Tools. How many times have you wanted to create a small part out of wood or plastic (or even carved your son’s Pinewood Derby car) and just couldn’t get it right because you didn’t have the right tools? Naturally, here comes Craftsman to the rescue with the Craftsman CompuCarve that allows for 3D printing of soft woods and plastics. (Insert Tim Allen pig snort here).

The desktop sized computer-controlled, 3-dimensional woodworking machine works on it’s own through a simple easy-to-use interface and car reader – no PC connection required, so sawdust doesn’t brick your HAL 9000. The CompuCarve 3D design software is either MAC or PC compatible and can be used to fashion the protoptype design. Users then save the design onto the CarveWright memory card which plugs directly into the CompuCarve which uses carbit tipped bits to router out the image into a 3D wood, foam, or plastic form. A vaccum bag sucks up the sawdust.

The CompuCarve can perform most standard woodworking functions including ripping, cross cutting, mitering, contouring, jointing and routing. For aroud $1800, weekend garage/computer warriors get the CompuCarve machine, (1) 1/16 in. carbide carving bit, (1) 1/8 in. carbide cutting bit, CarveWright Memory Card, starter software package, (2) 1/4 in. bit adaptors, vacuum bag adaptor, bit removal tool, hex wrench, owner’s manual and Quick Start Guide.

Hat Tip: DVice