The Handibot can be a great tool to bring on a jobsite and put on material. I've used it to mill interesting things on larger boards that would either be impossible to get onto a larger machine or just impossible.

I've started working on some picture frames which require things to be really precise. To that end I've created this table. The idea here is to have a table that allows for clamping and jigging a variety of different size pieces. I experimented with all kinds of metal hardware. Some of it worked, and some didn't. I don't like the idea of metal being in the cutting area if I can help it either. 

The first Maker Table has been completed. The cut files are dialed in and ready to go for the next tables!

Charlie hacked the Maker Table into a light tracing table. Pretty cool! Want to hack your own version of the bench? If you do we'll make it and show it off at Maker Faire Bay Area. We'll also make the milling files available for anyone too.

Matt Donely of MasterSketchup.com contributed a Maker Bench hack for our open design project. Check it out!

I'd like to introduce my new friend Charlie. He has been working with SketchUp and digital fabrication in school and has come up with a pretty interesting project and design competition. Rather than paraphrase, I thought it would be great to let Charlie share his project here:

Help us hack our maker bench! We're designing an open sourced CNC made bench for students, teachers, hackers and makers. We'll take your ideas, build a real CNC made table, and then open source the entire project so that anyone can build one of these tables.

Being that the high temperature around me has been in the single digits for a few days I decided to find something that didn't involve working in an unheated garage. Teaching people how to use a CNC can be a loud and dusty experience. I've always thought it would be better to have people draw with a CNC first before making any sawdust. It's easier, safer, and quiet.