Tools I Use
Every now and then someone asks me what endmills I use, or what camera I record on. Here's a list of some of the most common tools I personally use. If there’s a newer version of something, I’ll try to make a note of it in the description.
Disclaimer: I am a member of Amazon and Ebay Affiliate programs. By using any referral links, you are helping to support my content. I am also employed as a content creator for Carbide3D.
Digital Fabrication/CNC Stuff
Autodesk Fusion 360 - Powerful cloud-based CAD and CAM software at a shockingly reasonable price.
Carbide3D Shapeoko Family - Affordable general purpose CNC router made in the USA.
Carbide3D Nomad 3 - Compact, but precise desktop CNC. If the Shapeoko is like a machete, the Nomad is like a scalpel.
PocketNC v2-10 5-Axis Desktop CNC Mill - One of the best platforms you can learn on if you’re an aspiring 5-axis machinist or programmer.
1/4"-20 Threaded Inserts for Workholding - (Install from below wasteboard for maximum strength)
Around the Shop
Oneida Dust Deputy - Dust separators extend the life of your vacuum filter/bag tremendously. I’ve tried DIY-ing this in the past and it’s just not worth it. The Dust Deputy works so well, fits standard hoses much better than the Chinese knock-offs, and now offers an available sturdy lid that won’t implode under normal use. Hands down one of the easiest shop improvements if you’re making a lot of dust.
Fein Vacuum, Turbo I - This is way more expensive than a shop vac, but it's literally an order of magnitude quieter. If noise is of paramount concern, get this. Having gone the route of building an insulated box around my shop vac, I much prefer simply having a well engineered vacuum from the get-go. 🇨🇦
Dewalt Anti-Fog Safety Glasses - These aren’t fog-proof, but they are very good. Molded silicone tips means they stay on your head way better than the cheap, all-plastic glasses. And the arms have a ton of adjustability.
Deburring Tool - Look, I love awesome, premium tools, but sometimes a cheap and reliable deburring tool you can keep multiples of in your shop by each machine is far superior. I’ve gotten like 3-4 of this tool and it does the job great. However, for round features and holes it’s worth springing for the Noga Rotodrive.
Trim Removal Tool - Super useful for prying workpieces off the bed if you use double-sided tape, doesn't scratch like paint scrapers or putty knives.
Nitto Permacel P-02 Double Sided Tape - Stronger than masking tape, less tenacious than carpet tape. My second favorite is 3M’s 410M which is probably easiest to source at Uline.
Camera Gear
Fujifilm X-T3 - Look, I used to be a Pentax guy, then Nikon. But Fuji has won me over. I cannot speak highly enough about the excellence of having abundant physical controls, well-executed mirrorless technology, and USB-C charging (even while filming!). Pair it with the 18-55 lens and you’re set for the majority of your needs. (Though 18-55 is usually considered a cheap “kit lens”, Fuji’s is an F/2.8-4. Definitely not your average starter lens.). 🇨🇦 users click here. Superseded by: X-T4
GoPro Hero 7 Black - Small, weather-sealed form factor lets you get up close to the action. And being a generation behind, I’m fearless with placing it near my CNCs… (Superseded by: GoPro Hero 10 Black but next to a CNC you probably don’t want to risk the priciest gear…)
DJI Osmo Pocket -This has become my go-to travel camera because of its ridiculously compact proportions. I've also mounted it on my CNC for shots like this: https://youtu.be/7PTfkzHXsLo?t=724. Superseded by: DJI Pocket 2
Support the Channel
Though the best way to support my content is indirectly through watching & sharing my videos or using my affiliate links, I know there are some people who want to do more. I also know there are those who would rather cut out the middle-man in platforms like Patreon. This is where you can make a non-recurring donation to my “shop-improvement” fund.
