SIMPLE

I said it was simple. I didn't say it was easy! Ben Uyeda from Homemade Modern has shown a really intelligent use of CNC technology to create this staircase. Most traditional, commercial staircase manufacturers need CNC machines that are massive, and big enough to accommodate long strings. The fact that this stairs could be fabricated using an X-Carve is highly impressive.

Thirteen simple CNC cut pieces repeated over and over are what make up this amazing staircase. Not to mention a steel pole and lots & lots of patience.

INSPIRATION

I'm not pretending that this is a project that's easy to replicate. Few people are going to have a situation that will suit this project. Also, not everyone has a CNC machine at their disposal. But this project is a great source of inspiration for working with plywood and exploring working with CNC machines.

I love the idea that a small amount of components can be repeated over and over to form something as spectacular as a spiral staircase.

REALITY OF CNC MACHINES

Another element to this video that I like, is that it shows the reality of CNC machines. There is often a misconception that a CNC will do all the work, and allow you an easy ride. However anyone that has ever owned or used a CNC machine will know that the work is only beginning when the CNC is finished. Generally there is a lot of sanding and trimming to get CNC parts ready for assembly. Then there is the assembly itself. A lot of work went into this staircase to produce this result as evidenced by the video.

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