Measurements are empirical and objective. Unfortunately, the types of measuring tools that work best can become subjective based on the project, amount of space, and personal preferences you’re working with. Few makers need to mark off exactly 12 inches or 100 centimeters, but when you’re calculating measurements for something that needs to fit into an odd space, or if you’re just tired of bending standard rulers to your will, head on over to your X-Carve machine.

With this project you can make rulers that measure up to your exact needs, and you can customize it with your font of choice and even add patterns. It’s a simple project that can make a positive difference in the future quality of your work. You can even create your own units of measurement – whatever makes sense for you!

• Difficulty: Easy
• Project time: 2 hours
• Materials needed: Acrylic sheet (pictured: clear and gunmetal)
• Estimated cost: $5
• Designer: Beyond Design
• Where to find it: Inventables

Drill bits are one of the most useful items in your toolbox as well as one of the easiest to lose. Instead of keeping them loose, add them to this X-Carve bit holder and quickly see which sizes you have ready for action.

Bit holders are popular projects on Inventables, but user Dallas Power’s design is a bit above the rest due to its simplicity. We also like the vertical bit orientation, which lets you grab and return pieces with ease. The shape and size give you the option to expand to other types of size-oriented tool bits, as well.

One helpful addition we would add is carving bit size labels next to the storage holes for optimal organization. Of course, you can always draw inspiration from the model and remix it for wider compatibility with your tools.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Project time: 1 hour
• Materials needed: Wood
• Estimated cost: $10
• Designer: Dallas Powers
• Where to find it: Inventables

Most of us don’t realize how useful a stand is until we’re trying to follow directions from a book (or phone or tablet) while making something with two hands. It’s not just about easily viewing instructions, but also getting precisely the right angle for constant reference without interfering with the actual project.

This model is great on its own; it’s simple, lightweight, and elegant. There are two different sizes posted so that you can customize it for your phone, book, or tablet. Even more, there’s a huge variety of riffs on the original design. (Check out the related Boston Red Socks stand posted by another user!)

• Difficulty: Easy
• Project time: 2 hours
• Materials needed: MDF sheet
• Estimated cost: $15
• Designer: Beyond Design
• Where to find it: Inventables

We love this project because it’s a beautiful, simple, and useful place for beginners to start exploring the possibilities of an X-Carve machine. The Make Something tutorial limits itself to CNC and non-stationary tools to explore alternate ways of woodworking, which means even seasoned X-Carve users may learn something new.

This particular mailbox is designed with wood plug-fitted joints so that you don’t even need nails or screws; the corners fit together like puzzle pieces with pegs to latch onto the other sides. Although the house number decoration is kept simple in the tutorial, you can get as creative as you want. For instance, if you’re making this for a house that’s set far back from the road, you can make bigger, more exaggerated numbers that can be seen more easily.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Project time: 2 hours
• Materials needed: Wood, wood glue, paint, piano hinge
• Estimated cost: $50
• Designer: Make Something
• Where to find it: YouTube, Make Something

Tactile objects are great for reliving memories but often not so great for storage or display if they’re oddly shaped or less than perfectly flat. With this X-Carve project, you’ll gain a simple yet effective way to keep your memorabilia intact and out of your hair.

Floating shadow boxes are picture frames with depth, allowing you to include 3D objects or add layers of flattened material. They’re perfect for a combination of the two, letting you cluster collectibles by theme rather than by storage method. YouTuber Matt Lane created his to hold concert memorabilia, including setlists, a drumstick, and a VIP pass from Third Eye Blind shows he’s attended.

He demonstrates how to make a floating shadow box with clean, simple framing lines that won’t distract from the objects you use to fill it. Use his plans to house and organize your things for a fraction of the cost of professional framing.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Project time: 3 hours
• Materials needed: Wood, picture hooks, screws, glass, paint (if desired)
• Estimated cost: $30
• Designer: Matt Lane
• Where to find it: YouTube

As its name indicates, the Bottle Opening Fidget Spinner is a delightful combination of a fidget spinner and a bottle opener.

This unique creation offers both entertainment and utility in a single device. Crafted from aluminum, it presents an opportunity for beginners to try their hand at milling the material with a small and manageable project. The accompanying instructional video provides detailed guidance on the manufacturing process, making it accessible to all skill levels.

What sets this project apart is the possibility to use material scraps, promoting sustainability while unleashing your creativity. Enjoy the tactile experience of spinning this compact gadget that merges fun with practicality.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Project time: 3 hours
• Materials needed: Aluminum, bearing, glue
• Estimated cost: $20
• Designer: Tyler Winegarner
• Where to find it: Make:

This is for anyone who has wished for an extra set of hands (or two) while working. It’s made from wood and aluminum that sprouts an adjustable 10-watt LED light. You can position the arms around the edges for optimum working conditions, whether to directly shine a light on your project or stay out of your way but ready to go when you need it.

This project is a step up in terms of skills and materials required, as it requires light electrical work. However, the maker shows you exactly how to complete that as well as the CNC steps. She said she finds this task lamp especially useful for keeping small pieces in place while soldering.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Project time: 3 hours
• Materials needed: Aluminum sheet, walnut wood, aluminum rods, alligator clamps, 10-watt LED light
• Estimated cost: $50
• Designer: Darbin Orvar
• Where to find it: Inventables, YouTube

Don’t settle for a mere child-size desk to keep young ones engaged and occupied before they head to school. Instead, check out this adjustable learning tower X-Carve project.

Essentially, a learning tower is a toddler-friendly stepladder with a railing all around the top so they can’t fall out, plus storage capacities underneath or to the side for storing their favorite toys and learning tools. This model grows with your kid, using notches on the side that eventually lift the standing platform to counter level so they can learn hands-on.

Now children can learn about making dinner, have access to books or toys, and create their own masterpieces, all within easy sight – the possibilities are endless. DIY Creators narrates an adorable how-to video on YouTube, which gives you all the details of construction as well as uses for the finished project.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Project time: 5 hours
• Materials needed: Wood, sander, wooden screws, bolts, threaded inserts, finish or paint (if desired)
• Estimated cost: $50
• Designer: DIY Creators
• Where to find it: YouTube

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, now you’ve got a great excuse. This X-Carve project from Make Something gives you step-by-step video instructions on how to put together your own guitar from the guts of an entry-level Les Paul wired into a specialized X-Carve wooden body.

Even if you’re not musically inclined, this project combines CNC use and electrical wiring basics, which adds an extra level of intricacy that will boost your skills.

• Difficulty: Advanced (electrical wiring and guitar stringing skills needed in addition to X-Carve experience)
• Project time: 5 hours
• Materials needed: Epiphone Les Paul Special, acrylic sheets, wood, epoxy
• Estimated cost: Price of a guitar (recommended to be in good playing condition; doesn’t need to look perfect)
• Designer: Make Something
• Where to find it: Make Something, YouTube