Looking for a project that's both fun to make and has great potential for gifting or even selling? The latest video from The New Janky Workshop offers an excellent guide on creating two distinctive and impressive serving trays using a CNC machine. The beauty of these projects lies in their simplicity and the striking results they yield.
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The Star Material: BamX by CIC Workshop
The video highlights a fantastic material called BamX from CIC Workshop, specifically in a rich "bourbon color." This 3/4-inch thick material is a standout choice due to its food-safe properties, stability, and attractive bourbon brown top and bottom plies. The host utilizes a 24x36-inch sheet, advising that larger sizes often provide better value. While BamX is featured, the techniques are adaptable to any preferred material you might have on hand.
Preparation is Key
Before the CNC magic begins, proper preparation is crucial. The host emphasizes careful handling of bamboo, as its fibrous nature can lead to splinters. Securing the material to the CNC bed is also a critical step, achieved efficiently with woodworking tape (essentially carpet tape) combined with clamps for unwavering stability during the carving process. Don't forget your hearing protection – CNC machines can be quite loud!
CNC Carving: From Avocado to Brass Knuckle
The video swiftly moves into the exciting carving phase. While detailed toolpath setup is covered in separate plans, we get a glimpse of the creative designs coming to life. The first tray to emerge from the machine is an eye-catching avocado shape, perfect for a fun chip and dip spread. Following that, the host unveils a "badass" oversized brass knuckle design, which is clearly a personal favorite! It's impressive to note that both of these projects can be efficiently cut from a single large piece of BAMX, showcasing excellent material utilization.
The Finishing Touches
Once carved, the trays receive their polished look. A 1/8-inch round-over bit is skillfully employed to ease the edges, giving the trays a smooth, professional feel. Sanding is done with a detail sander, particularly for the bowl portions, progressing from 120 up to 240 grit for a silky-smooth finish.
For the final protective layer, mineral oil is the go-to choice. Its affordability, ease of application, and simple maintenance make it an ideal food-safe finish. The host also humorously points out that most finishes are food-safe once fully cured, as long as they aren't inherently hazardous materials.
Your Next Project Awaits!
The enthusiasm for the finished products is palpable, with the host proudly declaring them "freaking awesome." The larger tray, for instance, sells for $60 on their site, offering a tangible example of their market value.
Inspired to create your own?
Ready to start crafting your own unique serving trays?
- Download the plans today: Get all the detailed toolpath setups and instructions mentioned in the video!
- Share your ideas: What CNC projects would you like to see next? Leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments of the video.
- Show off your work: Made something awesome using these plans? Tag @TheNewJankyWorkshop on social media – they'd love to see your creations!
This video provides a fantastic blueprint for crafting eye-catching CNC serving trays, covering everything from material selection to the final finishing touches. It's a great invitation to explore your creativity and even discover a potential new avenue for selling your woodworking projects.
The software shown in this video is CarveCo Maker. My CNC software of choice for design and toolpath programming. Check it out today!