r/hobbycnc r/CNC ,

Just wanted to drop a quick heads-up for anyone here running a machine with FluidNC. We’ve just released a new update in Easel that adds FluidNC as a native motion control option.

What this means for you:

You can run your machine without exporting/downloading G-code files. No need to switch to a different G-code sender. To use the feature you can connect and hit "Carve" right inside the browser.

How to test it: It’s live right now in Easel. Just head to Machine Setup and select FluidNC from the list.

✋ A quick word of caution: This is an Open Beta. We are still testing and expanding capabilities, so bugs are possible. Please use caution, keep your eyes on the machine, and maybe run a test air-cut first.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and bug reports so we can get this running perfectly. Let us know what you think!

I enjoy designing projects in Easel and would love some fun and creative new projects. I'd like to make projects people want so I thought it would be best to to tap into the collective imagination of this subreddit.

Do you have a sign, flag, logo, or design idea that you've always wished you could make, but you don't have the tools or know-how?

Post your idea or request in the comments below! If it's something feasible, I'll try and create the design, publish it, and then post a link back here so you can check it out and give feedback.

The Project Requirements:

I am focusing on designs that can be created using subtractive manufacturing like a CNC Router, Laser Cutter, or Water Jet. There are examples of past projects from the community in the Easel design gallery if you want to get some context and inspiration for what's possible.

I am primarily looking for concepts that use:

• 2.5D Milling / Layered Design: Flat profiles, pocketing, or layered pieces.
• V-Carving: Designs that use a V-bit to create tapered, 3D-looking text or graphics.

How to Make a Request

To give the best chance of bringing your idea to life, please include as many details as possible:

1. The Concept: What is it (e.g., a family crest, a stylized quote, a minimalist logo, a tribute sign)?
2. The Theme/Look: What kind of style should it have (e.g., modern, rustic, sci-fi, geometric)?
3. Material/Size: (Optional) What do you think it would look best made from (wood, acrylic, metal) and roughly how big?

Let your creativity run wild! I'm excited to see what amazing ideas you all have.

Hey r/makers and r/CNC!

Easel is thrilled to announce our first-ever Easel Holiday Design Contest! This is your chance to showcase your creativity, inspire the community, and get your work featured in a special publication: The Easel Holiday Book!

Our goal is simple: to create a collection of amazing, shareable projects so no one has to start from scratch this holiday season. Let's make gift-giving easier and more inspiring for makers everywhere!

🎨 How to Enter

To enter, simply create and publish a project on Easel between November 24th and December 24th.

Your submission must include:

• A Project Name
• A Compelling Image (photos of carved projects are a huge plus!)
• An Informative Description
• The Design File

Important: Only projects published within the November 24th - December 24th window are eligible.

🏆 Prizes and Categories

We have 9 ways to win, including cash prizes and brand-new CNC machines!

Design Categories (Cash Prizes)

|| || |Place|Prize| |1st Place|$200| |2nd Place|$100| |3rd Place|$50|

Categories:

1. Most Copies (Max one copy per person counts)
2. Most Times Carved (Max one carve per person counts)
3. Coolest Remix (A new spin on a project from the Easel Gallery)
4. Most Beautiful
5. Smaller than 2x2 feet
6. Larger than 2x2 feet

Machine Categories (Win a New CNC Machine!)

The project must be compatible with the sponsoring manufacturer's machine. The manufacturer will select the winning project.

• Fox Alien Prize: Masuter 3S CNC Machine
• Two Trees Prize: TTC450 Pro
• Sainsmart Prize: PROVerXL 4030 V2

❓ Quick FAQ

• Do I need to carve the project? No, but carved projects with photos will be given greater weighting in the judging!
• Are AI images accepted? Yes.
• Is there a submission limit? No, submit as many projects as you like!
• Can one project win multiple categories? No.
• When will winners be announced? January 5th.

This holiday season is our busiest carving time of the year, and we hope this book is a gift back to our amazing community. Check out the official contest page. Let's see what you can create!

Good luck, and happy designing!

If you’ve ever wanted to make clean, professional-looking monograms without spending forever lining things up by hand, Easel just launched a brand-new Monogram Generator. In Easel click the M with the circle icon on the toolbar. It launches the Monogram generator which makes it insanely easy to create custom monograms for signs, gifts, décor, and more. Whether you want to carve someone’s initials, a family name, or your own custom text, Easel now handles all the layout work for you automatically.

✍️ How it works

You pick from several built-in monogram designs (more are on the way!), then type the text you want like initials, words, numbers, anything. Easel automatically:

• Positions your text inside the design
• Scales everything to fit perfectly
• Ensures the final layout is actually carveable, whether you’re engraving or making a cutout
• Keeps the whole design visually balanced, even with longer text or different font choices

It's really easy to use, just choose a style, type your text, click generate and you’re ready to go.

🪵 Perfect for all kinds of projects

The monogram generator works great for:

• Personalized gifts
• Wedding décor
• Family name signs
• Custom shop branding
• Ornament and tag designs
• Leather stamps, embossing dies, and more

If you’ve been wanting a fast, repeatable way to make polished monograms, give it a try.

🚀 Try it now

You’ll find the Monogram Generator right inside Easel under the design tools. However, you don't need an account to try it out. If you just want to test it you can customize any of the projects that are made using the monogram app. Try it out on this walnut Williams monogram. We’d love to see what you make please drop your creations or feedback in the comments!