The Shaper Origin is the world’s first computer-assisted handheld router. It works much like a traditional CNC, with X, Y and Z axes, but since it is handheld, with no table and gantry, it’s both portable and exceptionally space-efficient for small shops. Simply follow the toolpath on the screen as you cut. As long as you stay in the general cutting area, the spindle will auto-correct 100X/second to keep the cutter in exactly the right position to within 1/100”. If you happen to wander too far off track, the bit will automatically retract, preventing damage to your workpiece. You can cut out precision shapes without the need for physical templates. Origin’s intuitive touch screen interface lets you place designs in your workspace and set cut dimensions on the fly, and it automatically calculates toolpaths for you—no programming required. Load designs via WiFi from the ShaperHub website, from a computer with the included USB stick, or design your project right on the screen. With the optional clamping Workstation (see below), the Origin is capable of machining advanced joinery, small parts and much more. Go from cutting out panels, to routing hinge mortises, to cutting joinery with just a few taps on the screen.
