Inlays with Origin

Origin, the hand-held CNC from Shaper Tools, makes creating inlays effortless.

- Logan Wittmer

Self admittedly, I'm becoming a grumpy old man. I know what I am comfortable with, and it's fairly hard for me to break out of that sense of comfort. But, with that said, I always try and have an open mind when it comes to new technology, techniques, designs, etc. I think in my position, you have to.

When I recently had an inlay project pop up, I knew it was exactly the type of project I could use a CNC for.... If only I knew how to use one (it's been the better part of 20 years since I've used a CNC). However, the one tool that I do know how to use is Origin, by Shaper Tools. Creating inlays with Origin is a straightforward, and cool process, so I figured I would show you the steps to create handsome inlay.

Origin

Before I dive into how this inlay is created, I'm going assume that you've at least heard of Origin. If you haven't, here's the elevator speech: Origin is a hand-held CNC that uses strips of domino tape to know where the router is at. Scanning the tape (applied to your surface) creates a digital footprint of your area, and you can place artwork/designs/joinery on that. While you're manually moving the router to follow your design, the camera is tracking your movement, and making micro-adjustments to the motor's position to keep you on track. It sounds like voodoo, and it kind of is. But, it's the good kind. It works wonderfully well.

I also want to point out that, like everything in our magazine, this is not sponsored content. We do not accept sponsored content, nor will ever. This article features Origin because I enjoy using it, and think there's value in showing its capabilities.

Not an Artist