My Shaper Origin Meta Project - Using Shaper Origin to make a worktable to work with the Shaper Origin

I spent the afternoon cutting a multi-function table with a new tool at the Chimera Arts Makerspace: a Shaper Origin handheld CNC router. (New to me at least.)

Completed Multi-Function-Mini table sits on sawhorses and has a rigid aluminum T-slot frame. The front work table is 24" deep and the back extension table can be raised to create a coplanar surface with a field of Shaper Origin tape.

Book review -- Design for CNC

Design for CNC was written by the AtFAB group who have put together a wonderful collection of open-source [CC BY-NC-SA 3.0] furniture designs.

The book's website will give you some idea of the content.
http://www.designforcnc.com/

The Makita Cordless Track Saw

Makita XPS01 saw on Festool MFT/3 table with Mafell dust bag attached.
Note tape over arbor hole to improve dust control.

I love track saws. A track saw is a safer alternative to a table saw for many woodworking and carpentry uses. A track saw doesn't require the dedicated shop space of a table saw. And given a long enough guide rail, track saws are ideally suited to working with large sheets of plywood, acrylic -- the primary laser cutting materials. Many laserable materials are sold in large sheets that are much more economical than pre-cut "project" pieces. And some materials are only available in 4'x8' sheets. So being able to work with sheet goods will increase your range of available materials.

Festool makes excellent track saws that dominate the market for good reason. I've used a Festool track saw for years, and I'm a huge fan. But Makita has turned my head with their new cordless track saw -- the XPS01.