Ray Taylor - Hobbyist Woodworker

- Littleton, Colorado -

Woodworking is a hobby for me. I taught technology education in public schools for 30 years. My first assignment was in the wood shop where I spent 15 years. After that, I followed the evolution of technology and implemented it into my subject areas of drafting, metalworking, welding, plastics and woodworking. I finished my career with a full blown technology lab featuring CAD CAM, robotics, electronics. pneumatics, MIDI, graphic arts, aviation, forensics etc.

Now that I am retired, I am able to spend time woodworking for myself. My main interest are in boxes and segmented turning. Many of my box projects incorporate complex inlays and intricate joinery. The more complicated the better, I really enjoy figuring out how to make complex components. I became interested in CNC technology because it simplifies and makes the processes easier for much of what I create. Generally, I draw detailed plans with CAD for my projects. It made sense for me to then be able to program a machine to preform some of the processes to build those projects.

I purchased my Axiom AR4Basic about one year ago. It's so exciting to have this kind of technology in my shop because of the infinite possibilities it opens up for my projects. I am constantly amazed at the precision of this machine. V-carved inlays are a feature that I was not expecting but absolutely love, and decorative carving is also finding it's way into my work. The detail and precision coming from this machine is phenomenal. I can now create designs that would have been impossible to do by hand and I am constantly finding new ways to create with my CNC.

My advice for anyone shopping for a CNC machine would be to take a look at what you want to achieve with your machine. In my case, I am a hobbyist. I don’t make money with it. It is an enhancement to all the other tools I use. I don’t carve large pieces that require extended run time nor do I need to place a half sheet of goods under the gantry. Space was a consideration also, CNC machines can take up lots of floor space simply because of the way they operate.

The AR4 Is the perfect machine for me. I love it. I chose Axiom because of the quality. Nothing about the machine is cheap. The rigidity and accuracy is definitely up to my standards. I have always believed in purchasing the very best in quality when it comes to tool and machine purchases. My shop is full of tools that have good reputations and reviews. As they say “You always get what you pay for”. That is why I have an Axiom machine in my shop.