Wood harmonograph drawing machine uses gravity to create amazing patterned drawings

Joe Freedman at LEAFpdx has done it again. Check out his gravity-powered drawing machine! Dubbed the 'GatorGraph Drawing Machine', it uses laser and CNC cut wood parts and a couple of recycled 1 liter bottles to do its thing.

From the project description:

The power for the GatorGraph is provided by four 1-liter plastic bottles (not included) on a swinging pendulum. As they move back and forth the Gators produce what are called Lissajous curves. Where a Spirograph is bounded by a circle, the Lissajous curves are bounded by a rectangle. Changing the length of the pendulum alters the type of curve. The shape of the curve can be modified by using different hole positions on the rods.

Once assembled and set in motion, it is mesmerizing to watch. Better still, it creates amazing drawings! They expect to produce the first run in time for Christmas. Can you think of a better gift? I can't. Joe's products are always made with the best materials, fine craftsmanship, and incredible attention to detail.

Here is where you can support the project and get your own GatorGraph Drawing Machine.

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Video of a machine made out of styrofoam

Check out this crazy claw mechanism cut with looks like a CNC machine out of styrofoam. I'm guessing that might be a spinning spiral-toothed coping saw blade doing the cutting...or is that a hot wire of some sort? I am not sure. Either way, I love variation in the claw's motion caused by the two different gears working together.

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The CNC Shark Pro Routing System

CNC Shark Pro Routing System is the big brother to the original CNC Shark. This model offers twice the workable area (X: 24", Y: 24", Z: 4.25") as the base model CNC Shark Routing System. The pro model's increased strength, making it better suited to wider variety of machining, routing, and engraving projects in wood, metal, or plastic. Along with improved power, speed, accuracy, and ease of use, it features a 1" thick removable laminated particleboard work surface, and 12 precision linear bearing guides for maximum rigidity. A 24V supply provides power to the strong 1.8 degree stepper motors. The package includes a free download USB control software. And, for those who own different CNC programs, the Shark Pro can interface with a number of programs in the industry. For a complete CNC system, you simply won’t find a better value than the CNC Shark Pro. The unit require a Bosch Colt Variable-Speed Palm Router Kit for operation. Here's where to get more info on the CNC Shark Pro Routing System

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DIY Book: Build Your Own CNC Machine

Build Your Own CNC Machine is targeted at hobbyists who like create things in wood and metal (and who doesn't!). If you would you like to fabricate your own custom design parts, here is a book that will show exactly how to construct your own CNC milling machine, show you how to use it, how to create designs in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs, and how to output your designs as tool paths that feed into the CNC machine.

Here's where you can see sample pages or order the book Build Your Own CNC Machine.

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CNC Shark Wood Routing System Available Online

Not long ago, I posted about the CNC Shark -- the new entry in the field of more affordable of computer controlled wood carving machines. I just noticed that Rockler Woodworking Supply is has started selling them online as the exclusive dealer. They are offering live demonstrations in stores too.


Here's what Rockler has to say about the CNC Shark:
Bring the speed and precision of computer-controlled machinery to your shop with this top value CNC system! With a table measuring 15-3/4" x 31-1/2" it's ideally suited for carvings and machining operations on a large variety of signs, doors and other small projects. It boasts impressive power, speed, accuracy, and ease of use. With its robust steel and high-density poly-ethylene construction, it can take accidental impacts that would normally damage or destroy an aluminum or MDF machine. Optional Clamping Table features two hold-down slots for securing work anywhere along the length of the table. Compatible with the Bosch Colt Palm Router. Includes VCarve Pro software interface — a $500 value. You supply a computer with USB port, a Bosch Colt router, and a table top (router and table top also available sold separately). You connect the USB cable to the controller box and the other end to your computer.

Visit a store near you for a live Demo.

CNC Shark Routing System at Rockler Woodworking Supply.

CNC Shark Routing System - Autonomous Carver

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UPDATE: Rockler is now also offering the enhanced CNC Shark Pro Routing System too, which is definitely worth a look!

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I posted a while back about the CarveWright automated carving system. A new model of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) router has entered the market at a similar price point -- well below more established, larger machines. The new one is called the CNC Shark Routing System.


This CNC machine is designed for routing wood, engraving plastics, and even etching or cutting tile.

Like the CarveWright, the CNC Shark is a fairly small, portable machine. Unlike the CarveWright which uses a media card to transfer information from your computer to the Router table, with the CNC Shark, you connect the USB cable from your computer directly to the controller box.

Another difference is that the CNC Shark uses a conventional palm router mounted to it to do the cutting. The CarveWright routing system uses a specialized flexible shaft attached to an on-board motor. The CNC Shark's system allows you to use a router you may already own (like the Bosch Colt Palm Router), or may choose to use on its own. Since this is the part that will get the most wear and tear, I think this is a brilliant approach. The palm router can be fixed or replaced. Bits for the palm routers are easy to find too.

Unlike the CarveWright, which uses its own proprietary software, the CNC Shark can be used with a range of established CNC programs used in the industry. There may be a learning curve here, but it's probably worth it for greater control.

The last important difference that I can see is that this machine moves in all three axes of motion (X, Y, and Z). The CarveWright moves side to side and up and down. For lateral motion, the CarveWright uses a friction belt (i.e. sandpaper belts) to move the workpiece itself. This seems like a potential area for slippage which could ruin a carving. The CNC Shark never moves the work piece -- only the cutter moves, ensuring that registration is on target.

From the product literature:
The CNC Shark is the best value for a complete CNC system. This impressive has power, speed, accuracy, and ease of use. We also have a technical support system to help you with any questions regarding the and any of its software. CNC Shark has a high quality design and its parts have been CNC'd to ensure its highest accuracy. The Shark's construction of steel, aluminum and high-density polyethylene make it robust, and it can take accidental impacts that would normally damage or destroy other machines.

The CNC Shark is offered through the Rockler stores in the lower 48 United States. Take a look!

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Video of CarveWright Wood Carver in Action

UPDATE: It appears the Woodcraft is no longer selling the CarveWright system. As an alternative, you should consider the CNC Shark Routing System or the really capable CNC Shark Pro Routing System.

Here is a video of CarveWright computerized woodcarving system in action. It's a woodworking robot.

CNC routers are nothing new. But, as I mentioned in a previous post, this system's price doesn't make it totally out-of-the-question for the personal wood shop.

In this video you get to see how the machine is set up and used, how bits are changed, and the basic CAD-like software it comes with. It sounds a bit noisy, but hey...it is a power router after all!

Here is more detailed info on the CarveWright at Woodcraft.com.

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