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

The Hill Country CNC & Woodworking Blog

This blog is just 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 everything. But, I do know that once I figure these things out, I can and do share them with you. And I am really good at figuring things out!

My blog is about letting you know, what I know. And I won't lie to 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 experiences in my blog. My mistakes and successes, I can totally help you get to where I am at be it traditional woodworking, CNC cutting or Laser etching!

Way to find what you are looking for.

     This blog basically has three ways to find what you are looking for.

  • Search Bar (Upper Right)
  • Categories (Middle Right)
  • Post with Images (Below)

     If you don’t see what you are looking for, shoot me an email from the contact page! If I know the answer I will get it to you ASAP! 

This Website (Hill Country CNC & Woodworking LLC) has affiliate relationships. Amazon.com Inc. is an affiliate sales company we work with, by clicking on a Amazon link from our site, we may earn monetary compensation. 

The Blog

This image shows an example of a blue tumbler that did not fully engrave.
Why do blue etched tumblers not etch properly?
Why don’t blue etched/engraved tumblers etch properly? For anyone that has ever etched a blue tumbler...
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This is a picture of the AC Infinity Cloudline T4 Inline Fume/Exhaust Duct Fan
The BEST Fume/Exhaust Extractor for a CO2 Laser
What is the best way to remove exhaust from your CO2 Laser? Point blank, the best way to remove fumes...
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Picture of a Mikita router mounted on a Onefinity CNC platform.
Spindle vs. Router: Which is better?
Spindle vs. Router: Which one is better for a Hobbyist CNC? To start with this conversation I have to...
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This is an excerpt from one of the books I reviewed, A Reverence of Wood, showing wood warping.
13 Amazing Woodworking Books
13 of the best woodworking books of all time! When looking at woodworking as a hobby or business, you...
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This is a picture of a LEGO firefighter with a LEGO fire being burned by a CO2 laser to emphasize the danger of lasering ABS.
What materials should not be cut with a CO2 laser?
12 materials that are not good for etching, engraving or cutting with a CO2 laser. As an experienced...
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Picture of the Amana Tools RC2265 Surface, flattening, spoilboard bit on top of a Pecan slab of wood.
How I surface my CNC spoilboard using VCarve
This is a simple guide to how I surface my CNC spoilboard using Vectric VCarve. First, let me start...
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Digital Caliper
How to use Digital Calipers
How to use a set of Digital Calipers I measure things. Constantly. As a woodworker I am always making...
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Pictured is a Lie_Nielsen Low Angle Block Plane on Cabinet Doors.
Great Woodworking Tools Made in the USA
Woodworking Tools Made in the USA I know from being in several dozen forums, chat groups and clubs that...
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This is a picture of the Rob Cosman designed woodworking bench given to participants of the Purple Heart Program (PHP)
Top advice for your Small Wood Business
Top advice for your Small Woodworking, CNC or Laser Business For those that follow me, you will know...
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Wood stack at Dakota Hardwoods in San Antonio, TX.
How to calculate Board Foot.
Why is calculating Board Foot important for woodworking and CNC projects? The long story short in my...
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This picture has shows my food grade barrel with WoodRiver 4" Cyclone Separator Port Kit attached. My Jet 1.5HP Dust Collector and PVC fittings.
My Simple Dust Collection Solution
My Simple and Cheap Dust Collection Solution Hey Ya’ll, Royce from Hill Country CNC & Woodworking...
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This is a picture of the ISOtunes Link 2.0 with boom microphone in my shop.
Is the ISOtunes Link 2.0 worth buying?
Yup it’s me. Royce from Hill Country CNC & Woodworking, wearing some hearing protection I have...
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Wood stack at Dakota Hardwoods in San Antonio, TX.
Choosing the right material for you next CNC project.
What material should you use for your next CNC project? Woodworkers, Craftsmen, CNC Operators and Laser...
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Picture shows a few broken bits on a piece of Pecan wood.
Top 17 beginner mistakes for CNC.
These are Hill Country CNC & Woodworking’s biggest mistakes for CNC. Let me start with, their...
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Picture of Harbor Freight Degreaser and Magic Erasers.
What is the best way to clean a laser etched tumbler?
How do you clean the residue off a laser etched tumbler? Let me start off by saying, the cleaning of...
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This is an image of Purpleheart wood blanks.
Purpleheart Wood (the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly).
Is Purpleheart Wood a choice for woodworking projects? Let me start by saying, as a woodworker, you just...
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This picture shows an example of a Lightburn thumbnail showing the default Dragon instead of Artwork.
Make your thumbnail show artwork in Lightburn
Can you make the thumbnail icon on Lightburn artwork? Some things in life just get annoying, little irritants...
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Picture of the PiBurn 4.0 Rotary Axis for CO2 Laser engraving.
Why I chose the PiBurn 4.0 over the 4 Wheel Rotating Axis.
Why I chose the PiBurn 4.0 This is the PiBurn 4.0 Rotary Axis for CO2 Laser engraving sold...
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Picture shows a digital caliper measuring a Leatherette hat patch over a CO2 Laser bead.
Digital Calipers are Essential for Laser Engraving
Why you should really consider Digital Calipers an essential tool for your CO2 Laser. Measuring...
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This is a picture of a hat leather patch that I did for a family member. It says G&K Fencing and Construction.
How to make Leatherette Hat Patches.
Making hat patches with Leatherette. Leatherette Hat Patches One of the things I really like to do for...
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This is a digitally created layout image of the Omtech AF4063 laser as it would fit into a garage.
Can I fit a CO2 Laser in my garage?
Can I fit a CO2 Laser in my garage? Yes! You absolutely can fit a laser in your garage, but the question...
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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...
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Image of the Whiteside 6210 Surfacing Bit.
My top 3 Surfacing Bits of 2023
These are the best 3 Surfacing Bits for hobbyist CNC I have used in 2023. After a while in an industry,...
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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 top 7 favorite...
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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 Mouse
Top 3 reasons to use a J-Tech Digital Mouse.
Why I chose the J-Tech Digital Mouse. Hey folks, just another “how I do it blog.” Today I am talking...
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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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9FC650EA-2C29-4733-BFD9-C3928F23A2B8_1_201_a
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?
Can Face, Edge or End Grain Cutting/Charcuterie Boards be flattened on a CNC? One of the hardest...
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A1812877-1D0C-4ED3-B277-65DF82EC30E3
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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2A4A2EBF-C71A-42D8-B4F1-4E74D93DD1A2
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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