Carbide 3D

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Carbide 3D We make the Nomad 3 Desktop CNC mill and the Shapeoko line of CNC Routers

10/22/2026

Putting our custom acrylic Trend router base to work!
The standard base on a trim router works well for a lot of applications, but on smaller or awkward workpieces it can be very easy for the router to tip. I liked the larger base design we had for another router, so I decided to make a custom version for the Trend T1.
We cut the final base from acrylic on the CNC, used the xTool P2S to make a positioning template and engrave the logos, then installed the handles and mounted everything to the router.
The larger footprint and double handles make the router much easier to control on awkward areas where a standard trim router base can be difficult to keep stable.
This one turned out even better than I hoped and should be a really useful addition to the shop! Check out the tools used on our website!
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Trend T1 Trim Router, item no. U*T1ETS
Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 4'x4' CNC Machine, item no. S5
Amana Tool 90° Insert Carbide V-Groove Router Bit, item no. RC-45711
Amana Tool 1/8" Spiral O Flute Router Bit, item no. 51411-K
Amana Tool 1/4" Spiral O Flute Router Bit, item no. 51404-K
xTool P2S Laser
Amana Tool 3/32" Radius Miniature Roundover Bit, item no. MR0110
Trend AirShield Pro Dust Protector, item no. U*AIR/PRO
Wood Grain Ju**ie TrimFit Pro BLANK Dual Grip Router Base Plate, item no. WGJ-125
Wood Grain Ju**ie TrimFit Pro Single Grip Router Base Plate for Milwaukee, item no. WGJ-117
Wood Grain Ju**ie TrimFit Pro Dual Grip Router Base Plate for DeWalt, item no. WGJ-102

06/22/2026

Here's a quick prook of concept we knocked out, cutting SeaDek foam and applying it to the top of a small cooler.

Seadek is a marine grade EVA foam with an adhesive backing that you can CNC route custom designs into, so it can be both practical and decorative.

This piece was secured to our Shapeoko 5.1 Pro CNC Router on a vacuum fixture (more on that in a future video), and cut out with a thin onion skin. The last millimeter of foam was cut by hand to prevent the adhesive backing from fouling the endmill.

For more details, check out the latest video on our YouTube channel.

There's a number of ways you can secure material to the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro, including to the front of the machine. If you'...
06/04/2026

There's a number of ways you can secure material to the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro, including to the front of the machine. If you're looking to do joinery or otherwise make use of the vertical workholding potential of the Shapeoko, this might be the easiest option: our new joinery stop + some F-clamps. There are many other styles of workholding you can employ, thanks to the threaded hole pattern on the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro's frame, but sometimes simple is best.

05/18/2026

How strong is the frame of the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro?
Pretty dang strong.

With thick-walled aluminum cross-members going under our original Hybrid Table, and heavy gauge sheet metal legs, the Shapeoko can support heavy workpiece like wooden slabs without a problem.

And because the legs are powder coated steel, you can drill and bolt on whatever accessories you want to it, like a shelf. Or stick on magnetic hooks or mounts for accessories. It's an incredibly strong and versatile platform for anything you want to make.

05/14/2026

A quick test cut of acrylic (PMMA) on our new Nomad 4 desktop CNC mill. Acrylic (specifically cast acrylic, not extruded) cuts extremely cleanly as long as you use good speeds and feeds. Go too slow and you'll melt the material and gum up the endmill.

In this test we used our no. 102 1/8" endmill, no. 501 PCB engraver, and no. 301 90 degree V-bit.

04/29/2026

CNC Inlays are a technique people are sleeping on. It's a great way to jazz up any wooden piece, from a humble coaster to a chunky cutting board. And it's easy to do using the version of Carbide Create that comes with every Shapeoko CNC Router.

Address

3630 Skypark Drive
Torrance, CA
90505

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(310) 504-3637

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