA: Woodhaven Discount

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I received an email today from Woodhaven indicating they are currently having a 14 percent discount.

They make very good tooling: I've been using a TS miter gauge from them for over 25 years: excellent results.

No affiliation with them: I'd just like to see the smaller purveyors of excellent quality tooling do well.

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