Ever wanted to make a topographical map out of wood?  I made one, and I created a video that walks you through exactly how to do it step by step.  The first step is to pick a place you want to make a map of.  Obviously, some places are better than others.  If you're doing Arkansas, where I live, your map is going to be pretty flat.  If you choose somewhere with huge mountains like we did of Ketchikan, Alaska, you'll get some dramatic height differences!  Once you choose a good spot, you'll need to make an .stl file of the map.  What's great is that Rowdy Roman created a video on just how to do it.  Once created, you can make it on a cnc or even 3d printer!  Take a look at that video below.  Then, we'll take that .stl and move on to Vectric Aspire in my video.

Now that we have our .stl, we move on to open Vectric Aspire.  We can use other CAD programs to do this if they have the ability to use .stls or 3d models, but I use and know Vectric, so that's what I'll be showing in my video.
Just import the .stl in the model tab, change it to the size of your material.  Make sure to drop the slider to include the very bottom of the model, and change over to the 3d roughing toolpath.  I used a bigger flat endmill to hog out most of the material.  Then I change to a finishing toolpath with a very fine tip to capture all the detail.  I go into really deep detail in the video linked below of the whole process.
Once done, we mixed some resin epoxy with some blue pigment to fill in the depths where the water would be on the map.  This gives it an amazing 3d effect and really pops in contrast from the land mass.  We gave it a light coat of poly, did a simple stained frame and it was done!  It's a lot easier than you may think!
If you want to see examples of the .stl and the Vectric Aspire files, I've linked them below:

​We're back after a few months hiatus!  Coty, Brian, and Ben sit down and catch up on what's been going on since the last episode and you won't believe the change Coty's had.
Brians Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FierySquirrelArt
Get a fiery squirrel art t-shirt! : https://teespring.com/stores/fierysquirrelart
Coty's new realty Instagram @sellingarkansas
www.homesforheroes.com/affiliate/coty-skinner

Want to buy the fiber laser I use?  Go here: https://omtechlaser.com/?sca_ref=2167960.0NUx7jOeeC​
and use code "MYERSWOODSHOP" for 5% off your purchase at OMTechlaser.com

So I just purchased a fiber laser from Omtech and it came with settings that are important.  I figured I'd make a post here with pictures of all the settings incase I (or you if you have the same one) ever need to refrence them again.  These are from the factory for use in EZCad 2.  Here they are:

I'm also going to upload the very newest and latest version of ezcad 2.14.11 for download (right click, save as (you'll need 7zip to unzip the file).  I am finding that ez cad runs better when you choose compatibility mode for windows xp service pack 3 on windows 10.

Finally, a great resource for settings for fiber lasers is fiberlasersettings.org.  They have most of the settings predetermined for you and will give a great starting point for material engraving.
I'll be doing videos and tutorials as I learn so stop by my YouTube and this blog often to see more fiber laser content!  I'll be updating this post with more info in the future.

*Check the end of this article for views on the pro/4/HDM*
​If you’re looking at CNC – computer numerical control machine – you’ve probably come across the Onefinity and the Shapeoko CNC machines.
If you've been following me on social medias, you've seen me use both machines.  Both CNC machines work in a very similar way, but will create 2, 2.5, and 3D cutouts of the same materials.  They are both designed to be affordable desktop models to be used by hobbyists, home business, and small business alike. They're also priced around $2,000 us making them a solid choice as a first CNC machine.
The question is – which one should you buy? I get asked this daily, so I figured I'd write up a post about the differences between the two and which one I've decided to keep in my personal shop.  Click the "read more" below to read the full article.

Do you have a 7w Jtech laser and are using Lightburn with it?  This is a premade library of cutting speeds and power for various woods, plastics, and other materials.  This setup works perfect for setup that include the Onefinity woodworker, journeyman, or machinist cnc, shapeoko  3 cnc, inventables xcarve cnc, and other hobby cnc machines and 3d printers. 

​HOW TO INSTALL:
Download the jtech7w_library.clb
then open Lightburn
then go to the 'library' tab in the bottom right near the 'laser' tab.
then click 'load'
Select the jtech7w_library.clb library file.
Done.
WILL NOT INSTALL IN THE TRIAL VERSIONS!

You remember my big black and yellow co2 laser right?  Remember this video?

There's now a little bit more to the purchase power when buying their machine.  They have a good selection of training and installation videos on their site.  They also have tech support in the USA and will help you get the machine up and running.  It's great to see a company step up and provide after purchase care to their customers.  They also have a great amount of accessories on their site as well.  Check them out today.

Want to buy the fiber laser I use?  Go here: https://omtechlaser.com/?sca_ref=2167960.0NUx7jOeeC​
and use code "MYERSWOODSHOP" for 5% off your purchase at OMTechlaser.com

If you've watched me beta test the Onefinity CNC Woodworker over the last 6 months you've probably asked yourself, what are you going to do with the router cable?  It just drags behind the machine.  Or, are you going to hang your vacuum hose from the ceiling with a bungee cord like before?  These are valid questions.  One I've been struggling with.  Thankfully, an Etsy user came up with a solution (before I did, congrats man).  The Vacuum and router hose boom. 

RowdyRoman came up with this little arm that attaches to any of the 4 corners of the Onefinity CNC machine.  Since the woodworker and machinist editions use the same feet, it can be used on either machine.  I installed mine on the back left of my enclosure, as that's where I have the hole for my router/spindle wires and vacuum cord.  The hole of the base piece is slightly oversized to allow the arm to swivel when the machine moves in the extreme 4 points.  There's a channel down the middle for the power cord to sit, and the vacuum sits right on top of that channel.  If you have a permanent vacuum for the CNC, there are slots for a zip tie to attache the hose and cable so they will not fall off. 

The Router Cable is on of those items that I think are a MUST buy with the Onefinity CNC.  It's the perfect solution for cable and hose management.  Check out RowdyRomans video below on how it's used:

Here's a video describing how to use it:

Our first GIVEAWAY!  Listen for a chance to win some FREE Microjig products!
If you're a woodworker, you're going to love this episode!  We talk with Morgan Hop (shortened because we can't spell or pronounce his full last name).  Morgan is the content director for Microjig, a world leader in woodworking tools. He creates all the content, from packaging, social media, instructional and product videos, and YouTube content.  If you've seen anything Microjig, then you've probably seen Morgan. From his humble beginnings as a model to his transition to a one man videography crew, we learn a little behind the scenes of what it takes to create content from a company perspective.
This is our first episode with the 4th guest via Zoom.  Unfortunately, Covid affects us all.  Be safe friends!
You can find Morgan on Instagram here : https://www.instagram.com/morganhop/
Check out Microjig here : https://www.microjig.com/