CNCs come in many forms, including mills, 3D printers, lasers, and plotters, but one challenge seems universal: there’s always a project slightly too large for your machine’s work envelope. The Compass CNC addresses this limitation by incorporating the operator as part of the gantry system.
The Compass CNC features a compact core-XY gantry that moves the router only a few inches in each direction, along with Z-axis control to set the router’s depth. However, a work envelope of just a few inches would be highly restrictive. The innovation of the Compass CNC lies in its reliance on the operator to handle gross positioning of the gantry over the workpiece, while the machine manages the precise, detailed movements required for cutting.
Most of the Compass CNC is constructed from 3D printed parts, with a commercial router performing the cutting. A Teensy 4.1 serves as the control unit, managing the gantry motors, and a circular screen provides instructions to guide the operator on where to position the tool.
Those familiar with CNC routers may notice similarities to the Shaper Origin. However, key differences set the Compass CNC apart. Primarily, it is an open source project with design files freely available for those who want to build their own. Additionally, while the Shaper Origin relies on a camera system for tracking movement, the Compass CNC uses four mouse sensors to detect its position over the workpiece.
The Compass CNC is still in development, and kits containing most of the necessary components for assembly are available. We’re excited to see the innovative creations that emerge from this promising new tool.
it´s a brilliant platform. And hopefully a nail in the foot of Shaper Origin, and their closed & cloud crapaware.
Wait, doesn’t Shaper take a USB drive with SGVs on it?
Yes. I never connected my Shaper to the internet. Works fine. They have their own CAD tool you can use, but don’t have to.
Yes but you cannot even transfer any design through WLAN without connecting to the cloud. And the thing is calling home and even sometimes forces updates upon you (after baiting with an add-on that you can test)
Can it cut aluminium?
Prior Hackaday coverage is here; nice to see that the design is still advancing:
https://hackaday.com/2025/02/23/handheld-compass-cnc-lets-teensy-do-the-driving/
This is really cool project. I wonder what the limits are compared to traditional CNC, i am sure there are plenty…
I guess the error accumulates over great distance, since there’s no absolute position feedback. It’s using optical mouse sensors with all their limitations (eg. measuring relative motion, loosing track when you lift the device and not working well on smooth/reflective surfaces, having troubles when sawdust gets everywhere). Z-height is probably also very limited. Also if you cut your material too much there’s not gonna be any surface for the whole thing to ride on while being stable. But this is probably perfect for cutting small stuff in the middle of large stock. If you use too agressive cut, it can probably kick the thing out of track? Im not sure, i’ve never worked with this thing. I would really like to try, but im not gonna build it just for the sake of trying.
And i am not saying these things as hate, but because i think tools are more useful when people understand their strengths and weaknesses. I am looking forward for upcoming development of this thing.
Hmmm, no fiduciary tape needed. Nice.