Metalworking

Betta Wire Is Finally Moving Towards Shipping After Most of the Company Quit

Rack Robotics ought to have some relieved backers in the coming weeks, as they finally move towards shipping their Betta Wire 4-axis WEDM machine. We mentioned Rack Robotics Powercore 3D printer conversion kit in Upcycle a 3D Printer in Make: Volume 92. It was an impressive feat for desktop manufacturing, and they successfully delivered units to backers. The Betta Wire, announced in 2024, is a kit purpose-designed for far more accurate EDM cuts, and made to...

May 19, 2026news, , , , , 0 Comments
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Review: xTool MetalFab Laser Welder/CNC Cutter

Manufacturer: xTool Link: xtool.com/pages/xtool-metalfab-laser-welder-and-cnc-cutter Price: $11,998–$14,499 xTool’s MetalFab is a piece of serious production equipment designed by people with experience making easy-to-use things. It’s an incredible laser cutter/welder/cleaner designed for shops and small businesses, and although its capabilities are tremendous, the learning curve is short enough that beginners can quickly get up and running. We met with tool ambassadors Kyle Morrison and Monim Abdullah at xTool’s U.S. headquarters to try out the MetalFab. The fiber laser comes in 800W or...

January 28, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , 0 Comments
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Review: Work IQ Vise

Manufacturer: Work IQ Price as tested: $280 Link: https://workiqtools.com/collections/iq-vise-system/products/iq-vise A vise for someone who wants ball joints on all the things. This medium-duty bench vise sports a 360° quick-locking pivot and plenty of accessories, and it’s even sturdier than it looks. Designed to cover multiple types of jobs, it handles all benchtop and some front vise clamping cases. The included Flex Fit sleeves are notched for various shaped workpieces, and grippy for softer materials. I wish all my vises...

December 10, 2025Uncategorized, , , , , , 0 Comments
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Hot Metal — DIY Blacksmithing Forge

Last year I decided I needed a forge so that I could advance my blacksmithing skills as another technique for my sculpting. There are many commercial models available but, being retired, I have more time than money so I decided to try my hand at making one. To start, I studied YouTube videos of DIY forges. There are many and I watched them all. None were exactly what I wanted so I set out to design a hybrid. I researched...

November 11, 2025Uncategorized, , , , , , 0 Comments
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