My Blog

Four Yahtzee tiles laying on a stunning wood table; tiles spell BLOG

The Hill Country CNC & Woodworking Blog

       Or, Royce’s thoughts. I am probably exactly like every other blogger in the world; I think I know things. Truthfully, in much of my journey in CNC, Lasers and traditional woodworking, I DON”T know anything. But, I do know that once I figure these things out, I can and do share them with you. I want you to make the same quality woodwork  with your tool, be it a CNC, a laser, or a chisel that I want to. Come along with me and learn from my learning. My mistakes and successes, I canhelp you get to where I am at!

This is a picture of a CNC machine cutting material to describe that this is the the "CNC" category for the store.
Best Starter Bits for a Hobbyist CNC.
Top 3 Beginner CNC Bits Choosing your first three CNC bits can be daunting, in this article I try to...
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Picture of the Travis Manion Foundations logo, a T and a M combined to make a Spartan helmet.
Why we need the Travis Manion Foundation.
Picture of a TEAM of Boy Scouts on top of “old Baldy” at Philmont. We went with the intent...
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Tax deductions and Write Off article
Small Business Tax Deductions
Small Business Tax Deductions & Write-Offs (2023) This article is a list if items that several groups...
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Laser cutting metal showing the differences in Fiber Optic Lasers from others. We ompare and contrast the types of lasers, Diode, CO2 and Fiber Optic.
Comparing types of lasers (Diode, CO2 & Fiber Optic).
What is the difference between a Diode, CO2 & Fiber Optic Laser? In this article we are comparing...
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Image of a CO2 Laser head.
What is a CO2 Engraving Laser?
What is a CO2 Engraving Laser?        A CO2 Engraving Laser uses high voltage electricity to excite...
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Image of the Whiteside 6210 Surfacing Bit.
My top 3 Surfacing Bits of 2023
These are the best hobbyist CNC Surfacing Bits I have used in 2023. After a while in an industry, you...
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Amana Tool 45771-K Solid Carbide Spektra Extreme Tool Life Coated 30 Degree Engraving 0.005 Tip Width x 1/4 SHK x 2-1/4 Inch Long Signmaking Router Bit
7 of my favorite CNC bits.
My top 7 favorite CNC bits!      I recommend specific bits below when talking about my...
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Glowforge desktop style CO2 laser.
Choosing the best desktop CO2 Laser.
Picture of a Glowforge desktop style CO2 laser. What is the best option for choosing the best desptop...
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Amana Tool 51454-Z CNC, SC Spiral O Single Flute, ZrN Coated Aluminum Cutting Bit.
What is a O flute CNC router bit?
Picture of an Amana Tool 51454-Z CNC, SC Spiral O Single Flute, ZrN Coated Aluminum Cutting Bit. What...
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Hammer with a lot of missed nails.
Stoic Strategies for the Woodworker
Stoic Strategies for the Woodworker I personally love woodworking, but in the art form I have recognized...
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3D image of the state of Texas designed on Fusion 360 and rendered in the CAM setting.
Top 3 hobbyist CNC programs (2023)
Today I just wanted to discuss, in my opinion, the top 3 CNC softwares on the market in 2023. And just...
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Picture of the Travis Manion Foundations logo, a T and a M combined to make a Spartan helmet.
A list Veteran Organizations I appreciate! Part 1.
A list Veteran Organizations I appreciate!      Hey everyone, just taking another...
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J-Tech Digital Ergonomic Mouse
Top 3 reasons to use a J-Tech Digital Mouse.
Hey folks, just another “how I do it blog.” Today I am talking about my right-hand tool… The J-Tech Digital...
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Wooden hand carved flag with "Iron Mike" statue in front of it.
That Wooden Flag
That Wooden Flag Sometimes I forget that this blog is for me, just that, a blog. A place that I can take...
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Picture of a CNC router bit.
What you need to know to make your CNC bits last?
Understanding these concepts will extend the life of your bit and make your projects better. There...
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Get inspired today with these 3 great wood crafting ideas.
Get inspired today with these 3 great wood crafting ideas.
These are 3 great ideas to get you wood crafting TODAY! #1. Rustic Wooden Letters This is a great idea...
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Picture of a man looking at a financial statement implying recession.
Can a Crafts business survive a RECESSION?
Can a Woodwork/CNC/Laser Craft Small Business Survive a Recession?       In this article I will discuss...
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Wavy American Flag
What is a CNC?
What is a CNC machine? As a CNC operator and geek I get this question all the time so naturally, I have...
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Upcut Downcut Bit
What is the difference between an Up and Down Cut Bit?
Understanding these two key bits can really help you start or move forward with your CNC dreams. Diagram...
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Top 10 selling projects for a CNC small business.
These are ten ideas to get your small business CNC making money! #1. Tie Hanger. I personally really...
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An edge grain cutting board with name inlay.
Can I flatten an End Grain Cutting Board with a CNC?
Yes, you can! I have flattened End Grain Charcuterie Boards with no issue. What I will say because...
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Wood stack at Dakota Hardwoods in San Antonio, TX.
Your MATERIAL makes as much difference as your CNC.
I made a poll, because honestly this is me learning too about what materials people really like working...
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A thought about stains.
So, I just wanted to bring up my thoughts on using stains for your woodwork and how to make better decisions...
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Using tabs on your CNC project.
So when creating Tabs on your CNC work, what size do you use? I don’t have an easy answer for this...
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This is an example of the rendering from VCarve Pro, an inlay reversed.
Choosing a software for CNC
So again, the Ronin does what it does. I can only speak to my experiences and with software I really...
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An edge grain cutting board with name inlay.
Can you make money with a home CNC business?
So the standard CNC question. Can you make money with a CNC machine? Quick answer, YES you can make money...
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Onefinity CNC
What it actually took me to run my CNC.
This is my honest depiction of what it actually took me to run my CNC. This article is about what it...
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