Behind the Scenes: Video Production and Model Testing

When I make my videos for the CNC projects here on WoodMarvels.com, I have two main work rooms – the first is the garage where I do all the cutting and assembly. The second is where I do the introductions… I first did everything in the garage but the weather was too cold and the lighting was more difficult to deal with.

WoodMarvels.com Video Work Areas

I’m not a natural in front of the camera so this is a skill I’m still very much teaching myself – something about being on camera turns you into a bumbling person second guessing everything that normally is very natural. I’ve come to realize what makes a good actor is being able to completely ignore that they are being filmed – I’m already much better than I was on the onset but still need a lot more experience. Considering I do the design, cutting, animation, 3D modeling, filming, music, post-production work for each video… this is the hardest skill I’ve had to work on.

WoodMarvels.com CNC Model Testing

The model you see above is an upcoming CNC Transport Truck that is based off the laser version. As you can see from the above, there are a lot of small details that get missed when rescaling a model (at the same wood thickness) for both a different technology and work method… although the model is identical, the laser files can only be used as a beginning.

At the top left corner, you’ll see that the back panel is too wide (hence not fitting in the cab). On the top right, the bottom support between the cab and the bed in the back broke in half trying to assemble the pieces together (needed more tolerances in the bed – they were a bit off compared to the cab). I also stuck the laser version of the model so you can see the size difference between the models… they were both made using 6mm thick material! I wouldn’t be able to make a CNC version at the same scale using the same wood thickness unless I used a very tiny bit which would be prone to even more breaking.

Bottom left corner you’ll see that the back of the bed is a little too wide while for the cab, you’ll see the window pane is too wide.

When these models are going through this process, it can take 2-3 cuts and assembly processes before I got things working 100% perfect. For laser, I can test in my virtual environment and tolerances aren’t as bit of a problem as they are for CNC… they are very different technologies though I’m always amazed as how much fun I’m having and how much I’m learning.

Army Transport Truck: 3D Assembly Animation (720HD)

This is the laser version of this model, the CNC one will be done only after I have the model 100% right – the workflow is reversed between the two technologies. For laser, I test and build in a 3D virtual environment while for CNC, I must work from a 2D surface which is then cut on the ShopBot Desktop.