Customer Focus - Dan Steege

Dan Steege submitted his first images just a few weeks ago and when they arrived we were really impressed.  Dan has taken the Farm Fresh No.2 CNC project and created several different customizable layouts that he has used to make a pile of different plaques.  With his addition of raised text and recessed v-carving, even on the license plate of the tractor, his couple of layouts can be used over and over again! 

"Thanks for the files I purchased awhile back. I have attached pictures of some of my completed projects to use as gifts to my extended family"

Plaques made in cherry by Dan Steege

Plaques made in walnut and cherry by Dan Steege

Dan has a 2008 Shark Pro and is looking to upgrade soon.

"I just want to say I found your files very easy to use. This coming from old retired wood worker who is enjoying the CNC very much. I use Aspire 8.5 a very good program."

We always love to hear from old school woodworkers who have added a CNC to their set of shop tools!   Seeing how his plaques turned out Dan seems to have gotten a good grip on how to use Aspire.  

It's worth saying that even if you have V-Carve Pro V8+ or Desktop you can make pretty much the same layout easily, with the exception of the raised text.  The fix is to use v-carved text for all the text just like Dan did on the front of the barns.

Thanks Dan for taking the time to share your projects with us!

For more Customer Focus posts click here!

Fresh from us to your CNC! Farm Fresh No.2

Driving along any rural or country road you are sure to find a roadside "fresh from the farm" stall filled with a local farmer's harvest. Ready to be turned into a tasty and healthy meal for you and your family. While the purchase price is going right back into the farmer's pocket to help support his hard work, family and helping to produce next year's harvest.

All 5 Models

Assembled Layout

Project Sheet

This project includes 5 models:

  • Cow No.1
  • Farm Tractor No.1
  • Corncob No.1
  • Barn No.1
  • Rustic Sign No.7

Plus 1 Assembled Layout and Project Sheet for just $30.00

Order and Download it today!

Above are a few other very quick layouts that just might get you inspired!

Hope you enjoy this project...

Comments Welcome!

Be safe and let the chips fly!

The Design and Make CNC Projects Team

James Patton and his Praying Cowboy project!

You might remember James Patton from his previous Shop Notes post where we highlighted this wonderful Thanksgiving sign and a couple of his other pieces.  Well his is back with another very impressive piece...

"Thought I’d share my latest semi finished piece from your western collection."

"So, I used a sun bleached stain first to try and deaden the grain, then went over it with early American. After it dried, dry brushed some colonial maple on the bottom from the skyline down. Still need to semi gloss it, but I think it's coming along alright...About and 11" x 22"...I want to say it was a 22 hour carve with a 1/16” bit..."

That's a small bit for such a big piece but we think the time it took to CNC it certainly paid off in the end. WOW... what a great looking finish!

"Now, I don't like the grain in mahogany, but it was all I had in the garage, and I was anxious to carve another one of your fantastic models."

We never noticed the the grain at all... looks perfect!

Finished Pice - Updated 

"Here’s a pic of the finished piece. After all was said and done, I went over parts of the carving with and ebony stain to draw out some of the recess in the mountains and the frame, and then just to take some of the orange out of the main detail. Then I sprayed it with a few light coats of deft semi gloss wood finish. Hope I’ve done your model justice."

James... you surely have done it justice.  Hard to believe it could look any better than the first image you sent... and that extra touch makes everything pop! 

Thank you James, again,
for sharing one of your finished projects with us!

For more Customer Focus posts click here!