Hands-On with Shaper Origin Handheld CNC Router!

This is super cool: a handheld CNC router that uses computer vision to let you see exactly what you're cutting through the bit, and compensates for any shaky hand movement with automatic stabilization. We visit Shaper to learn about the Origin and test out its features!

Shot by Joey Fameli and edited by Tywen Kelly
Music by Jinglepunks

Tested is:

Thanks for watching!

[JackT]

I've been programming a 12' x 5' router for the past 3 years now and I can really see a place for this. Sometimes holding small parts down proves almost impossible without special vacuum fixtures which take more time to make than the actual product you need to cut.

Small projects, prototypes, engraving, real wood projects. Incredible tool... Please get this to the UK asap!!!

[vertech]

As someone who wants one of these for my Scene Shop I cant wait. Here's my thoughts on Why I want this over a traditional CNC Router.

1. Room: I don't have the room in my Shop for a Full sized 4'x8' CNC Router. If I were to purchase one I'd lose a significant portion of my shop space. On top of that I have multiple spaces I work in at any given time. So the Origins Size and portability is a plus.

2. Price: For anyone who says that this is too expensive compared to a normal CNC router, your not pricing the right sized CNC. I need a machine that can handle a full 4x8 sheet of 3/4 Ply. If I were to buy a kit and build my own, I'm still looking about $3k for something reliable, and when it breaks I'm basically SOL. The Origin can handle a full 4x8 and conceivably much larger. When it breaks I have a company that can actually service it. Even at full Retail this is chump change compared to a Traditional CNC.

3. Ease of use: My crew and Students are not technologically savvy at all. I could never teach them how to use a Traditional CNC. The Origin however is designed to be used by people of any skill level. The fact that it requires a human operator is of no concern to me because I have plenty of humans to operate it.

[BKLYNButcherBlocks]

Been following Shaper for a while. Was very tempted to pre-order when it was 1600. I really love the idea, and am impressed they managed to make this work. You lose automation of a traditional CNC but you gain portability. I think, too, this tools lends itself to craftsmen who can't help but be involved in production. It's a bit more "personal" (if you will) than a CNC.

[NickFerry]

I like where this is going - I am no purest woodworker by any means - I welcome new things to the industry and see this a a big tech bump in the field - cool product overall - I mentioned this elsewhere that I'd like to see if it can scan a 3D environment for scribing along moldings and walls - wonder if it'll ever get there??

[JurassicCollectables]

This is an incredible tool. Love the stabilisation, just uses general movement to get where it needs to be

[natevanbynen]

Awesomely creative!! I could picture actual skilled laborers doing fantastic work on job sites the possibilities are endless. very simple no CAD/CAM G-Code, no engineering degree, just some simple pictures/sketches and some clicks away from creating precise work!!

[izzy_thump]

This is a really cool looking shop. It would be awesome if Adam did a shop tour with these guys.

[ripkenfan]

I love the idea of this unit. Can the unit scan line art or even a pattern and cut it? I am not sure I could/would dish out the $$ at this point in time. I will be keeping my eye(s) on this.

[wintersnot]

Very cool. Takes freehand to a new level.

[CybranM]

At first it seemed clunky but the more I watcher the more impressed I got. Looks like a really useful tool for people that dont have the space for a full size CNC

[HoldFastFilms]

How many of that are complaining about the device have actually paid any attention during the video? Most complaints below are completely misguided and uneducated. And if you are comparing this to a full sized table CNC then you are missing the point by a country mile and then some. Besides, it's not like most commenters here have ever used a router or have any plans on buying one.

Price is high but considering the portability that this allows and if you have the need to make custom pieces on the spot, wherever you are or if you don't have room for the tradition CNC, $2100 is not that bad of an investment.

Also 21:00 holly fuck rick grimes in the background

[swsephy]

Cool to see this more in-depth. Ben Krasnow just put out a video where he used it but he didn't talk about it too much.

[paintpain]

Great editing guys, really good cuts, angles and music. The router is pretty cool too.

[jamen]

Really interesting piece of tool that Shaper developed there. Joe looks like a really nice person, I like him, and the concept seems to be sophisticated. Cheers Joe!

[charliepotatoes]

Cool. I could see this being a better alternative to 3D printers when someone wishes to construct large objects. It would even be more amazing to have the router bit lift or drop according to a 3D file so a person can carve a relief or surface features.

[pratherat]

I pre-ordered one! Can't wait to use it.

[rowdyprouty]

Simply put, This is revolutionary to the maker/diy world!

[kylenewton]

Man, I've never used a router or CNC machine, but that looks fun as hell. Even I could make awesome stuff with that.

[suncitybooks]

I can see plywood with the tape already printed onto it at a standard pre scanned configuration as an as a ready to use option.

[jennielyra]

Tested should do a "shop tour" of this space, I'm liking the layout and would like to know more.