These coasters have a been a lesson in scoping out requirements for me. At a quick glance I expected the project to be a quick and easy addition to the catalogue of projects for makers to enjoy. This turned out to be an ill-informed mistake, and my light hearted approach consistently threw up problems which I had not thought about at the beginning.

I needed to learn about the laser cutting machine itself (Creality Falcon 2), the software to control it and program the cut paths (LightBurn), and how to work with thin plywood sheets effectively.

On this journey I also learned about features of Fusion 360 I had not needed to know about previously (the 'Arrange' tool and DXF exporting for example). An amount of this time is spent finding out what tool I need to learn before then learning to use the tool itself.

I have enjoyed the experience and hope that my efforts have provided a project and ongoing documentation which hides these pain points from the maker who may have chosen to reproduce this project for themselves.

This new knowledge of tools, materials, and processes will help me with future projects. More than this though, my realisation that every project (no matter the apparent complexity) deserves proper planning.

I will be spending the next week documenting the project in writing and publishing the design files.

I also have some more news...

House Hunting

As you already know, I've been looking to move home so that I may have a larger space to create these projects in the hope of being to create more projects, and a greater variety of projects.

I've had an offer accepted on a bungalow in Cornwall! In particular, I'm excited about the detached garage which I intend to become the new home of DIY Machines. At the moment I build and film my creations from 2/3rds of the spare bedroom. It is less than ideal.

It's early days, and the process for getting a moving in date is in motion. I'm really looking forward to sharing my journey on this new adventure with you.

-----------------------------

Thank you for your support and kindness in helping make these projects a reality.

With help and encouragement from people like you I find the energy and passion to pursue new projects - even when the project requires more from me then I may have first expected.

Ciao for now,
Lewis