Shaper Origin - A handheld CNC for 2018

A handheld CNC router

What is it?

​Shaper Origin is a handheld CNC router (CNC - Computer Numerical Control')

How does it work?

​A forward facing camera detects a domino patterned tape that you lay down before you start.

Now it knows its precise location on your work surface at all times.

Shaper Origin Augmented Reality Cut path

​It then uses your design to plot an augmented reality cut path for you to follow on its 5" touch screen display. 
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When you're ready, tell it to 'touch off' and it'll lower the router bit to detect the surface.

​Now it's zeroed out, it can give you a precise cut depth when it plunges down for you.

On screen it shows your pattern and what your cut will look like before you make it.

As you follow the virtual path on screen it autocorrects to follow that cut line even if you stray from it.

It's a 2.5 axis CNC.

2.5 axis? That just means it automatically corrects on the X and Y-axis (horizontal plane) but the Z-axis (vertical plane) is for depth selection rather than contour (3D) carving.

Go to far away from the path and it'll raise the cutter head.

Accuracy is within 1/100th of an inch.

It'll indicate the direction you need to cut so you're not making a climb cut. 

It'll hug the inside or outside of your cut line.

It'll cut the center of that line or cut everything away from inside or outside that line. 

Origin will cut wood, vinyl, card, carbon fiber, plastics and more. 

For storage you get a custom Tanos Systainer® which you may be familiar with if you own a Festool product.

Shaper Origin Systainer style case

Why we think this is a big deal for small, home based wood shops:

You no longer need a large gantry style CNC for 2 axis cutting. 

You wont need to make router templates, or find a place for them.

Projects aren't restricted by the size of your CNC.

A brief Overview:

Shaper Origin features overview

​TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY - A 5-inch display with a simple and intuitive user interface.

CLOUD CAPABLE - Connect with Wifi to use and share designs, or work offline via USB.

VARIABLE SPEED ROUTER - The SM1 Spindle (below) is a precision, variable speed, load-compensating spindle. It was developed to Shaper's specifications by Festool (a shaper partner), specifically for the Shaper Origin.
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Shaper Origin SM1 Spindle

STANDARD CUTTERS - Collets accept standard 1/4" shank router bits.

DUST EXTRACTION - There's an onboard dust extraction port so you can connect to your shop vac.

WORKPIECE TOUCH-OFF - There's an automated z-axis touch off for accurate depth of cut.

How to create designs?

​There are 3 ways to create designs for your Shaper Origin:

1. Design your own vector files using your favorite design software then import your design as an SVG file either by Wifi/Cloud connection or with a USB drive.

2. Choose from a library of existing designs from the ShaperHub.

Send them directly to your Origin via a Wifi/Cloud connection.

Shaper Hub library of designs

​3. Create designs directly on Origin itself using On-tool CAD

​Written by Mark Newton.