Ready-to-go Projects

Candy Duet

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

The Candy Duet is a handsome container equipped to offer two assortments of sweet treats during holiday family times and Machining and construction is simple and quick. You may even be tempted to make several Candy Duets as gift items!

The sample shown uses contrasting wood types and colors, with just a clearcoat applied over the natural wood. Of course, you can choose to use any other suitable wood and finish. year-’round, too! The V-carved design embellishments can be replaced with your own custom designs, if you wish. "

The dimensions of the Candy Duet are about 5.5 " deep x 11 " wide x 4 tall.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Candy Duet

Candy Duet Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Cool Cubes

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

The Cool Cube boxes will make great quick-n-easy gifts! This project introduces you to 2-sided machining by cutting slots and grooves on what will be the inside of each cube panel (don’t worry - it’s easy!).

The backside is run first, for any of the box designs (ALL_Cubes_BACKside.crv) and features two 0.25" drill holes for dowel insertion that will assure perfect alignment when the board is flipped over lengthwise to cut the front side design.

The cube box lids are lift-top, but you can install hinges instead, if you like.

The samples shown have a metallic finish applied over MDF material. The final dimensions of each Cool Cube are 4 " x 4 " x 4 ".

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Cool Cubes

Cool Cubes Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Trout Bookends

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

This fun bookend project features a full 3D trout “swimming” through your books! The bookend bases each have a hidden pocket under the river rock design to place weights into (zinc BB’s) to enhance their functionality and “mass”.

The design can be customized by incorporating a few bits of real driftwood if desired.

You can also experiment with glazing or colorizing the rocks and trout for an interesting and perhaps more realistic (or stylistic) rendition of the scene, as you wish!

Each bookend measures about 6" deep x 6" tall x 4" wide.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Trout Bookends

Trout Bookends Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Victorian House Plaque

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

This project features a caricature of a Victorian House along with three plaque ideas/styles. A plaque is hung from the bottom of the house base using hooks and screw eyes.

You can use any of the plaque samples asis, or easily design your own using the Vectric software. Custom plaques could be made to display a family name, seasonal greetings to swap out as appropriate, or just to say “Home Sweet Home”!

If used indoors, the project could be modified to integrate a frame to display a family photo, white board or cork board for messages, calendar holder, hooks to hold keys, and so on. Lots of possibilities, if one uses their imagination.

The actual finished dimensions will vary, depending upon which plaque is combined with the House portion, but the approximate dimensions for these samples are 12" wide x19" tall x 1.5" deep.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Victorian House Plaque

Victorian House Plaque Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Seahorse Corbels

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

This project features a Seahorse and Coral motif with a pierced-carve background. Each corbel consists of two halves that are glued together, then glued to an “L” frame to complete the assembly.

The corbels can be glued or fastened to a shelf for mounting on a wall (they will accommodate shelf depths of 8 to 12 inches), or used as a decorative accent for upright posts and the like. The method of mounting the corbels can vary - I used a metal key hole/screw fixture recessed in a mortise on the backside of each of the samples you see here. Feel free to make modifications to suit your particular mounting preferences and requirements.

Each corbel measures about 8" deep x 11" tall x 2¾" wide.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Seahorse Corbels

Seahorse Corbels Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Washer Toss

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: 3 Hole Washers is just as popular as the corn hole games across the country. The beauty of this game is that washers are a lot easier to obtain for a small price and instead of one hole for points this game has three holes. Washerpayers. net has all of the rules and regulations to this game and can be enjoyed by all ages.

Materials: 1/2” plywood, rope, 6- 2 1/2” OD washers

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Carpeting the entire project is encouraged by most washer toss enthusiast; however, a simple paint job will bring the game to life.

Project Files:
Washer Toss Tutorial [Download pdf]
Washer Toss Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Trebuchet

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This medieval launcher would reek havoc on enemies castles. However, the modern day conversion using 20lbs of weight will easily through a tennis ball the length of a gymnasium. Teach students about history, trajectory, mathematics, etc. Enjoy.

Materials:3/4” plywood, 2’ of 5/8” threaded rod, 3’ of 1 1’8” dowel, 12 1/4” dowel pins

Minimum Cutting Area: 2 sheets of plywood that measure 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing:Spray paint works great to accent the gussets. A polyurethane coating will cover all of the natural wood and seal it up.

Project Files:
Trebuchet Tutorial [Download pdf]
Trebuchet Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Smoker   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Smoking meat has been around for hundreds of years. Now with this simple smoker one can bring back to life the ancient methods of preserving meats and adding the smoky flavor.

Materials: 3/4” plywood, 7-48” of 1/2” dowel, 24” of 1/4” dowel

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: There is no need to finish this project. The interior will be sealed up on its own by the smoke. The exterior will not be able to handle a finish due to the higher temperatures. Leave the exterior bare. It is recommended that the smoker be covered or under a roof if left outside for a long period of time.

Project Files:
Smoker Tutorial [Download pdf]
Smoker Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Magazine Rack   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: All of those woodworking magazines start piling up and a nice magazine rack will keep them organized and together. To assemble this project all one needs is a bottle of glue and a rubber mallet.

Materials: 3/4” plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 21” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Minwax Wipe on polyurethane is a great finish for this project. Simply wipe each individual part before assembly has been completed. Another finish could be a spray on finish after the project has been assembled.

Project Files:
Magazine Rack Tutorial [Download pdf]
Magazine Rack Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Combination Lock   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: How many times a day does the average student open and shut their locker? Each time they have to turn their combination lock back and forth to open their locker. This project helps understand the mechanics that go into basic locksmithing.

Materials: 1/2” plywood, 96” of 1/2” dowel and 2’ of 5/16” dowel

Minimum Cutting Area: 31” x 34”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Finish all of the outside parts with a polyurethane and grease all of the internal moving parts   

Project Files:
Combination Lock Tutorial [Download pdf]
Combination Lock Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Wooden Jack   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This wooden example of a jack is used to demonstrate how the rotating of a crank can rotate gears and in turn move a rack up and down; raising and lowering the toothed rack. A beginner project to help understand gears to move into larger and more complicated gearing projects.

Materials: 3/4” plywood, 6” of 5/8” dowel

Minimum Cutting Area: 39” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Using a spray polyurethane works best for getting inside the gears. This can also be sprayed over all of the other parts before assembly has taken place. Also consider painting parts different colors

Project Files:
Wooden Jack Tutorial [Download pdf]
Wooden Jack Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Block and Tackle   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Introduction to adding two or more pulleys to the same given weight. This creates a mechanical advantage that can be useful for rigging and other applications. Here are four examples of rigging methods that can be used as a mechanical advantage.

Materials: 3/4” plywood, 1/4” lag bots, 1/4” eye bolts, 4 weights, 24” of 1/2” dowel

Minimum Cutting Area: 36” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: A clear coat or polyurethane over all of the wooden materials.

Project Files:
Block and Tackle Tutorial [Download pdf]
Block and Tackle Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Bull using 123D Make by Autodesk   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Autodesk has created several software's free to use at http://www.123dapp.com/ Using 123D Make users can take any 3d image, slice it into pieces, cut it on the ShopBot then glue it back together as a 3D model. By following these plans other models can be done in the same set of directions as the bull has been created.

Materials: .4” plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Spray paint to the color of ones choosing.

Project Files:
Bull Tutorial [Download pdf]
Bull Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Ornithological Abode

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

Nesting birds never had it so good! Treat them to this whimsical and unique . The sample shown is finished with a faux ‘aged metal’ finish to emphasize the mechanical spirit of the design. Ornithological Abode (we just couldn’t bring ourselves to call it a plain Bird House!)

The finished dimensions of the Ornithological Abode are 17 " long x 11 " tall x 9 "deep.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Ornithological Abode

Ornithological Abode Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Grocery List Plaque

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

Here is a unique and “fancy” way to make it convenient for yourself and family members to write down needed grocery items between trips to the store! The project features an attractive v-carve design that harkens back to vintage motifs common to many antique hand-carvings. The sample shown is finished with a cherry wood stain color, but a faux metal finish could be interesting, as well.

The overall dimensions of the plaque are about 9¾" x17 " x ¾"deep.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Grocery List Plaque

Grocery List Plaque Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Rose Carved Disc Vase

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

Here is an easy wooden vase project that allows room for your own custom adaptation, or you can use the design as-is. Insert silk or dried flowers and display on a shelf or table with your choice of which side is visible (it’s reversible!).

The vase features a carved recessed dish containing a stemmed rose model on one side and a sleek, smooth dome on the other. The included rose model can be replaced with a suitable model of your choice. Visit www.vectorart3d.com for a nice selection of alternative models to choose from or create your own in Aspire!

The completed project dimensions are about 8" wide x 6½" tall x 1¾" thick. Another option is to cut out two (or more) middle sections to increase the interior capacity and yield a thicker vase than the original design.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Rose Carved Disc Vase

Rose Carved Disc Vase Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Desk Chair   

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This chair not only has the eye appeal but the comfort appeal. Sit at your desk in style knowing you have a sleek, comfortable chair to sit on. Only two different size parts make up the entire project layout.

Materials: The included files were cut on furniture grade Baltic Birch plywood which measures .690 in thickness. Using a different thickness plywood will require adjustments in the file for the mortise thicknesses.

Minimum Cutting Area: 53” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Spray or WipeOn Polyurathane

Project Files:
Desk Chair Tutorial [Download pdf]
Desk Chair Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Lazy Susan Tower

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This rotating lazy susan is perfect for the kitchen counter top. No more going through cabinets for the right utensil or spice. Keep everything handy on this lazy susan tower right in the center of your kitchen.

Materials: Red Oak wood, 8” Lazy Susan hardware, 30” of 1/2” dowel

Minimum Cutting Area: 13” x 60”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: A Watco medium color stain to give the red oak some color. Then several coats of Minwax Wipe On Polyurethane to seal the wood.

Project Files:
Lazy Susan Tower Tutorial [Download pdf]
Lazy Susan Towe Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Patio Chair

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Assemble this chair with nothing more than a rubber mallet and a bottle of glue. This chair folds up for easy storage and transportation to ones favorite beach or camping location.

Materials: Exterior grade plywood 3/4”

Minimum Cutting Area: 48” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Most people use this chair outdoors so Minwax SparUrathane is recommended for this project. Or for the end users who want to paint these to match their porch deco will should use an exterior latex based paint. Easy to apply and cleanup.

Project Files:
Patio Chair Tutorial [Download pdf]
Patio Chair Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Towel Hoop

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This project makes great use of left over material around the shop. It can be a mix and match of different pieces of wood since it will all get covered with paint. These are very convenient to have in tight areas.

Materials: 3/4” Plywood, 2 - 1/4” x1” dowels

Minimum Cutting Area: .7” x 8.5” x 20”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: To give the plywood a textured effect Rustolium hammered spray paint is used. Silver on the hoop and Bronze on the back piece.

Project Files:
Towel Hoop Tutorial [Download pdf]
Towel Hoop Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Wooden Knot Puzzle

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: A great way to turn shop scraps into puzzles fun for all ages, the wooden know puzzle has been around for years, but now can easily be cut with the ShopBot.

Materials: Any type of hardwood or softwood that you have laying around the shop.

Minimum Cutting Area: 4.5” x 11” for small puzzle. 8” by 20” for larger puzzle.

Bit Size: 1/4” for small puzzle. 3/8” for larger puzzle

Finishing: Minwax WipeOn Polyurethane works great for this puzzle because it is easy to wipe in all of the inside corners. It also has a thin coating so it does not interfere with the puzzle sliding together.

Project Files:
Wooden Knot Puzzle Tutorial [Download pdf]
Wooden Knot Puzzle Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Arch Bridge

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This bridge holds itself together without any use of screws or fasteners. It self supports on itself. This concept dates back to the 1400’s and is a great way to teach history with engineering in mind. The more weight added to
the bridge the stronger it becomes, but take a way the weight and pull out just one piece and the entire bridge will crumble.

Materials: 3/4” plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 48” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Either a clear coat or a painted surface makes this project look great

Project Files:
Arch Bridge Tutorial [Download pdf]
Arch Bridge Teacher Guide [Download pdf]
Arch Bridge Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Lighted Shelf

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Create a shelf that can illuminate whatever decorations are placed on top of it. A store bought rope light can be installed or get creative and build your own LED light string. LED light string plans are available on different internet sites.

Materials: Appx 5 sq. feet. A 2”x8” that is six feet long will work fine for this project

Minimum Cutting Area: 10” x 72”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Most hardwoods will finish best with a stain and polyurethane. This example was cut from a piece of pine and painted.

Project Files:
Lighted Shelf Tutorial [Download pdf]
Lighted Shelf Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Square Puzzle

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Six individual pieces can go together many ways, but they all have to go one certain way to complete the square puzzle. This brain teaser is a great problem solving puzzle and keeps individuals entertained for hours.

Materials: 1” thick wood, plastic, etc...

Minimum Cutting Area: 8” x 34”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: The puzzle is equally as challenging left unfinished; however, adding one color per piece really adds a nice touch to the look and feel of this project.

Project Files:
Square Puzzle Tutorial [Download pdf]
Square Puzzle Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Strength Crusher

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Teach your students to design and engineer the strongest pillar they can within a 4” x 4” x 44” size. Use these plans to cut and build the crushing module. Then apply weight to the crusher to see who has the strongest structure before it crushes to pieces. A great way to incorporate science, technology, engineering and mathematics to your program.

Materials: 3/4” Plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Spray the entire project with a clear polyurethane. This will protect the wood and prolong the life of your crusher.

Project Files:
Strength Crusher Tutorial [Download pdf]
Strength Crusher Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Vectricon Chroniker

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

The “Vectricon Chroniker” project presents an interesting way to house a simple battery operated clock insert in an “industrial-looking” genre! The pseudoVictorian mechanical appearance is enhanced by the use of metallic paints for the finish, but you can choose whatever finish you prefer.

The overall dimensions of the finished project are about 14¾" x10½ " x 4¼ "deep.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Vectricon Chroniker

Vectricon Chroniker Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Round Weave-Top Box

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

This Vectric project was inspired by a “Weave Tutorial” I presented at an Aspire Camp. The Round Weave-Top box is a free “bonus” so that Aspire user’s can see how a simple weave pattern can easily be incorporated into a project.

The weave pattern was placed on top of a dome shape created in Aspire, then pocketed and cut out to form a stepped inlay that is inserted from the back of the lid ring of the box. The step thickness of the part (on the underside) acts as a “lip” for the box lid.

The finished dimensions of the completed project are about 8 " diameter x 4 " H, but feel free to enlarge or reduce all the parts to create your own custom sizes.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Round Weave-Top Box

Round Weave-Top Box Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Indian Head-Buffalo Nickel Bank

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

Experience a taste of “Western Americana” with this unique coin bank! The bank was inspired by the original design of the “Buffalo” nickel which was released in the United States in 1913. Only four months after the original design went into circulation, the design was changed slightly to help reduce wear of the “Five Cents” denomination on the “buffalo” side of the coin. (The animal is actually a bison - not a buffalo!)

Although the coin is commonly referred to as the Buffalo nickel, the coin’s official name is the Indian Head nickel.

The coin bank dimensions are 10" in diameter by 3" thick. The coin-access base is about 1½" tall.

It was modeled in Aspire 3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha BT48.

The Aspire  file is available from the Vectric website -  Indian Head-Buffalo Nickel Bank Project

Indian Head-Buffalo Nickel Bank Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

State Shaped Cutting Boards

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Select any state from the provided All 50 States Cutting Board file, stretch it to any size one desires and turn it into your very own personal cutting board.

Materials: Maple is used for all of these examples. Select woods with tight grain patterns. Stay away from all softwoods and open grain woods like red oak.

Minimum Cutting Area: Boards can be as small or large as the user desires.

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: A food grade finish will be appropriate for sealing these boards. Local hardware stores carry these types of finishes.

Project Files:
State Shaped Cutting Boards Tutorial [Download pdf]
State Shaped Cutting Boards Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Candy Dish

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Make a unique candy dish with all the scraps that you have laying around your shop. Find a few different types of wood and rip them into strips, glue them together and cut the candy dish out.

Materials: Try to find woods with different color accents. Stay away from exotic woods that contain harmful oils.

Minimum Cutting Area: 7/8” x 7” x 18”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: A food grade finish will be appropriate for sealing these boards. Local hardware stores carry these types of finishes.

Project Files:
Candy Dish Tutorial [Download pdf]
Candy Dish Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Coaster Set

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Create a simple 6 pack of coasters and a coaster coral from minimal shop materials. Keep your favorite drink from leaving circles on the coffee table.

Materials: For this example red oak was used for the wood and a vinyl floor tile for the coaster circles. See below for more information.

Minimum Cutting Area: 1/2” x 18” x 24” red oak material. 12” x 12” floor vinyl floor tile.

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Minwax Wipe On Polyurethane

Project Files:
Coaster Set Tutorial [Download pdf]
Coaster Set Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Coin Bank

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Coin banks are fun to look at and a great way to teach youngsters to start saving their pennies!! This easy to cut and easy to assemble project is a great addition to a child's bedroom.

Materials: This example was cut by taking a 2”x6” from Lowes and glued up into a rectangle. A scrap piece of Plexiglas for the 6” circles.

Minimum Cutting Area: 1.5” x 18” x 24” Note the material is 1.5” thick so one needs to pay attention how much bit they have sticking out of their collet so they do not run their router into the table.

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Paint

Project Files:
Coin Bank Tutorial [Download pdf]
Coin Bank Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Sunshine Mirror

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Bring a little sunlight into your day every time you look into the mirror. This project is cut from glued up materials or can be cut from plywood and painted to ones liking.

Materials: This example used 2” strips of red oak and walnut.

Minimum Cutting Area: 24” x 24”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Minwax Wipe On Polyurethane was used for this example. If this project is going to be cut from plywood and painted a latex paint would be recommended.

Project Files:
Sunshine Mirror Tutorial [Download pdf]
Sunshine Mirror Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Coeur d'Amour Box

The “Coeur d’Amour” (French for ‘Heart of Love’) box project will make a beautiful and cherished gift for your loved one on Valentine’s Day, or for any other special occasion!

The sample is made from Maple and Spanish Cedar, but you can get the same overall appearance using just about any contrasting-colored wood you prefer. Only a clear finish was applied to the sample.

 The overall dimensions of the finished project are about 6 "W x 7 " H x 3 "T.

It was modeled in VCarve Pro 6.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The VCarve  file is available from the Vectric website -  Coeur d'Amour Box Project

Coeur d'Amour Box Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Mail Repository

Stow your mail with this “old tyme” decorative Mail Repository! The project features three mail receptacles - one for Letters, another for Accounts (bills) and the final one for ‘Variant’ (miscellaneous). Alternatively, you can use it as a container for silk plants as a unique addition to your home decor.

The sample was finished with a faux metallic technique to resemble an antique brass casting, but it can be finished any way you prefer.

The overall dimensions of the finished project are about 27 " H x 12 " W x 3 " D.

It was modeled in VCarve Pro 6.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The VCarve  file is available from the Vectric website -  Mail Repository Project

Mail Repository Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Adjusta Lamp

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Construct a lamp that has different vertical heights to accommodate a lamp in different environments. A good project for following steps in order to properly assemble.

Materials: Red Oak

Minimum Cutting Area: .375” thick 20”x20” and a .75” thick 10” x 41”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Watco stains will add color to the red oak. Make sure to add a polyurethane over the stain to protect the wood. Follow manufactures directions for specific applications.

Project Files:
Adjusta LampTutorial [Download pdf]
Adjusta Lamp Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Drying Rack

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This drying rack pushes flat against the wall and extends out to withstand the weight of wet towels. Great for limited space areas. Simply screw into the studs of the wall and let this rack hang out of the way when not in use.

Materials: 3/4” Baltic Birch Plywood
12– 1/2” dowels 24” long

Minimum Cutting Area: 28”x41”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Minwax Wipe On Polyurethane and Minwax Spray Polyurethane

Project Files:
Drying Rack Tutorial [Download pdf]
Drying Rack Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Entry Bench

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This bench measures six feet in length to accommodate all the foot traffic coming and going. No screws are needed for assembly. Simply cut, sand, glue, paint and put to use. The file can also be modified to make the bench longer or shorter to accommodate any size room.

Materials: 3/4” furniture grade plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: For this example several coats of latex paint were brushed on to give it the desired color.

Project Files:
Entry Bench Tutorial [Download pdf]
Entry Bench Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Jigsaw Puzzles

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Cut a panda bear or a duck puzzle to create hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. The files for these jig saw puzzles allow the user to cut both projects at once using two different types of wood. There are also a set of individual files to cut only one at a time.

Materials: Red Oak and Walnut

Minimum Cutting Area: Each wood species calls for a 16” x 24” area

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: These puzzle parts could end up in a little ones mouth so it is a good idea to use some sort of food grade finish that would not be toxic to people.

Project Files:
Jigsaw Puzzles Tutorial [Download pdf]
Jigsaw Puzzles Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Kids Work Table

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This simple file creates a neat table for small children to use for multiple purposes. Weather drawing with crayons, putting puzzles together or having an afternoon snack this work table is strong and solid. If desired this project can be modified to a longer or deeper size.

Materials: 3/4” furniture grade plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Remember children will be working on this table so check with your local paint supplier to find one safe for children. A latex based paint was used for this example.

Project Files:
Kids Work Table Tutorial [Download pdf]
Kids Work Table Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Festive Cookie Stamps

Make your own “cookie factory” with these fun Cookie Stamps! The project features nine cookie stamp design plus a convenient rack to store your stamps. Kids and adults alike can have a great time “stamping” decorative cookies!

The designs are V-carved into DuPont™ Corian® but any solid-surface machinable countertop material will do. Cast acrylic would work also, but please avoid non-cast acrylic plastics, as these tend to melt when machined. Sources for solid-surface material include cabinet shops, eBay, or you can order 10 x10 samples directly from Dupont (see source page). I used ¼"-thick material, but ½" is fine, as well. (Remember to alter the material thickness in the ookie_Stamps.crv file if you use a thickness other than the specified ¼" ).

The overall dimensions of the assembled project are 13 " L x 5 " D x 4¼ " H.

It was modeled in VCarve Pro 6 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The VCarve  file is available from the Vectric website -  Festive Cookie Stamps Project

Festive Cookie Stamps Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Holly Christmas Wreath

A decorative wreath remains one of the most distinctive symbols of the Christmas season.

This Holly Christmas Wreath project will be a pleasant addition to your holiday decor, hanging on the front door or prominently displayed in an entry foyer to welcome friends and family to your home!

There are two versions included for the wreath project...one with a pocket recess for the carved Bow, and a “plain” wreath without the Bow pocket, in case you want to embellish your own wreath with real ribbons/bows and so on.

The finished wreath ring is about 17 " in diameter.

The project sample was carved on standard 3/4 " thick stock, but you can use thicker stock, if desired. If you do use
thicker stock, be sure to enter your new project thickness dimensions and calculate fresh toolpaths in Aspire as required.

It was modeled in Aspire3.5 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The Aspire file is available from the Vectric website -  Holly Christmas Wreath Project

Holly Christmas Wreath Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Wooden Hinged Photo Frames

This month’s Vectric project demonstrates how to create slotted photo frames with integrated wooden hinges by cutting out components and layering/gluing them together on top of one another.

Each frame will hold a 3½ " x 5 " photo with a clear plastic protective sheet and cardboard backing. This project is compatible with both VCarve Pro 6 and Aspire 3 (or greater).

The design is laid out as a tri-panel set, but can easily be modified to a bi-panel (by deleting the middle panel) or to an unlimited number of interlocking panels (by duplicating the middle panel as many times as you wish).

The finished dimensions of the assembled project are about 1 " thick x 6 " tall. Overall length will vary, depending upon the number of panels created.

It was modeled in VCarve Pro 6 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The Aspire file is available from the Vectric website -  Wooden Hinged Photo Frames

Wooden Hinged Photo Frames Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

The Shoe Butler

The Shoe Butler provides an attractive and organized way to store your shoe polishing items! I normally would store shoe polish, brushes, and rags in a zip-storage plastic bag but decided enough was enough, and it was time to design something nicer to keep my shoe care supplies in.

The container features a rotating up/down handle and two dowel-hinged lids for convenient access to either side. I hope you will find this Shoe Butler “tote box” as handy as I do!

The overall finished dimensions of the project (handle folded down) are about 13½ " w x 8 " h x 10 "d.

It was modeled in Aspire 3 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The Aspire file is available from the Vectric website -  The Shoe Butler

The Shoe Butler Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Piece by Piece Basket

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This basket is built using 123 identical pieces, plus one base piece. It is built in layers that cascade down to a single piece. This basket makes a great decorative piece in any home or office.

Materials: For this example Baltic birch plywood is used; however, an alternating pattern of light wood and dark wood make this basket very attractive.

Minimum Cutting Area: 24” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: It is best to finish this project with a spray on polyurethane after the project has been assembled

Project Files:
Piece by Piece Basket Tutorial [Download pdf]
Piece by Piece Basket Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Scissor Stool

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This stool folds flat for storage and carrying around. The dimensions of it can be increased or decreased to make this a stool, table, foot rest, etc.

Materials: This file is written for .70 thick Baltic birch plywood. To modify the file for thicker wood simply increase the width of the pockets. 5/8” dowel. One 8.5” long; two 1 1/16” long and two 7/8” long”

Minimum Cutting Area: 25” x 26”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: If the stool is going to be kept indoors simply rub all the pieces with a Minwax WipeOn Poly before assembling the stool. If it is going to go outdoors use Minwax SparUrathane and coat all pieces before assembly.

Project Files:
Scissor Stool Tutorial [Download pdf]
Scissor Stool Project Files [Download  zipped files]
Scissor Stool Assembly Videos [Download zipped files]

Bistro Set

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This is a set of four stools and one table that create a complete bistro set. Works great both indoors and out. By removing only a couple screws the entire project comes apart and can be stored flat when not in use.

Materials: Two sheets of 4’x8’ plywood

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’x8’

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: These can be painted or stained for interior or exterior use. For this example one color was used on all of the table tops and foot rest while another color made up all the legs.

Project Files:
Bistro Set Tutorial [Download pdf]
Bistro Set Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Marble Madness

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Create a marble game to keep your family and friends entertained during different gatherings.

Materials: Any wood you can get that is 1.5” thick. Poplar was used for this example. Also one marble 1/2” to 5/8” diameter.

Minimum Cutting Area: 18”x18”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: The wood is sealed with Minwax Spar Urethane. A bristle brush, foam brush or piece of clean rag make it easy to get down in the grooves to apply a nice coverage. The Plexiglas does not need any finishing.

Project Files:
Marble Madness Tutorial [Download pdf]
Marble Madness Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Tic Tac Toe Game

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Round up miscellaneous scrap wood around your shop and turn it into this fun for all ages classic Tic Tac Toe game.

Materials: Something dark for the “O”s (walnut used here) something reddish in color for the “X”s (red oak used here) and something to contract the colors for the game board(maple used here)

Minimum Cutting Area: 32”x18” overall or see example for using multiple pieces

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Watco stain on the X’s, Minwax wipe-on poly for the O’s and game board.

Project Files:
Tic Tac Toe Game Tutorial [Download pdf]
Tic Tac Toe Game Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Dowel Puzzle

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This is a hands on puzzle that has the user thinking which puzzle slice connects to the next using wooden dowels. Each of the 12 pieces are different, and to win every hole on every slice has to be filled with a dowel. Great for kids; however, just as appealing for adults.

Materials: Try to find a piece of wood that has a neat grain pattern, these little pieces will really come to life. For this example beach is used. Material needs to have a thickness of 5/16”. 18” of a 1/2” dowel will be needed.

Minimum Cutting Area: 18” x 12”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Minwax wipe on polyurethane is ideal for this project because it covers the faces well and allows one to wipe poly into the holes.

Project Files:
Dowel Puzzle Tutorial [Download pdf]
Dowel Puzzle Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Collectors Basket

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: Whether you need a place to pile up your old magazines or a collect-all for children's toys, this basket is easy to fill up and move around. It is held together with mortise and tenon joints making it very strong so one can load it up with a lot of weight if needed.

Materials: This file is written for .70 thick Baltic birch plywood. To modify the file for thicker wood simply increase the width of the pockets.

Minimum Cutting Area: 24” x 48”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: It is very difficult to get a finish in between the slats, so finishing with a wipe on polyurethane or a brush to each piece before assembly makes for a better process.

Project Files:
Collectors Basket Tutorial [Download pdf]
Collectors Basket Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Trivets

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: This is a set of three different shaped hot plates. These work great when removing hot items from the stove or oven that need to be placed at a serving area while they are still warm.

Materials: Any 3/4” thick hardwood that is acceptable to warm surfaces. Red Oak is used in the pictures.

Minimum Cutting Area: 10”x10” per trivet

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: A food grade mineral oil or butcher block oil.

Project Files:
Trivets Tutorial [Download pdf]
Trivets Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Shop Steps

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: These are heavy duty steps that work great around the home and in the shop. They can be used individually as steps, or a plank can be placed between them and they can be used as a catwalk.

Materials: 3/4” plywood. These steps can be furniture grade or just by regular flooring plywood if you do not care about appearance.

Minimum Cutting Area: 4’ x 8’ (cuts three of these)

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: they can be left bare if they will stay inside, or put some polyurethane on them if you plan on standing on them with wet boots.

Project Files:
Shop Steps Tutorial [Download pdf]
Shop Steps Project Files [Download  zipped files]

Two Stepper

Designed for ShopBot by TJ Christiansen

Overview: It sure is a pain trying to reach the top shelves of kitchen or pantry cabinets. Instead of storing a fold up ladder in a already full closet, why not add a decorative step stool to your home décor. This two step stool allows you to reach the top shelf.

Materials: Red Oak

Minimum Cutting Area: 38”x42”

Bit Size: 1/4”

Finishing: Watco Danish Oil is a great stain to use to bring out the color in the oak. Then cover with Minwax WipeOn Polyurethane.

Project Files:
Two Stepper Tutorial [Download pdf]
Two Stepper Project Files [Download  zipped files]

"The Reader" Magazine Rack

Stow your magazines with “The Reader” Magazine Rack! You can even customize the magazine front and back cover text with your own wording using Aspire 3’s handy Text Tool and Distort Between Two Curves option. By also utilizing the “Project toolpath onto 3D model” option in the V-carve/Engraving Toolpath menu, the v-carved text conforms seamlessly over the contours of the magazine.

 The overall finished dimensions of the rack are about 18½ "w x 13¼ "h x 9¼ " d.

It was modeled in Aspire 3 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The Aspire file is available from the Vectric website -  "The Reader" Magazine Rack Project

"The Reader" Magazine Rack Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

Vintage Wooden Spoon Wall Rack

This project was inspired by a 100+ year-old, hand chip-carved sliver spoon holder wall rack of Dutch (Frisian) origin. This near-replica project can be enjoyed by VCarve Pro owners and Aspire owners alike!

The Vintage Spoon Rack provides unique as well as convenient and decorative access for up to four wooden spoons. The plaque can be mounted on a wall or cabinet near the cooking/mixing area of your kitchen.

The overall finished dimensions of the assembled project are about ¾ ” D x 9 "W x 12 " H

It was modeled in VCarve Pro 6 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The Aspire file is available from the Vectric website -  Vintage Wooden Spoon Wall Rack Project

Vintage Wooden Spoon Wall Rack Project Tutorial [Download pdf]

You've Captured My Heart

Michael Tyler created this fun project that expresses to a loved one how he/she has captured your heart! This project was originally created with Valentine’s Day in mind, but it is perfectly suitable for many other special occasions such as a wedding proposal, a wedding anniversary celebration, a birthday, or simply “just because”! This unique decorative item features a ‘captured heart’ suspended from a golden chain inside a wooden cage structure with the V-carve lettering phrase “You’ve Captured My Heart” encompassing the circular base. The overall finished dimensions of the assembled project are about 7" round x 8½" tall.  All parts (except the dowels) are carved/cut from a single board measuring 0.75" x 11.2" x 22". It was modeled in Aspire 3 and cut on a ShopBot Buddy PRSalpha 48.

The Aspire file is available from the Vectric website -  Valentine's Day Project

You've Captured My Heart Tutorial [Download pdf]

Michael says "The ShopBot Buddy performed flawlessly when I ran the project, and I am duly impressed! What a great machine!"

Stools for the whole family!

This month's CNC project is a family of different size stools from ShopBotter Sallye Coyle ... stools for the shop, the utility room, or general family use. These stools make a great beginning CNC project or and easy way for a CNC expert to produce some easily customized stools for the shop.

Sallye has set the project up for cutting with different sizes of material, so the project will work well with a ShopBot Buddy or a full-size gantry ShopBot -- the files are already set-up and ready to go for several different layouts. If you're the type that likes to have things your own way, the designs for all the tools are provided as PartWorks ".crv" files so you can customize them or the layouts all you would like.

First, read through the instruction PDF and this will fill you in on which of the ZIP files you should download for the way that you would like to work.

Sallye Coyle runs Good Harbor Bay, a fused glass and CNC consulting and training operation in Durham, NC, and is a "Fabber" in the 100kGarages.com Network.
 

Instructions_ A Family of Stools.pdf Overview of the project and the various file and size options
24 x 32 inch material.zip (zipped files) “Load and Go” files have been generated for three quarter inch material. ShopBot Parts (.sbp) files have been generated for each file so you can run the .sbp files in the order suggested. The files have been written for a .25” bit, with a 60V bit for V-carving lettering.
24 x 48 inch material.zip (zipped files) “Load and Go” files have been generated for three quarter inch material. ShopBot Parts (.sbp) files have been generated for each file so you can run the .sbp files in the order suggested. The files have been written for a .25” bit, with a 60V bit for V-carving lettering.
96 x 48 inch material.zip (zipped files) “Load and Go” files have been generated for three quarter inch material. ShopBot Parts (.sbp) files have been generated for each file so you can run the .sbp files in the order suggested. The files have been written for a .25” bit, with a 60V bit for V-carving lettering.
Master Files Shop Stools (zipped files) All the parts for the stools are laid out on a sheet of 96” x 48” material. There is a Master file for .75” material (slots .78” wide), and one for .5” material (slots .53” wide). No tool paths are included in the Master files.

Korn Hole Game

Angus Hines (Hines Design Lab) shares one of his favorite games in this ready-top-cut project. Here's how Wikipedia describes it:

Cornhole a.k.a "tailgate toss," "bean bag toss," "baggo," or "bags" is a lawn game in which players take turns pitching cornhole bags—cotton duck bags filled with feed corn—at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These platforms are usually made with plywood or occasionally plastic, and are often decorated. A corn bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the platform scores 1 point. Play continues until a player reaches the score of 21.

This project uses some interesting CNC joinery and Angus provides all the files and instructions you need to get into action, and even tells you where you can purchase corn-stuffed bags.

Korn-Hole Game Instructions (zipped) All the files and instructions for this project are in a single zip file, ready to download and extract.

Quilt Rack

Here's a project for beginning-to-intermediate level ShopBotters developed by Oscar Garcia and James Booth. Cut it on a Buddy or a full size ShopBot. This project will show you how to cut and assemble a self standing quilt rack. There are a couple of different versions of the design. The first can be made simply from plywood and the second is modified to include 3D carvings and be cut out of hardwood. *Extensive Video on Project!

There is a selection of files to download for the entire project. Start with the “Quilt-Rack-Instructions” document to see what the project requires.

Quilt-Rack-Instructions.pdf Overview of the project and what is required to machine and assemble it
Quilt-Rack-0-70-2D.crv (zipped) PartWorks design file for use with 0.7” material.
Quilt-Rack-0-75-3D.crv (zipped) PartWorks design file for use with 0.75” material
Circle-Lilly-B.v3m (zipped) Vector Art 3D model file for use in creating the 3D toolpaths
Quilt-Rack-Video.exe (zipped; 54M) Self executing video file showing how the project is setup