January 2024!
What’s happening?
This is generally a quiet time – just after Christmas, all market are done, and it is quiet. Or is it?
Not for CC Creative – this is my time to get ready for the year ahead. Getting ready for the upcoming year includes new markets, new projects, new customers. -New Year!
This is traditionally when I tear down my CNC machines for maintenance. Why? So that I have as trouble free of a year as possible. I rely on 2 CNC units, both equipped with router and Laser in order to help me provide the products and quality that my customers deserve. These two are the hardest workers in the shop. Aside from bits wearing out, which are replaceable, they are subject to endless hours of continual use. While they are extremely reliable and very accurate, that doesn’t happen by accident. They have bearings that can wear, motors that weaken, and occasionally due to unforeseen circumstances they can jam or go out of alignment.
So each January, I take them apart, inspect all the bearings and wearable parts, and replace whatever is questionable or close to wearing out.
This year is no different , except this year, I have upgraded certain components to help the machines run at their best possible efficiency. I also replace all the sealed bearings, and inspect and or refresh any non sealed. I believe it is best for me to know my machines completely – that way if something does go wrong or need immediate attention, I am able to repair as needed.
Lasers and drives all get recalibrated to keep to my own high standards for quality and accuracy.
In addition to the CNC units, all other units – saws, planers, sanders, etc. do get a thorough cleaning, adjustment, and lube. Planners and jointers get blades replaced and sharpened, saws get checked for alignment, as well as thoroughly clean and adjustment. Also a good time for adding any equipment needed, or eliminate non used equipment.
NEW ITEMS/ DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the year, customers will ask for different items. Some I accommodate during the year, others I will park until I have time to develop. This is the time to sit down and design/develop these into functional items for the year. This year, that means some more of our great solid hardwood games, as well as some musical ideas that have been brewing for a while.
– more to come in future newsletters.
AND TIME FOR ME
A few projects we wanted done around home – some tables etc. they say the mechanics car is the last thing he will work on. Sometimes that is true for woodworkers as well. That table or desk we wanted waits till last – well now is the time.
Also Jan – March is my own time to build one more guitar for my personal collection. Again – more to come on that.
Hoping to further develop with YouTube videos, highlighting the development of some of these. Stay tuned for some learning videos and getting to know more about what I do and how I do it.
This will be another year of growth for CC Creative Wood
I look forward to sharing with all of you.
Stay Safe, stay warm, and please Stay Tuned.
~ Cam ~
CC-CREATIVEWOOD.CA 