At Duke Makes, we're all about turning creative sparks into masterpieces. We believe that the act of manufacturing with your own hands goes beyond just making things – it sparks innovation and teamwork. This belief forms the core of our new workshop, recently launched as part of our Away Days service. With our new "Introduction to CNC" Away Day experience, colleagues from Equinox recently got a hands-on taste of the world of digitally manufactured furniture.

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Beyond the excitement of learning and making, this workshop holds more value than meets the eye. Crafting with your hands has been proven to induce a state of flow, where creativity flows effortlessly and ideas take shape seamlessly. This translates into a positive impact on teamwork and innovation. It's not just a fun day out or a team-building exercise; it can be a gateway to unlocking the potential of your team's collective creativity.

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The day kicked off with a warm welcome to our studio, a place buzzing with creativity and innovation. The participants from Equinox's Headingley team joined us to find out more about the world of digital fabrication, resulting in their very own personalised pieces of digitally manufactured furniture.

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The workshop is designed to offer a fun experience that blends learning, creativity, and collaboration. Here's how the day unfolded:

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1. Introduction and Studio Tour: To set the tone, our team welcomed the Equinox colleagues with an introduction to Duke Makes' ethos and a guided tour of our studio. Our space is more than just a workshop; it's a haven for creativity, a place where ideas take shape.

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2. The Magic of CNC: George, one of our resident experts, took centre stage to demystify CNC (Computer Numerical Control). Through an engaging talk, he discussed the link between digital design and precision machinery. George also demonstrated the CNC components in action by cutting out parts for the stools that participants would later assemble.

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3. The Art of Hand Finishing: Once the CNC magic was revealed, it was time for some hands-on craftsmanship. George showcased the finesse of hand finishing – a process that brings out the unique personality of each piece. Participants got their hands on table routers and sanders, experiencing firsthand the transformation from raw material to finished piece.

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4. Personalisation with Laser Engraving: Tiz and Liam took the stage to shed light on laser cutting. They explained the intricacies of the process and its potential for personalisation. Equinox participants seized the opportunity to imprint their creativity on their projects by adding messages and laser engraving them onto the seat bases of their stools.

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5. A Finishing Touch: Every creator knows that a project's completion is a rewarding moment. Participants sealed their crafted furniture with a wax finish, adding an extra layer of protection and a bit of finesse. 

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Why not consider this workshop as a prelude to a strategy meeting or as part of a comprehensive Away Day experience? It's more than just making – it's an investment in your team's creative synergy.

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At Duke Makes, we're thrilled to offer experiences that go beyond the ordinary, where creativity, innovation, and teamwork converge.

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Explore more about our Away Days here.

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