The future and the past.
I find myself conflicted at times. Â I love history, and old things. Â I met my wife at a history re-enactor event, we collect old things, we study history and create things using old methods or designs (she loves all things fabric). Â However, I also look to the future, I love robots and technology, I have a 3D printer (two actually) and love science and science fiction.
What does this have to do with woodworking?
I have found an intersection between those halves of me. Â Or rather I have CREATED one. Â I’ve been exploring 3D printing applications for historical woodworking.
Three things so far that I’ve made, and share for everyone to try out (if you have a 3D printer).
3D Printed Dovetail marking Templates
3D Printed Bench Dog
3D printed Marking Gauge
I’m kicking around a few other ideas as well, I think it would be possible to create things like planes and the like, but I am conflicted because they would be plastic which is just not as nice as wood. Â However, you could create custom profiles if you got the base design figured out. Â I’ve seen other creators doing other things, templates and the like. Â Pocket hole jigs (if you’re into that sort of thing) have been made. Â Dust collector adaptors, center finders, and even a sliding bevel.
I think that this could be a bridge between the old and the new, and help aspiring woodworkers dip their toes in for lower cost. Â Sure it’s plastic, and will probably not last as long but it’s a way to get in and get started, easing a ramp into a wonderful and fulfilling hobby.
Badger