The Custom Wood shop at Eco Relics has recently introduced engraving into their impressive portfolio. Intricate cuts and etchings are now easily accomplished with a high tech, handheld *CNC router, which opens up a whole new range of possibilities for custom projects in the wood shop. With the new tool, they have access to a countless number of fonts, as well as the capability to recreate photos and desired images onto projects.
*A computer numerical control (CNC) router is a computer-controlled cutting machine related to the hand-held router used for cutting various hard materials, such as wood, composites, aluminium, steel, plastics, glass, and foams. CNC routers can perform the tasks of many carpentry shop machines such as the panel saw, the spindle moulder, and the boring machine. They can also cut mortises and tenons.
The new handheld CNC router is one of the first of its kind, with traditional CNC machines being the size of a tabletop or larger. It uses a series of stickers that adhere to the work space, along with an internal camera, to map out the work area. Next, using WiFi, any font, photo, or image can be uploaded onto the screen. Then, the operator follows the map on the screen to cut the image into the surface of the wood.
Prior to the handheld CNC router, the task of engraving or getting a specific shape took much more time and effort. The image would have to be sized, and in some cases drawn, then the transferred onto the work space. Once the image was placed, it would have to very carefully be cut out with a router. The new handheld CNC router also has automatic human error adjustment, so that the image will come out perfect every time.
According to Custom Wood shop manager, Billy Leeka, the new tool “is not only a faster way, but a more accurate and precise way to make cuts and designs in our wood projects.” The artisans in the wood shop are very busy familiarizing themselves with the new tool. In the very near future, they will have the ability to offer inscriptions on larger projects as well. River tables can easily have a map of any river, messages can be carved under dining tables creating a more personalized family heirloom, benches can be engraved with important dates, and detailed inlays can be incorporated into any project.
Currently, the wood shop has a wide assortment of cutting boards available for purchase that can be personalized at an additional charge. They have the ability to engrave names or messages in your choice of font, or make an engraved image from just a photo of a person or landscape. The engravings can even be taken it a step further, by adding color to the piece with pigmented epoxy. There are over 350 different pigments from which to choose, and these can be combined to create an endless number of hues. In just a few days, they are able to create gorgeous cutting boards personalized with almost anything you desire.
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