MatchSticks Is a Small CNC Router That Automates Woodworking Joinery

Solid joinery is an absolutely crucial aspect of woodworking, but one that can be challenging to execute well. There are many kinds of joints available to you, like tongue and grooves, dovetails, rabbets, and dados, but each one requires either a unique tool or careful work with a chisel. MatchSticks is a little CNC router that dramatically simplifies that process by automatically cutting a range of joint types.

The way MatchSticks is oriented is a bit unusual in the CNC world, but is suited well to cutting joints. Lumber is clamped onto a small platform that moves left to right and front to back. A handheld router is mounted to a vertical axis to provide up and down movement. The unique layout keeps MatchSticks small enough to be tucked away when it’s not in use, while also allow you to add joints to long pieces of lumber. However, it is somewhat limited in the size of the lumber it can handle; max cutting width is 7", height is 3.5", and depth is 2.5".

Using MatchSticks is as easy as selecting the kind of joint you want on the touchscreen, and the size of the lumber. In just a couple of minutes, it will mill out precise joints that you can use to assemble boxes or furniture. MatchSticks can even provide you with a cut list for whatever box size you want. Unfortunately, MatchSticks is just a prototype right now, and isn’t available for purchase. But, if it ever does become available, it would be an indispensable tool for woodworkers.