Computer Aided Design for Woodworking get’s cheaper and easier to get

When debating projects to do around the house it’s easy to find many home improvement projects. But when you don’t own the home, but rather rent. It’s much easier to find projects to create. I’ve been working on an Arcade (MAME) Cabinet for a while as one such project. In doing the design I did some work in Illustrator with which a friend kindly translated into CAD and cleaned up. He then took that design one day and manually created a wood template for the console (to test the layout and later pass onto my “fancy” Lexan console.)
Computer aided design has been popping up in a number of different markets. And as time has gone on, cost has started dropping to levels normal people can afford to get some of these toys for their businesses. The Metal Industry was the first to really get tools for automating their industry. And allowing for some Computer Aided design and construction. A lot of the tools are still extremely expensive, but some like basic mold driven plasma cutters have become the mainstay of a number of metal working businesses. Time has gone on, and now we see computer aided design become affordable in the way of the Craftsman CompuCarve: 

Compact, computer-controlled, 3-dimensional woodworking machine with an easy-to-use interface. It allows a novice to make a complete project without a shop full of tools.The unique configuration allows it to perform many other woodworking functions, including ripping, cross cutting, mitering, contouring, jointing and routing. The CompuCarve can work in most soft materials, including wood, plastics (polycarbonate or cast acrylic) and certain types of high density foam. Set includes CompuCarve machine, (1) 1/16 in. carbide carving bit, (1) 1/8 in. carbide cutting bit, CarveWright Memory Card, starter software package, (2) 1/4 in. bit adaptors, vacuum bag adaptor, bit removal tool, hex wrench, owner’s manual and Quick Start Guide.

• Built-in computer walks you through project setup
• QuickRout technology makes changing bits quick and easy
• Memory card - no need to keep a computer in the shop
• CarveWright design software is powerful yet easy to use - even novices can create complex designs in minutes
• Expandable 3-D design library
• Patented rising-head and feed-through configuration handles work pieces up to 14-1/2 in. W, 5 in. H and almost any length
• Allows you to achieve professional results regardless of space, time, budget or skill
• Requires a PC running Windows 2000 or XP with 128 MB RAM (256 MB or greater recommended), 75 MB of hard drive space and an accelerated graphics card with OpenGL support

[Sears.com]

I have to admit that $1,900 is still extremely expensive for me to add to my tools. But it’s extremely reasonable considering the cost of similar Computer Aided design tools I’ve seen. Also though I said it was easy to get, thee site currently says out of stock. But luckily since it’s Sears, that probably won’t be a problem for long.

Tags: Computers, Design, DIY, Hardware, Interesting