Besides sketches and renderings it is crucial for a designer to have “real” models to judge the ergonomics, haptics and function of his work.
The earlier in the design phase, such quick models are built, the better.
Unfortunately only big companies can afford to have a full-fledged model shop.
ModelMachine is trying to fill this void for the smaller offices and startups.
With a footprint not bigger than a office desk ModelMachine offers everything one could ask for in a model shop.

As my teacher phrased it, I built the Machine that I would love to use myself.

The machine consists of two “cubes” that hold the individual tools on four of their faces. The user can rotate the cubes to “fold out” the individual tools as needed – compareable to the swiss army knife.
It features:
a bandsaw,
table saw,
drill press,
disc and belt sander,
grinding and buffing wheels,
plate for mounting jigsaw, router etc, ,
sturdy fence/guiderail system that coveres the whole machine,
mill
lathe
and a dust extraction that runs through the frame and features a cyclone separator which is located under the cubes, where also the mill and lathe components are stored when not in use. (see video)

Since I have been studying design for six years and was setting up my own workshop during the last year, I had a fairly long research phase
After some loose sketches I quickly started to build tons of 1:1 cardboard models to verify the ergonomics and mechanics of the machine.
Parallel to this the digital model emerged by constantly updating the dimensions and features according to the cardboard models.

If a better design process means better design and better products, ModelMachine has the potential to make this world a better place