THE INFALLIBLE HIGH-TECH ROUTER

CNC routers are already pretty smart: Just program your cut and let the machine take over. But they’re also big. And expensive. With the new Shaper Origin, the world’s first handheld CNC router, you can cut out intricate CAD work anywhere you want. You have to add special marking tape to your work surface to help Origin orient itself, but after doing that and uploading your design (you can create it yourself or crib it from the free options on Shaperhub), the tool does all the real work. Select your router bit, enter the depth of the cut, and start. Cross hairs on the screen display the optimum line to follow. And if you sneeze or something, the bit automatically retracts, making it very difficult to mess up. The Origin retails for around R36 500 at shapertools.com. – Dan Dubno