Handheld CNC Router! Trying Out the Shaper Origin for the First Time!

The Shaper Origin is a portable CNC handheld router that can be taken to your work unlike any other CNC. I put the Shaper Origin to test by routing and inlaying a diamond pattern into a finished desk. Something that would be nearly impossible with an ordinary CNC. Learn more about the Shaper Origin: bit.ly/2T5ImxA
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David Picciuto
PO Box 2499
Toledo, OH 43606

[@norsebavarian1941]

This is the best video I’ve seen about this machine. I never really understood what it would be used for but now it makes perfect sense and I can see how it would be a very valuable tool to have.

[@MichaelAlm]

I just got one in my shop, and I have exactly the same feelings about it. Out of the box I was cutting in about 30 min. pretty amazing. Great video David!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

What a great machine. I can see how it would come in super useful in many situations. And the table looks great. It worked amazing.

[@TheCaoimhin2]

Thank you so much for this. You have done a magnificent job of explaining it and showing some of how it works. It looks very capable. Thanks.

[@davebauerart]

Beautiful results! Thanks for sharing the learning process! The blue epoxy accent is nice and the cake frosting trick is brilliant.

[@andrewbrown8148]

This is the first demo I've seen for this tool. Seems pretty cool, and yes, can perform some operations not feasible with an average hobbyist's CNC. As usual, you made it uber-interesting~! And yes, that's pretty pricy, but if that's your only CNC device, then maybe it's a wash. Thanks for the demo~!

[@MisterJDagger]

Thanks for the video David. Awesome job giving me ideas whether this tool is useful in a small shop or not. It's pretty incredible!

[@gizanked]

It is a pretty crazy machine for sure. Also crazy is that I kinda like how that little bit of tear out looks with the same blue epoxy flowing into it. Thanks for the video!

[@mimibecks7049]

Thank you for making this video. This is an awesome machine and it will pay for itself when you have to do things that one cannot take to cnc machine. Right now I am investing in big cnc machines but this will be on my list. Thanks again and lookforward to watching future videos from your channel.

[@justinrippetoe466]

YESSSSSSSSSSS! it's about time! Great video, thanks for taking the time!

[@mrkrause3]

Awesome video! You nailed it! I watched other “origin” videos, none explained it as well as you did! I really appreciate it!

[@JohnyW87]

Great video.I’ve seen some demonstrations of it before.Many guys use a board right in front of the workpiece the route into and put the tape on that piece,so they don’t waste to much of the tape.Guess you know,and I never used it,just found it a good solution.Don’t know if it was possible in your case.Great result.

[@flix4u]

GR8 tool - nice inlay job too - Brad’s expo year idea was a good one. Can’t wait to see what else you do with it.

[@Channel-in6sc]

I fell asleep last night (India) watching this, continuing now (not because your videos are boring, they are so satisfying. Big Fan. Thank you Sir.

[@JkCanvas]

Awesome video and great explination on how the Shaper works. Makes me want to get one, but need some more room in my shop.

[@Stuie444]

Inside line cut is so that you can switch to a smaller/more precise bit to cut sharp corners and remove the radius of the bit (like at the tips of the diamonds). Also helps prevent chip-out. On the first pass you you can use a larger bit to hog out most of the material.

[@hhanger1]

The Shaper Workstation solved your small pieces issue. It's fantastic! Also, using glue syringes for the epoxy works well. Very controlled.

[@JaredRandal]

The blue epoxy inlay was a great idea! And that “cake decorating” squeeze bag technique was on point 👍

[@TheActionjackson3000]

Yeah legit 😎

[@ATMAtim]

Called a "Piping Bag". Great idea too.

[@dasinc]

Man I love this channel, but you've just shown me something I don't think I can live without.....and they don't sell them in Australia. Oh, the humanity!

[@terranceweis5231]

Any time I used epoxy that requires a very clean finish I use craft syringes with various diameter tips. Nothing special but you can get them from Amazon for next to nothing. Very interesting video. Keepem coming 👍

[@kdurham98]

I generally opt for syringes at a farm supply store like Tractor Supply. Anywhere from 3cc to 120cc.

[@pentachronic]

Great demo. It gives us a view on how one would actually use it. I'm sold!

[@AbamAdy]

awesome as always...thanks for sharing with us

[@dennismacwilliams196]

That has got to be the coolest thing I've seen in a long time...

[@maurolimaok]

I didn't know there's a error margin, and the machine corrects little mistakes. Incredible tool.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks for the video, David. The Shaper Origin will definitely find its way in my shop in the future. Woodworking, stepper motors and computer vision in one device.... unfortunately, I can’t resist. Ha! Thanks again.

[@ZacheryMoneypenny]

That's an incredibly cool use of it that I hadn't thought of. Great job, David!

[@CMRWoodworks]

Always makes me laugh when you cut off your talking about what you are gonna do next and just jump to the next scene. Love it, haha. Cool video!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video. Nice review on the Shaper. Beautiful desk too. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@toosas]

finally, a video with motor sound included! Actually not too loud at all

[@heyitsthatdude17]

Another great video Dave

[@TetraCNC]

Great idea Dan.... I like everything about the inlay except the expoxy color, I think it over powers the beautiful wood inlays... but hey its not my table and I didn't come up with that cool corner. Any way you look at it though that is one dang cool tool. I can't wait to see what else you two come up with.

[@leepierce1329]

The one thing I like about mine is that it is so simple to operate. My son wanted to make a sign for his room. He was 9 at the time and had no issues.

[@ClevesBackyardWoodworking]

very cool, I could definitely use this to make cool wood signs.

[@Daguanno978]

I still remember the proof of concept video demo for this thing. cool about the software being on point.

[@tylermcnaney3811]

Great video, thanks for filming!

[@rahulpoddar801]

It's a Beautiful, so Efficient Machine, and Inspiring too create something with the help of this machine. Worth for the money I think. Lovely.

[@jimstewart1044]

Cool machine. I have seen ads for it, but just thought it was a router with a camera. This has really opened my eyes. I won't be running it too get one since it is sho pricey. But wow! The possibilities.

[@tony359]

the coolest tool I have ever seen! Thanks!

[@shopcatt643]

Awesome job brother!

[@FrenchRenovation]

Awesome mate! Thanks!

[@musicbymark]

Love that angular/prismatic black wall!

[@samueldavis5895]

Glad I found this channel!

[@robertproper8010]

Thank you for the video. I am just a retired hobbyist with a small shop. I have enjoyed some of your other videos. I am seriously thinking about this. This video is two years old, do you still love it?

[@reforzar]

That machine is awesome. I gotta try it out sometime but I’m not sure it would find it’s way into my workflow.

[@rrrrkoop2776]

great vid, I bought one last year and havn't really used it yet but i'm more likely to now. thanks.

[@dadgineering]

Pretty interesting... great for shop with limited space. Can't get over that price tag though. Looking forward to more project videos with this!

[@heyjeeery7587]

I'm sold, great video

[@FredMcIntyre]

Really cool David! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@stevecuthbert8856]

Nice tip Dan.

[@radar536]

Very good explained

[@richardrousseau387]

Just like a lot of machines in my shop.... 'I'm not going to, but I could!!' 🤣 Cool machine!

[@andrewdrozd847]

For your epoxy inlays in the future, you might consider some plumbers putty or a similar material to make a dam to supplement the piping bag technique. The tool is too rich for my blood, but it was fascinating to watch it work!

[@duin2in]

I just saw this thing last week and thought it looked interesting but didnt seem legit. Thanks for testing it out! I'll probably never be able to afford one, but it is super cool

[@billdiehl156]

Really cool video! If you were to look at my shop, you would guess that I only spent 3 cases of beer on my most expensive tool - MAX! Keep updating us on these cool tools that you find. Eventually one is bound to fall into my price range.

[@pf5658]

A total game changer. WOW!

[@ecrusch]

I think that thing is more of an expensive crutch used by those who haven't mastered the Router to a degree that allows you to do those procedures without it. I don't mean this in any type of disrespectful way. It's just what I think. Thanks David and I'm happy to see you making things with Dan again.

[@ShumanProjects]

If you are doing batch work, lots of this can be done with jigs and a router. Origin shines when you want to iterate or make many unique items. Being able to make offset & depth adjustment in the fly means you can work very efficiently once you understand the capability.

[@ecrusch]

@@ShumanProjects Truthfully, for $2,500.00, it's hard to justify when you think of all the Routers, accessories, jigs, templates, bits, a nice router table and so on for that much money. And, you don't have to keep buying Shaper Tape at $18.00 a roll . I'm sure that would add up pretty fast. Again, just offering my thoughts.

[@ShumanProjects]

If I factor what my time is worth, I can get to $2500 in time savings really fast. I've been using my Origin for 2 ½ years and I'm on my third roll of tape. Don't get me wrong, it isn't for every use case, but it is a very powerful & capable tool.

[@JkCanvas]

Dude love the Tucker Stash. Awesome look for you.

[@MakeSomething]

😉

[@danjeffrey1531]

Thank you, David (and Dan)! I've seen lots of videos about the Shaper Origin. Until I saw your video, I didn't know what it was like to really use the thing. So thanks! I want a Shaper Origin. But as you say, the price is high. It's even higher than some quality table, CNC machines that can do 3D carves (Origin does not do full, 3D relief carves). OTOH -- I don't have room for a CNC table. I'll probably get one, but I am waiting until I really need it for a project. Maybe I'll ask Santa.

[@ShumanProjects]

It is true Origin doesn't do 3D relief cutting. I think Origin vs traditional cnc depends on the type of work you do. I think Shaper is more useful for joinery/furniture/woodworking tasks than a traditional cnc. If you want to do signs & carving, a traditional cnc is going to be more functional.

[@StevenBloomfield]

Such a cool device.

[@jennieanddavis]

Wow! Thanks for finally digging into this one. Seems like an amazing tool - maybe we’ll need one someday.

[@boundarywaterz]

Wow, this thing is amazing. I saw it in the Rockler catalog and of course they had no video or information on it hence the youtube search. Pretty slick.

[@ToxicFlies13]

Looks great 👌

[@Faustustopheles]

Pretty awesome!

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty beautiful job, dude! 😃 Seems to work great! It should be really useful to make MDF templates as well! 😃 Stay safe there! 🖖😊

[@paulchamberlain3359]

Cool thanks

[@kevindurb]

Over 300 cases of beer... really cool tool tho! Loved seeing it in action!

[@TheActionjackson3000]

This is insane 😍

[@RovingRushy]

Great honest review mate. Hopefully can get them in Australia for a good price. Stevo

[@silva69ers]

Did you notice his Aussie flag is backwards?

[@ginoasci2876]

that’s an amazing machine. the possibilities are endless. what’s up with the walls in that room? what kind of walls are in that room? where do i find walls like that? is that sound proofing? what kind of walls are those? cheers!

[@chrissawyer2248]

Would love to know!

[@Gantorin]

I want! but I just got a plunge router I have not used yet (apartment life... not easy). It is pretty awesome.

[@dubya13207]

I think I might remember Stumpy Nubs doing the “piping bag” technique once...it turned out really cool! Also, tell Dan props for the J-cut at the end...kinda threw me (and I think it was meant to) lol

[@EZInlays]

OHHH!!! Great idea about using a baggie to pour epoxy in small areas!!! Thank You!!! :)

[@anthonygrey9282]

Hey David, any chance you could do a short update video with a comparison between this Shaper and the Stepcraft. I am sat on the fence between the two and would love some unbiased information. Cheers matey, Anthony

[@jorgepadron3306]

Awesome info, where did you bought the black design wall is nice .

[@dtom1145]

So much for hand made craftsmanship and skill.

[@MakeSomething]

You’re looking at it wrong!

[@GibClark]

👍👍👍👍definitely a game changer

[@israelcharo1563]

Very informative--Thanks! Simple, basic question: It seems you need to create a file of some sort to import into the machine... a bit of an issue if you're not already using a CAD program of some sort..To do inlay work I was wondering if you can somehow import a picture rather than a file? Thanks!

[@Nawmps]

It's a fairly simple process to convert images to vector files, whether automatically for more basic designs, or manually for where you need a touch more precision, with free software like Inkscape which is super lightweight and relatively easy to use. Its a very useful, low investment skill to develop even if you only use it sparingly!

[@debaserNYC]

great video, as always! "just going to use scrap".. reaches for the glowforge proofgrade :-)

[@WillyVLD]

WOW this is some amazing stuff. Thanks for showing it to us! Good to hear both of you are doing fine! Stay safe

[@waltschannel7465]

Bartering for woodwork!! Love it. That router is amazing!!

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Nice video, thank you. Question. After you laid out your pattern on the desk you moved the machine over your lines. Does this mean that the orientation of your pattern/design, in this case diamonds, is up to you to get perpendicular to the edge of the desk before you move the machine over your drawn lines? I can see that this machine would be valuable to a woodworking business, even a small one man shop or the hobbyist who simply must have the coolest gadgets. You are right about the price eventually coming down. For the person trying to make a living doing custom woodwork it would pay for itself quickly. Time will tell about its' durability. Thank you again for the video.

[@jessefoulk]

Yeah that would be an awesome tool for an inlay on wood floor

[@jolenethetoolwomantaylor5973]

I never knew this existed until I watched your video. So...Shaper has my money.

[@dschlic1able]

I have one. Yes it is expensive, but much does a high end platform cnc cost? I puchased it becsuse I wanted a cnc for inlays but do not hsve the shop space for a platform type cnc.

[@ShumanProjects]

Same. We have used ours on very small projects (1 inch diameter ) and big projects (8 feet long). There is no way we would have room for a 4*8 foot traditional cnc.

[@PaulDominguez]

Nice video, really shows where it could be useful. Still a bit pricey for specific uses. Any other CNC would do better for the rest

[@chrispitchforth621]

With the way tracking technology is coming along, I can't imagine it won't be long till they come out with a new one that doesn't even need the tape.

[@sparkyprojects]

For the smaller itemsd i saw someone else use a board with the tape on it within the view of the shaper, and the small piece in front of it. As long as the camera can see enough of the tape, you can just reserve a reference board for small items.

[@MakeSomething]

This makes sense! Thanks Sparky!

[@sparkyprojects]

Some other thoughts, everyone seems to use 2 foot lenghts even for small objects, how short can the strips be For batching, if the machine can leave tabs lie other cnc's, have a reference board and maybe just slide the material along to repeat the cut ?

[@ShumanProjects]

I do both of these! I have a number of boards/jigs with tape and various ways to mount the work piece in: double sided tape, vacuum table, clamps, t-track. The tape can be any length, but the camera looks forward and has a wide view. A few rows 12"+ tape is enough for a small piece. Protip: you don't need any tape on or behind the small piece, just in front. Tabs work great when you don't have the center of something held. You don't even need to include them in the model, just skip a small area in the final depth pass.

[@MorseB]

One trick for smaller parts is to use that tape on a reusable board or right on your workbench. Then you can reuse the same scan area for multiple pieces.

[@MakeSomething]

I need to do this! Thanks!

[@94DanJ]

@@MakeSomething by the looks of their website, they have a 'workstation' that seems to be made for working on smaller pieces.

[@bobby3tim3s]

Was this machine fatiguing for the shoulders? I have done free hand routing with a plunge base router and my shoulders were pretty sore afterward. Only difference here is that you don't have to apply downward force at the same time as you move it.

[@GreatScottJ]

Maybe you've mentioned this in another video but where did you get those wall panels where the diamond desk is?

[@MakeSomething]

It's talked about in the corner desk video.

[@peterpe5851]

I wish that creators of this machine give you back your money just because you made such a cool advertisement for the machine. And I mean it the good way. No script just your honest opinion which your fans like in you!

[@dantetemp]

what is the model and producer for those speakers?

[@IcanCwhatUsay]

You should do a video on endless dove tails with this ! Also...the horse shoe on your face...are we not going to talk about this? ;)

[@randyrodriguez4643]

"X number of cases of beer" is now the standard measure for cost. Picciuto has spoken!

[@featherorknot]

What kind of beer are we talking here though... I've got some stuff that's 20 bucks a case and some that's 200

[@ruudhooff6486]

@@featherorknot it's like bitcoin... You can count them but never really know the value of what you have 😉

[@joefaraone977]

@@ruudhooff6486 ...especially if it ages well!

[@94hockeykid]

I’ve always wondered how it would handle small engravings. Like a fine engraving on a small sign, or a plaque engraving

[@ShumanProjects]

It does really well! I picked up a case of PCB cutting mill bits down to 1/32" diameter. We have cut a few PCBs, a copper plaque, and engraved a coin. The coin was a remake from the Ready Player One movie: instagram.com/p/BpdSm5JjKNF/?igshid=ribs8e058d22

[@MakeSomething]

Whoa! That's pretty sweet!

[@jamessloanofficial]

So...it seems that Dan spent his free time during the Apocalypse doing a bit of cake decorating?

[@kevincoe4464]

Way to go Dan!

[@christophebunn4539]

Great demo, thanks! This video is 2 years old, so I don't know if I'll get any feedback; but I'm asking my question anyway: I'm currently starting out and haven't yet invested in any tools. Considering that I'll be getting a Hammer saw-shaper, do you think I could avoid buying a handheld router if I had a Shaper Origin?

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! No, you'll still want a router for basic things like roundovers, chamfers and grooves.

[@johnswinglehurst]

3d wall panels look cool, did you paint them or buy them that colour? If you painted them what did you paint them with?

[@chrissawyer2248]

Interested in the answer also!

[@lyteyearz5810]

At 4:06 and a bit after I was immediately sold. I gotta get this now!