5 Gifts You Can Make with a CNC Machine in 2024

Looking for unique gift ideas that stand out and showcase your craftsmanship? Your CNC machine is a goldmine of possibilities! From practical kitchen tools to personalized keepsakes, there’s something for everyone. Let's explore five fantastic CNC machine gift projects for 2024, ranked from beginner-friendly to advanced.

1. Cutting Board

Sure, a cutting board might sound simple, but it’s a gift that everyone can use and appreciate. With a CNC machine, you can elevate a standard cutting board into a personalized masterpiece. Imagine a board intricately carved with the recipient’s initials, a favorite quote, or even a beautiful inlay design (just look at the incredible cutting boards these talented machinists CNC’ed). These personalized touches make a cutting board more than just a kitchen tool—it becomes a cherished piece of functional art.

2. Pizza Peel

Who doesn’t love pizza? A custom pizza peel is a perfect gift for the pizza enthusiast in your life. Using your CNC machine, you can create a peel with a unique design or even carve the recipient’s name into the handle. This gift isn’t just for show—it’s practical and will be used often, making pizza nights even more special. Plus, when not in use, it can double as a decorative piece in the kitchen.

3. Ring Tray

Got any newlyweds in your circle? A personalized ring tray is a thoughtful and elegant gift. Use your CNC machine to craft a tray that’s unique to them—perhaps with their wedding date or a special message engraved. It’s a keepsake they’ll use daily to store their rings and other small jewelry, always reminding them of your thoughtful gesture. You can even be like this ambitious builder and try to machine 112 of them in a day.

4. Cribbage Board

For the game lovers, a custom cribbage board is a hit. This project lets you showcase your CNC skills with detailed designs and personalized touches. Customize the board with the recipient’s name or favorite motifs. Not only will they enjoy playing cribbage, but they’ll also remember you every time they pull out this special game board. It’s a gift that combines fun and craftsmanship.

Pro tip: Buy the cribbage pieces before you start machining to make sure they fit.

5. Electric Guitar

This one’s for the driven CNC users and makes for a truly impressive gift. A custom-made guitar is a labor of love that will be treasured forever. Even if the recipient isn’t a musician, a beautifully crafted guitar makes stunning wall art. It’s a meaningful, heartfelt gift that shows you went the extra mile. Whether it’s strummed every day or displayed proudly, a custom guitar is a gift that speaks volumes. And who knows, maybe you’ll get to see it rocking a crowd someday?

Our guitar building course is available here.

Conclusion

Creating gifts with your CNC machine is a fantastic way to show you care. These five projects, ranging from simple to complex, offer something for everyone and let you put a personal touch on each gift. So, fire up your CNC machine and start crafting these thoughtful presents that are sure to be appreciated and cherished.

FAQs

1. What materials do I need to make these CNC projects?

• Most of these projects can be made from wood, but you can also use materials like acrylic, metal, or composite boards depending on the design and purpose. Personal preference? We love working with hardwoods hand-selected from our local lumber yard.

2. Is it difficult to learn how to use a CNC machine?

• It can be a bit challenging at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll get the hang of it. There are plenty of online tutorials and resources to help you out.

3. How long does it take to complete a CNC project?

• The time varies depending on the complexity of the project. A simple cutting board might take a few hours, while a guitar will take many builders between 20-40 hours of work depending on how intricate they chose to be.

4. What types of hardwood are ideal for CNC machining?

• Hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and maple are excellent choices for CNC machining. They offer high durability, strength, and a fine grain, making them suitable for intricate and detailed carving work. Walnut, in particular, is appreciated for its stability and workability, making it a popular choice for furniture and decorative items​.

5. Do I need any special software to design CNC projects?

• Yes, CNC machines require design software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs. Some popular ones include Fusion 360 (our favorite), VCarve, and Easel. These programs help you create and modify your designs before sending them to the CNC machine.