Awesome Manufacturing

CarveWright’s tabletop CNC machine lets makers cut large-scale pieces with precision. It can work with wood, foam, or plastic up to 15.5 in. wide x 12 ft. long x 5.5 in. thick, with a cutting depth up to 2.125 in. A belt-drive moves materials through its cutting area. It comes with easy-to-use Designer software for creating projects.

Hydroforming is the process of shaping metal structures by inflating them with pressurized water or air. Maker Connor Holland has been experimenting with the technique, and shared this compilation of some of the more interesting and satisfying results. The pillow one looks like a metal whoopee cushion.

Thanks to the series How It’s Made, we’ve seen the production process behind hundreds of items. The Efficient Engineer’s video explains things at a much higher level – not the process of making a specific product, but the principles behind modern manufacturing and how factories decide which methods to use.

A brief look at the Pocket NC V2, an amazingly compact and precise 5-axis milling machine that’s small enough to put on your workbench. This desktop manufacturing marvel costs just under five grand, tens of thousands of dollars less than most 5-axis machines.

Inventables is an amazing shop for anyone who likes to create. They stock all the materials and equipment needed for digital manufacturing: 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, and supplies to make just about anything you can dream of.