This project was a great excuse to try my hand at improving a Yoda Toy that I found at Toy R Us many moons ago. (R.I.P) There were several different finishing techniques that I tried to use for the first time, including hair punching. It was really surprising just how easy it was to take this toy another step further to make it a bit more realistic.
Many years ago now, I published this video that covers my experience buying and using a K40 style laser cutter for the first time. It has honestly been a workhouse of a machine with little to no problems, though for such a low price tag, there are of course some compromises on build quality, safety and usability. Are these things enough to justify the cost? I think so, if you are willing to put in a bit of time and effort troubleshooting on your own and upgrading a couple of things along the way.
If you want to cut to the chase, here are some of the items that I would recommend to get the upgrades and extra items you may need to get cutting as soon as possible. Purchasing things from those links will cost you nothing extra, but help keep this channel active with project and tutorial videos as often as I can make them. Thanks!
Many people like to use a gamepad or controller to move the CNC router around to position it for zeroing out the axis before a job, or moving it out of the way to put down a new workpiece. I have a few left over instruments from my RockBand days, so I decided to use that! 😀
This video walks you thru how to set it up and hopefully inspires you to use a unique controller of your own! 🙂
I used the following links to help get this idea off of the ground! Hopefully they can help you too!
Xbox 360 Controller Drivers: https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/gaming/xbox-360-controller-for-windows/52a-00004#techspecs-connect
JoyToKey Software: http://joytokey.net/en/
In this tutorial, I cover V-Bit based inlay techniques using AutoDesk ArtCAM. ArtCAM is a very powerful software that can be more affordable than other options and works with many CNC’s including the X-Carve, like I used here. Unfortunately, right after I learned this software, and started making tutorial videos for it, Autodesk, in their infinite wisdom, decided to shutter it. It sort of lives on now through CarveCo. That might be just what you need for your own CNC art solution!
Using the following Amazon links helps support Geeksmithing at no additional cost to you!
Dewalt 611 Router
http://amzn.to/2xZWD4j
1/8″ 60 Degree V-Bit
http://amzn.to/2xg4RGF
Danish Oil:
http://amzn.to/2yoCBSs
Some project ideas can come when you least expect them and can really hit you like.. well… a Hulk. The notion of making a SnowGlobe filled with Peter Parker particulates was too great to pass up!
