Testing Shaper Origin Handheld CNC Machine

[@VijayaBjoshi]

after watching countless KZbin on Shaper origin , this is the best demonstration even non woodworker like me understood. Thank you

[@MichaelAlm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JesperMakes]

Hi Michael, I have ordered the Shaper, and while waiting for it to arrive I decided to watch some videos to prepare a bit. I came across your video and now I'm even more excited about my purchase, and can't wait to get started. Thank you for the inspiration. Cheers from Denmark

[@ivangutowski]

ok that is nuts, the fact that it moves to correct exactly, I thought it was just a visual guide with a fixed head.. really impressive, also that it raises the bit if you go over a line !

[@akquicksilver]

Yes, please do all the Shaper videos you want. I'm cool with that!

[@tomatengarage5608]

Well, there is a reason why you have almost 600.000 subscribers and others don't...and you can see that very clearly in this video. I have watched many videos on Shaper Origin (in German, because I am German, and in English). Your video is by far (!) the best and that's because you seem to have the ability to articulate yourself clearly and convey the things that are important and relevant. A born teacher I would say! So thank you very much for this video. Thumbs up and I'll leave a subscription. Best regards from Germany. Michael

[@keirfarnum6811]

That’s amazing! It actually moves itself and keeps itself on track. Mind blown!

[@LeviBendiksen]

I bought this during the crowd funding phase. I got it for 1500. Coolest machine I own!

[@almagaw6070]

show me more please - that tool may be perfect for my crowded shop, and I like how it still leaves room for the individual woodworkers artistry

[@martendavies]

Yes please more vids on this. You have convinced me to pull the trigger!

[@davidstanek7604]

You've showed us how amazing plywood can look, I can't even imagine what all you'll be able to accomplish with this tool also! Love to see more videos with the Shaper since I have also been eye balling it.

[@mmmdesignllc]

Yes. I’d love to see more on the shaper tool

[@niklasnordahl5926]

Hi. Cool tool. Like a real CNC but with a footprint of a hand router. I like your protective glasses. What brand are they? Greetings from Sweden!

[@timeenuf4200]

OMG I had no idea what it even was, watched the video and it's on my oh so fabulous wish list. Thank you for expanding my knowledge of wood working tools.

[@destinybcniss9240]

Thank you for bringing my attention to and sharing your experience with this tool. I too am impressed.

[@LLUEVE]

I trust your review! Your the kind of woodworker I aspire to become! Making custom stave snare drums right now! This would be super handy to cut round rings with for drum hoops.

[@olivepressdesign]

This is a fantastic video on Shaper. Most videos start from the perspective of the user already having experienced the tool. But you starting from unboxing made it super informative. (Still trying time figure out grids). Please definitely put out 1 or 2 or even more videos on this tool. (Finger joints etc.) You’re a great educator with appealing style. THANK YOU. (Was just using the Shinto rasp you recommended on the banana video, when this video popped up :)

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks! Grid was a little hard to explain. It basically sets up an origin point with axis that run the edge of your board. You can then grid that out in any increment you want. The layout tool then snaps your drawing to that grid. It’s really intuitive in person, but tough to verbalize.

[@dairybarnwoodworking215]

Yes please more content with the shaper origin. I’ve been on the fence about buying one for a couple months now. If you could make an MFT too with it and evaluate the precision of the hole layout you’d be my hero!

[@Swingin_wit_Willy]

Agh well this video answers my question in a comment I left in another of your videos. Its amazing how the router controls where it is in space. Just crazy. Thanks heaps for sharing this video. Keep up the great work.

[@jennieanddavis]

After suffering with trying to make a traditional CNC user-friendly, this tool looks like the magic solution we were looking for! We'll definitely pick one of these up in the future.

[@mattberg6816]

Here’s a tip learn how to use a router and you won’t need to control it with a computer

[@jonjon3829]

regular cnc's are much more user friendly for me than this. I am unable to move my hands in any steady or reliable way.

[@justkiddin1980]

Until you see the pricetag...and you realise that you need to hold the machine all the damn time...A cnc you click start and comeback in some time and your project is done..And btw...a roll of tape costs 16 dollars before tax...

[@mattberg6816]

Jon Jon try using a larger router let the weight and base do the holding for you

[@jonjon3829]

@@mattberg6816 controlling the thing with code is much simpler than with hands, I dont know about yours but my hands dont work as advertised.

[@akquicksilver]

Shaper is awesome. I got in on the pre-order a couple years ago and I am still learning and finding out new tricks for mine. Incredible tool! Good video.

[@jonathanblanco1839]

Do you know what plugin to use to export svg files from sketchup. I’m going to leave a comment too thanks.

[@jackspratt4343]

I need to create wooden 'ribs' for a large shape for vacuum forming. Would the shaper be suitable for carving out 7 ft slightly curved lengths that are about an inch wide ? I could build a jig out of 1/4 inch ply to place the shaper 'tape' on to. Thanks for your help.

[@MrGdog777]

The "up-cut bits" are endmills. There's flat, bull-nosed and ball end (and many others). Then there's the differentiation with left and right-hand cutters referencing the twist orientation of the cutting flutes.

[@MrGdog777]

Great looking tool though, that must make routing a breeze!

[@liminal-observer]

Probably one of the most amazing tools out there now...

[@jakenuno9900]

I was hoping I could just hit start and a system of wheels would perfectly move the router, but this is cool too!

[@josephsoto7942]

Did u just... invent something

[@Emenblade]

Whoa. That could be really great. Like a Roomba router

[@jameswilliams3713]

Yes, keep it coming, the way you demo the tool make the project flow! James

[@scottmay8217]

I have one and love it! Yes, it's pricey but it is totally worth it! I have never liked the idea of setting something to cut on a regular CNC and just walking away. This puts the handcrafted personal touch back in it while still getting CNC accuracy. Great vid!

[@arthurgriffin1210]

Excellent demonstration. I would like to see more videos. Thank you

[@ajmodulus]

How is the integration with Festool dust extractor? I am assuming it does not use the standard Festool plug? Does the Shaper trigger the vacuum properly or does the on board computer start up the dust extractor?

[@michelleschry1255]

I have Shaper and use Festool CT48. Although Festool now manufactures the spindle for Shaper it doesn’t use the same electrical cord. If you plug the tool into the dust collector set to auto it will trigger extraction just like any other tool.

[@MichaelAlm]

The tool needs constant power to run, so unfortunately the auto on/off on the vac doesn’t work. You have to manually turn the vac on. Festool does make a bluetooth button that can turn the vac on/off remotely which is the best solution I’ve seem

[@ellarry5519]

Amazing tool, totally worth the price.

[@korrupt4]

first question: what stops the machine from just going all over the place? if its hand held how is such precision possible using your hands?

[@micahmatyi131]

Definitely would like more in the shaper. Hopefully this isn’t coming too late.

[@DMonZ1988]

for anyone interested in the niche advantages this offers over a full cnc, it sounds like goliath cnc by springa is shipping to kickstarter backers really soon and it may interest you too. its similarly compact but fully automated. while your comments on and experiences with this machine are probably honest, its interesting to see it working and it does look impressive, i read between the lines that it is yours to keep, even though you strongly and intentionally reiterate that you get nothing out of this at the beginning and again at the end. gotta say, i wonder. or are you planning on paying $2500 for it?

[@alex.cristescu]

If it makes money, why not pay $2500 for it? Some people throw away money they don't have on cars that don't make any returns. A professional grade table saw or a CNC router would probably be close to that if not more, so what is your point?

[@scottatutube1]

@@alex.cristescu I think his point is that if they've given him the unit to keep for free that that might more favorably color his evaluation of it.

[@anarchyjinflames]

@@scottatutube1 Except they didn't give it to him for free. They gave it to him to test and give his opinion on it. They didn't even ask for a video to be made on it. OP is saying he is "reading between the lines", but in reality he is just making shit up. It's illegal for content creators and companies to not admit if something is being given away in exchange for content. Even if Shaper wanted Alm to make a video in return for the tool, Alm would be legally obligated to disclose that fact. The fact is that Alm blatantly admitted that Shaper did not ask anything except for his personal opinion on testing it. They could have asked for a video and they didn't. If you're calling Michael Alm a liar, that's another story.

[@justkiddin1980]

Skyhound Still you will be standing over the thing for hours if you want to do some serious projects..the tape is 16 dollars a roll without tax..If you have the room and the same or half the money you are always better of buying a normal cnc router..

[@allanbell2396]

Hi. Nice video. Have you made signs? How easy are comb joints thanks

[@Itsjustdeyo]

Great video as always. I was on the fence about grabbing one of these during their sale this week but I think this video sealed the deal for me. Thanks!

[@A2ZGeek]

Never understood comparing this to a CNC, it is most definitely not a CNC, it's more of a tracing router. I have several CNCs and their purpose is to not only speed up my builds but automate processes so I can focus on other projects. Having to make sure I always have that tape on hand and having to spend hours being the motor for it means it's a no for me but for small projects I can see how it might be helpful. The other factor is the cost being greater then the features, I have CNC operations that take a motorized system hours to cut and doing that by hand would be exhausting.

[@JZStudiosonline]

For small projects it's much less helpful. If you're using it for small projects than a simple desktop CNC will be much better. He showed the best case scenario where you're doing a section on something like a table top, but if you're regularly doing that, then a full size CNC is way more useful.

[@AvilerED]

I've seen Laura Kampf using one of these, but never seen it more fully explained. It's a bit more complex than I initially thought. Not complicated, just there's more going on than I've seen in Laura's videos.

[@robrobison101]

Yes, more shaper videos!!!!

[@mikededmon]

This such a cool tool. It is super expensive, but I'm still tempted. Thanks for sharing this.

[@justkiddin1980]

Why wouldn’t a normal cnc machine be a option??

[@CrazeUK]

@@justkiddin1980 most people don't have the space for a full sized cnc.

[@justkiddin1980]

@@CrazeUK Hmmm...i don't know there are always options possible when you can fold it away or store it under a work surface...You really need to think about the cost and ease of use of this machine..It is really really expensive and not really easy to use...because you need to hover over your project all the damn time..So i dont care but if you want to spend about 4500 pounds and only do very small projects be my guest...and a viable alternative would be a nice ooznest workbee for one third of the price...I just ordered mine 1000×1000 for 1500 pounds...

[@CrazeUK]

@@justkiddin1980 I agree. It is for an enhanced router.

[@shojimujoshojimujo3315]

I was shocked when I saw the price. As I was watching it I was trying to think about how much it would cost and I guessed $1000 max, damn was I wrong..haha

[@RobsReels]

Yes more videos more videos more videos on the origin

[@RyanK...111]

Hope Festool can keep the nose up on this. Was excited to see it hit market.... but having long-term customer support is the most important component of this tool experience.

[@DIYshenanigans]

What sander is that?

[@AWARHERO]

I'll keep my CNC, thank you very much!

[@KJ7JHN]

Do you have a video using this tool to make/cut a brass branding stamp?

[@FusionSource]

Great Video, thanks for sharing, yeah, I would really like to see more about the machine, so yeah please make more videos on this. I was thinking about this the other day, I had to hang some doors and I am not great at wood work, would this work to cut the space for the door lock and handles? It is such a pain to do it with a chisel, took forever to do 2 doors.

[@MichaelAlm]

Yeah, they actually have files premade for most door hardware on the Shaper Hub

[@rii839]

Yes, more on the Shaper please!!

[@Homeaudioacademy]

I got really excited when I saw this years ago. They have been promising 240V version for ever now. They keep saying soon. According to them soon is almost 4 years.

[@justkiddin1980]

Just buy a “normal” cnc for half the price..you’ll thank me later..

[@edwardholmes91]

I just had a look on their website and they're offering it with US, EU and UK plugs now. When you click the UK option, the operating voltage in the specification changes, so it looks like they've finally made a UK/EU version.

[@j121212100]

Why would 240V version matter? Don't they have adapters for various output voltages?

[@letmetellyousomething123]

That's a tool I've taken to my heart. Super!!

[@AlaskaBill]

Great video it’s exactly what I was looking for. I haven’t scoured your channel yet but I wouldn’t mind seeing some box and dovetail joints

[@FullSailDale1]

I make a lot of signs and plaques with a hand-held router, but as I get older, carpal tunnel syndrome is affecting my ability to work as fast (lots of breaks needed). A lot of it is exacerbated by the fine, precise movements I have to make to control the bit over my pattern. I'm wondering if you believe - based on your experience with it now - the stress on the hands with the Shaper would be less since the need to follow a path so precisely is eliminated.

[@vincere7340]

Curious how much precision is required from the operator...as I age, I've developed a bit of a tremor in my hands - do you think I'd be able to get good results with the Shaper Origin?

[@ClausAndersen-iz8zl]

Great video 🎉😊 Very informative!

[@TheAlogoc]

Are the stickers expensive?

[@less9216]

This router is insane! 👌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MarriedManWoodworking]

Amazing!!! But at $2.5k I don't know how essential this tool is for a DIY woodworking shop. I believe the big advantages are size and portability. A CNC takes up space in a shop and is not portable to a job site. I want to see more. Nice video. Keep it up!!! I just subscribed.

[@homerogarza2600]

So what happens when you finish the tape? Where do you get & How much does it cost to get another roll??

[@richardvanvoris3496]

I really liked this video. It well organized and informative, thanks. Love the Shaper tool. I have recently retired and I am in the process of building a shop from an old barn on our property. This is the first time in. many years that I am without a shop to work in ( For 30 years I had a shop at my work that I had free rein in so I am missing that) Anyway I was quite taken by what I could see of your shop, do you have a video about your space, how it is laid out and what you do and don't like about it. Perhaps you already have done that , Anyway thanks again

[@ramonartful]

Great informational video! I'm new to Shaper and excited to learn more!

[@rpnp2]

In the valley you see them on craigslist or marketplace pop up couple times a year. I thought about buying one since they first came out on preorder for 1600. Eventually I will get one, I just got to many tool's that do the same thing as this can.

[@katherandefy]

Yes please if you are happy to do another Shaper vid I’m interested!

[@CatCityDesign]

Yes, more Shaper Origin videos please!

[@markruane]

Great. Video! I’d like to see more about the shaper.

[@vincebaker3384]

How much does the tape cost? I would love to see more videos about origin

[@michelleschry1255]

$18 a roll. It goes a long way. Especially if you make fixtures like Michael demonstrated.

[@QqJcrsStbt]

@@michelleschry1255 You can print it on paper with free software.

[@jlssculpturedesign8140]

Nice .Will be looking into this

[@RandomStudios1000]

I wish it could do intricate cuts in the Z direction like a traditional cnc but still very cool. If this is a cnc what is the difference between a cnc and a router?

[@brandons9138]

This is not CNC. It's basically a fancy way of tracing a pattern with out having to actually trace or stencil the pattern on the material before hand. It can save you from making a drastic mistake by lifting the bit, but it that's it. A real dedicated CNC router can do all the things this can do as well as things this toy couldn't possibly dream of. I have access to a ShopBot router in my dads shop. A few months ago we made a oval shaped tray that was made out of two pieces of 1/2 thick oak. We cut them out with a rib on the top edge on one piece and a slot on the other half When we got done we were able to press fit the pieces together to make a .825 deep tray. No glue needed. The fit is so tight that it's hard to even see the parting line. This router will never hit that kind of accuracy. I know that it's not fair to compare a $20,000 ShopBot to this, but there are better options than the Shaper even at it's price point.

[@cubbyswoodworks]

Glad to see you you're enjoying the Shaper. I love mine SO MUCH! Can't wait to see more videos...I've got to make some more too!

[@mick1gallagher]

This is not what its made out to be can you cut real square angles with a round cotter

[@arvinbascon6748]

I am going to buy that it is so cool thanks for making this video Sir

[@DavidG2P]

what's the accuracy of it?

[@Norwegianwoodworker]

Hi. Thanks for the video. I have a CnC but it only takes 24x32" How big can this cut ? Like, can i cut out a template in a 4x8' ? Hope to hear from you. Best regards TR

[@MichaelAlm]

That's the beauty of the tool is that there's no size limit. I've seen people inlay floors or bar tops with it that are way longer than 8 feet. So, yes you can definitely cut out a 4x8 sheet.

[@ryandetzel6530]

Excellent review and tips ... I'm sold, gonna pick one up for sure now.

[@sjschultz]

I'd definitely like to see more Origin video. Keep 'em coming!

[@martinbrimble5878]

Yes please.. more like this 👍🏻

[@Bronco68]

Nice video. Does the Shaper Origin all you to download artwork from the computer to the tool? If so what software is required to complete the download?

[@MichaelAlm]

It does let you use any software you like to add in graphics. It has to be an SVG file.,

[@brunodayot8824]

Hi.Which machine is the one you use at the beginning of the video?

[@AnaRivera-gp9pr]

How about making a sliding barn door with one of patterns that you can make I bet it would look beautiful have you thought to make one I would really love to see how it turns out

[@joewink2088]

Newbie. Noticed the board moved when you were doing the touch off grid. Did that cause a problem. Guess it’s not good if board moves.

[@lakirbs8927]

Yes please show more

[@sidneycoves4625]

Michael, I would like to make pattern plywood into a countertop for a island kitchen project, what are you thoughts?

[@FrenchRenovation]

Incredible!!!!

[@Broncort1]

I saw this in a demo tonight, and hear I am watching KZbin videos about it. The other shocking thing is how quiet the router part is. The Festool vacuum is louder then this machine!

[@stevenvohl]

I'm not sure I'd call it a "handheld CNC". It seems to be more of a "computer assisted router".

[@samoanSAIYAN]

It's like a Jarvis upgraded router. 😉

[@JustinRoffMarsh]

Isn't that what a CNC machine is?

[@samoanSAIYAN]

@@JustinRoffMarsh a router on roids.

[@justkiddin1980]

And it is ridicolously expensive..

[@stefanhauser2804]

Computer assisted router, so it's a CAR?

[@danielharrison780]

How about peg boards would it be practicle for things like that? Thanks

[@leepierce1329]

It does a good job at holes. It does a helical down cut. As long as the hole is in the cross hair circle, all you have to do is hit the green button and let it cut the hole. With the grid you could even do them without a computer. Granted it would be faster to layout with software.

[@chrisparker8539]

That is awesome. What a great idea!

[@rahulpoddar801]

It's Lovely Tool, Fantastic, worth for money.

[@fazer12779]

How much is the shaper plotting tape per roll? This process seems long winded so what are the main benefits?

[@tommooe4524]

Great video, answered my questions

[@SeanPCowan]

Thanks for the video. Is shaper a Festool product.

[@MichaelAlm]

Sure thing! They’re sister companies, but independently operated

[@michelleschry1255]

Festool manufactures the router spindle on the new Shapers.

[@louisalvarez1659]

I'd like to see what it can do 3-dimensionally, that is, I'm wondering if it can do say a dome shape, or is it just 'flat layers' like a router.

[@louisalvarez1659]

@Mark Hepworth Yeah, I realized...one can dream though.

[@j121212100]

Excellent router! Nice repurposing of cereal boxes!

[@MrFowl]

Yes, more videos please

[@fordsmith1774]

It’s crazy to see all the hacks that traditional CNC machines have worked out be re-thought

[@jankowalski-yy2uo]

When/ after what time do you expect return of shaper cost?

[@SymbioGaian]

Awesome! What kind of respirator is that btw?? It’s super low profile and I’d love one for my shop work too!

[@MichaelAlm]

It’s a GVS respirator. I have not been able to find them for sale since Covid hit. Once the come back in stock, I highly recommend it

[@michelleschry1255]

Awesome intro. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it next.

[@SoundScoutOne]

What a nice nifty tool ...and great video!

[@spencerbass7142]

Very interesting, yes more videos.

[@296786412]

Yes please - another video

[@bishopslair7321]

this is the coolest thing I've ever seen!!! and as usual like without lookin!!!

[@scottatutube1]

First time I've heard of this device. Sounds interesting and since Festool is connected to it that gives me hope of quality and that the company won't fold in 3 years... I'd like to see if it can do any of the following: 1. a mortise and tenon joint 2. A curved surface like a chair seat 3. A curved plane raised panel

[@justkiddin1980]

It is also way overpriced just like festool..😅

[@fredblair4307]

please don't compare this tool to festool because if you delve deeper into festool you will find to your dismay it's far from top quality this may well be first quality but festool is not

[@sanangelo7926]

@@fredblair4307 this is very true. People seems to think festool tools are of extreme quality because of their price. I have owned multiple festool tools and found that they do have nice features but the overall quality is actually very low when you look at the price they charge. If you take out the systainer setups they have the only real feature they have is dust collection and this is only good on some of their tools. If they didn’t have the systainer setups I think most people would really not be willing to pay the price they have especially when you have to get proprietary consumables. If a tool maker like Milwaukee would make a nicer tier set of tools that included inserts for their tool boxes and some dust collection for half the price they would run festool under .

[@clayvansickle1]

@@fredblair4307 It’s hard not to compare it to Festool. Festool owns the Shaper system, so it IS a Festool.

[@ricksolari9570]

Do YOU guide it, or does it move on its own?

[@marykedykhuizen6902]

I dont really get why you need the tape but looks very easy to use,I would love more videos

[@II-gn7lk]

The machine can zero out it's z axis (up and down) but has no physical reference for x and y. The dots on the tape are specific patterns so you basically give it a super detailed map of the workpiece with the tape. Then a camera tracks it to know its xy references.

[@vyacheslavsinichev5281]

What a great tool!!! Manual, mobile CNC machine!!! But ! It works, is serviced and supported only where you bought it!!! With this “mobile” tool you go to another country to work and there is NO update support and you can’t even log into your personal account! All "mobility" is lost. For this money you can buy a stationary CNC machine for your workshop and it will be better. It's like a Land Rover working near a car service station! And the idea is very good for small carpentry workshops.