Shaper Blog

Ready to push your BenchPilot past the basics? In this Session, we’re moving beyond the Workstation and exploring Advanced BenchPilot Applications. We’ll dive deep into the Zed Sled for maintaining rock-solid Z-axis consistency on any surface and demonstrate how to utilize BenchPilot on non-traditional setups for those awkward or oversized projects. We’ll also touch on incorporating 3D carving elements into your workflow without overcomplicating the build. If you're looking to maximize precision outside of a standard fixture, you won't want to miss this.

The frame and panel box lid is a masterclass in elegance and wood movement. In this Session, we’re breaking down the joinery that makes these lids iconic. We’ll walk through cutting precise bridle joints for a rock-solid frame and milling the internal grooves for a perfectly floated panel. We’ll cover how to use Origin to dial in a "piston fit" and share tips for maintaining those clean, delicate proportions.

Sliding dovetails are a great way to add strength and a clean mechanical connection to a project. In this Session, we'll walk through how to design a tapered sliding dovetail and get a smooth, reliable fit without a lot of guesswork. We'll cover layout, cutting the joint with Origin, and a few simple tweaks that make the pieces slide together just right.