When most people think of CNC machines, they think of big, loud, messy, somewhat dangerous tools that take up a large amount of space. Traditional woodworking tools are often far smaller and more maneuverable, but lack the precision of Computer Numerical Control.

Cam Chaney’s open-source Compass handheld CNC router combines the fidelity of CNC with the flexibility of a hand tool that traverses the workpiece under human guidance. Four PMW3360DM optical gaming navigation (mouse) chips feed their data into a Teensy 4.1, which uses rigid body dynamics equations to determine the precise location and orientation of the attached Dremel rotary tool, continually autocorrecting the cut. This allows the use of traditional CAD/CAM software, with the added flexibility of being able to drag the device around walls, or other surfaces that would not usually find themselves on a CNC machine bed (plus, no need to worry about jigs/workholding!). More information is available on the Compass web site.