Written by Larry Allen
When life unexpectedly sidelined me with illness, I found myself searching for a way to calm my chaotic mind and support my future. I rediscovered my father’s old woodworking tools, a spark that eventually led me into the high-precision world of CNC carving.
The Beginning: Mastering the Genmitsu 4040-PRO
Starting with my Genmitsu 4040-PRO, affectionately known as "Marty," I began my deep dive into CNC. My first major milestone was a skull relief carved on a coffin, which pushed my technical boundaries and won the SainSmart Halloween Maker Contest.
Scaling Up with the PROVerXL 4030
Winning that first contest opened a new door: a PROVerXL 4030, which I named "Percy." This machine allowed me to move beyond simple reliefs into professional-grade maker techniques.
Advanced 4th-Axis Rotary and 3D Design
With Percy, I began experimenting with fourth-axis rotary carving and more complex 3D designs. Each project was an opportunity to refine my workflow and challenge what’s possible with desktop CNC machines.
Milestones: Winning the Christmas Maker Contest
Returning to my reliable 4040-PRO for the Christmas Maker Contest, I created a detailed holiday 3D relief. This project didn't just win me a SainSmart PrintyGo 3D printer; it proved how much my skills had grown since those first uncertain steps.
LOA Leather and Crafts: The Journey Continues
Today, I share my progress on TikTok @LarryAllen689. What started as a way to find peace has grown into my home business, LOA Leather and Crafts. I’m incredibly grateful to the maker community and SainSmart for providing the tools and platform to turn a difficult season of life into a rewarding craft.
