Ever have time to use your CNC, but no idea what you want to make?
That’s a great opportunity to use AI. Before you even open VCarve or Aspire, you can use it as a brainstorming partner.
The trick is to give it a little direction.
Instead of asking, “What should I make with my CNC?” try something like this:
“Give me 20 CNC router project ideas for dog owners. Focus on projects I can make from wood and personalize with a pet’s name.”
Now you’ve given it an audience, a material, and a way to make the projects personal.
You might get ideas like leash holders, dog bowl stands, picture frames, or memorial plaques.
Once something catches your attention, keep the conversation going:
“I like the personalized leash holder idea. Give me five design variations.”
Then take it one step further:
“Create an image showing what the second design could look like.”
Now you have a concept you can look at, refine, and use as a starting point for your design.
That image isn’t a ready-to-cut CNC file, but it can help you work out what you want to make before spending time drawing it.
Try this with a hobby, holiday, or person you’d like to make something for. You don’t have to love the first suggestion. Keep refining until you find an idea that gets you excited to head to the shop.
Want to see this process in action, along with more ways to use AI with your CNC?
Watch my full free training and get the free AI prompt cheat sheet →
Happy carving!
Kyle Ely
Founder/Instructor
Learn Your CNC Academy
Have a project idea but need help creating the artwork?
AI can help you explore ideas and create images for your CNC projects. Knowing what to ask for (and what to do with the result) makes a big difference.
AI for CNC Makers
Learn how to use AI to create artwork with CNC projects in mind. I’ll guide you through practical ways to turn your ideas into images and explain how they can fit into your design process.
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