New Video Format

[WoodMarvels.com]

*Not sure if I'm allowed to do this or not but I'll give it a go on the forum

I've been busy developing a new show format once I got the initial ones out the door so I'm looking for feedback as to what I can do to make them even better.

My goal is to show how EASY it is to use the ShopBot Desktop (once you have the plans) and to also educate people about CNCs in general... something I wished I could look at before getting mine. I'd tie this in with the next volume of my designs which will be all CNC based once I have enough designs taped and built around the end of the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfX5XTePbx8

Looking forward to your feedback, especially in regards to what I can do improve upon.

Thanks!

Jon
ps: I will be making HUNDREDS of these kinds of videos.

[michael_schwartz]

That is definitely one of the better CNC videos I have seen on youtube. The quality is nice, and it moves along at a good pace.

I think it does communicate how people with similar equipment could cut and assemble your projects with relative ease. I would definitely consider the time required to make, and up load the videos worthwhile.

[myxpykalix]

One comment and a question...
I would also put on the screen the thickness of material in Imperial (inches) instead of just MM. I wouldn't know off hand what the mm translation of what you use is.

Also why do you use so many screws, is that for parts hold down or just material holddown? If its for parts couldn't you use tabs instead? I don't think you need so many screws for material holddown?

Other then that i like the video, its not boring, it's concise and gets the message out. Although i think you could have hired a better looking actor for the onscreen parts......:D

[dlcw]

Jon,

Good video. I like the speed that you ran it. That helped to show the whole process without having to watch "grass grow" or "paint dry". :)

The music is a little repetitive at times so I turned my volume down. I agree with Jack, I think using tabs instead of all the screws might be a better teaching method to people. Using all the screws, over and over, will necessitate spoil board replacement - a lot.

The other thing that would concern me is that learning to use a CNC is a little more involved then purchasing some plans and pressing the go button. If your intention is to also educate people on CNC use, you might want to start at a more basic level of selecting bits and why you selected that bit, X,Y,Z importance, hold down methodologies, etc. Your video gives the impression that someone can just buy a desktop CNC, purchase your plans (which I think are outstanding), put in a bit and go. IMHO there is more to it then that. As simple as Shopbot is trying to make their desktop machine, there is still some learning that needs to take place. If you could address these learning issues, I think you will have a home run.

Remember, these are just my opinions, nothing more.

Keep up the great work!!! :D

[WoodMarvels.com]

Good idea Jack... inches will be included in the next one. As for screws... I'm tired of things moving around on me and I do use 3-7 tabs depending on the part. I've used the same MDF board that Angus and Bill stuck on it back in October of last so screw holes are all over the place and getting loose.

I prefer to stick far too many than not enough, then have to re-shoot the whole cutting process again... I figure in a few months the screw count will keep going up! Believe it or not, I use to have even more as I hated wasting wood (after years of optimizing for lasers) but I've since relaxed my piece count per board to bring the screw count down a bit.

As for the actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't able to commit so I found the next best thing... the beard is part of a promise to my wife that I wouldn't shave until we met again in Australia... so you have 1-2 more months of wolfman to contend with... I'm as tired eating my mustache during lunch as you are of seeing it on film!

Jon

[WoodMarvels.com]

Hi Don, I agree about the music... I have over 400 videos with different music and the "free 2K loops" that came with my Sony Acid Music Studio software are due for a major refresh - will be solving that issue with a library of over 20K new ones in the coming weeks... just waiting on the DVDs.

I'm not a bit expert, I've only ever used 1/8 standard double-flute on 6mm thick plywood... and that's all I ever plan on using - it works so why change! The impression you got is the one that I actually experience. I load the file into SB3 software, run the warm-up and xyz orientation and cut away. I don't know how things are with other CNC machines, but the X/Y is automatic on the Desktop and Z takes 10 seconds to do.

I include the PartWorks (AI, EPS, DXF) files in my designs so others already have the tool paths done, if they use the same bit and manufacturer as me, don't see why it would be any more complicated. I will address the limited issues I do content with in the videos as they occur for sure though.

Jon

[planman]

Very nice!

Super fantastic!

Keep them coming.

[Brady Watson]

Marvelous! :D Sorry...couldn't resist!

Nice little video for promotion & to educate those that have no idea how to make something like that...Hopefully it doesn't contribute to a competitor's education!

-B