https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/feeds/news.xmlThe Crafty Catsman workshop newsSource-backed laser, UV printing, 3D printing, CNC, arcade, and maker reports.2026-08-18T12:00:00ZThe Crafty Catsmanhttps://www.thecraftycatsman.com/https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-18-prusa-xl-plus-august-28Prusa XL+ Product Pages Now Show August 28 Ship Date2026-08-18T12:00:00Z2026-08-18T12:00:00ZChecked August 18, 2026: Prusa's official XL+ Single-Tool, Dual-Head, and Five-Head assembled product pages at prusa3d.com now list August 28 as the ship date. The August 12 announcement said late August without a specific day. CORE One+ Gen 2 and CORE One L+ machines began shipping August 14. Owner upgrade-kit prices and dates remain unpublished.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-17-xtool-o1-omni-payment-closedxTool O1 Omni Final Payment Window Closed August 15; Deposit Backers in Fulfillment Queue, Direct Orders Expected September2026-08-17T12:00:00Z2026-08-17T12:00:00ZChecked August 17, 2026: xTool's O1 Omni final-payment window for deposit backers closed at 11:59:59 p.m. local time August 15. Deposit customers who completed payment by the deadline are in the fulfillment queue and retain their edition choice and deposit-exclusive benefits. xTool says new direct orders open in September.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-17-prusa-shipping-updatePrusa CORE One+ Gen 2 and CORE One L+ Confirmed Shipping August 14; XL+ Targeted Late August2026-08-17T12:00:00Z2026-08-17T12:00:00ZChecked August 17, 2026: Prusa confirmed assembled CORE One+ Gen 2 and CORE One L+ machines began shipping August 14. The XL+ assembled machine is still targeted for late August per the original announcement. Unshipped open orders for original CORE One+, CORE One L, and XL are being automatically upgraded. Owner upgrade-kit dates and prices remain unpublished.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-17-ottawa-pinball-show-9-daysOttawa Pinball Show Opens August 26 with Regular Prices Now in Effect After August 12 Early-Bird Deadline2026-08-17T12:00:00Z2026-08-17T12:00:00ZChecked August 17, 2026: The Ottawa Pinball Show runs August 26-30 at Experience Social, 250 Greenbank Road, Ottawa. Pinball Medics lists approximately 120 machines. The early-bird deadline passed August 12. Current prices are $30 for one day, $50 for Saturday-Sunday, $65 for Friday-Sunday, and $75 for all five days. All prices include HST.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-17-arcade-archives-2-pinball-action-launchArcade Archives 2 PINBALL ACTION Launches on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox with $2.99 Loyalty Price2026-08-17T12:00:00Z2026-08-17T12:00:00ZChecked August 17, 2026: HAMSTER Corporation released Arcade Archives 2 PINBALL ACTION on August 13, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC at a listed standard price of $9.99. The original arcade game was released by TEHKAN (now KOEI TECMO GAMES) in 1985. Owners of the original Arcade Archives PINBALL ACTION on Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4 can buy the Arcade Archives 2 version for $2.99 as a loyalty price.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-17-xtool-x1-status-checkxTool X1 Has Added No Specifications, Price, or Order Path Since the August 13 Name Reveal2026-08-17T12:00:00Z2026-08-17T12:00:00ZChecked August 17, 2026: xTool named the X1 'The Next-Gen Laser Machine' on August 13. Four days later no laser architecture, wavelength, power rating, work area, price, preorder path, launch date, or delivery window has been published in any official xTool source. xTool has also not stated where X1 sits in the lineup relative to the P3, F2 Ultra, or S1.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-17-bambu-r1-status-checkBambu Lab R1 Still Shows Coming September Four Days After Teaser; Forum Post Says Specs Arrive Late August2026-08-17T12:00:00Z2026-08-17T12:00:00ZChecked August 17, 2026: Bambu Lab's official R1 product page continues to say 'Coming September' with no laser power, work area, price, or order path. A Bambu forum post published August 13 says full specifications will be shared in late August and preorders open September. No specification, price, or delivery window has been added to any official Bambu source.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-12-prusa-lineup-refreshPrusa Announces XL+ and CORE One Refresh With Automatic Upgrades for Unshipped Orders2026-08-14T12:00:00Z2026-08-14T12:00:00ZChecked August 14, 2026: Prusa says the refreshed CORE One+ Gen 2 and CORE One L+ assembled printers are shipping now, with assembled XL+ printers following later in August. It also says unshipped open orders will be upgraded automatically. Existing owners will get upgrade-kit paths, but the complete rollout and kit prices are not yet published.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-13-eufymake-e1-price-cuteufyMake Cuts E1 Bundles by $90; Basic Is Now $2,4092026-08-13T12:00:00Z2026-08-13T12:00:00ZChecked August 13, 2026: eufyMake says its E1 bundle is $90 lower due to ink cost reductions. The product page lists Basic at $2,409, Deluxe at $3,209, and the printer-only option without ink at $2,109. The E1 is in stock with 1–3-business-day shipping; no price-cut end date is published.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-13-xtool-x1-official-teaserxTool Names X1 as Its Next-Generation Laser Machine, but Specifications Remain Unannounced2026-08-13T12:00:00Z2026-08-13T12:00:00ZChecked August 15, 2026: xTool has named the X1 and calls it “The Next-Gen Laser Machine.” xTool has not published its laser architecture, power, work area, price, order date, launch date, or shipping timing. This is official-source reporting; The Crafty Catsman has not tested or handled the X1.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-13-bambu-r1-announcementBambu Lab R1 Laser: What Bambu Has Confirmed So Far2026-08-13T12:00:00Z2026-08-13T12:00:00ZChecked August 15, 2026: Bambu Lab describes R1 as its first laser engraver and cutter and says “Coming September.” Bambu has not said whether September means a reveal, preorder, sale, shipment, or delivery, and has not published buyer specifications. This is official-source reporting; The Crafty Catsman has not tested or handled R1.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-11-bambu-h2s-retailer-availabilityBambu Lab H2S AMS Combo Is $1,399.99 at Best Buy2026-08-11T12:00:00Z2026-08-11T12:00:00ZChecked August 11, 2026: Best Buy lists the Bambu Lab H2S AMS Combo at $1,399.99 and shows Add to cart. Bambu Lab announced the H2S on August 26, 2025, so this is a current retailer observation rather than a new-product announcement.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-11-milwaukee-m12-ratchets-availabilityMilwaukee M12 FUEL Extended-Reach Ratchets: Correct Model Numbers, Prices, and Torque2026-08-11T12:00:00Z2026-08-11T12:00:00ZChecked August 11, 2026: Milwaukee lists the 3055-20 1/2-inch ratchet at $279 with 80 ft-lbs and 300 RPM; the 3059-20 3/8-inch bare tool at $279 with 70 ft-lbs and 400 RPM; and the 3058-20 1/4-inch bare tool at $279 with 45 ft-lbs and 550 RPM.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-11-makera-studio-makerables-launchMakera Launches Studio, Makerables, and Its App as One Desktop CNC Ecosystem2026-08-11T12:00:00Z2026-08-11T12:00:00ZChecked August 11, 2026: Makera announced the August 6 launch of Makera Studio, Makerables, and the Makera App. Studio combines CAM, machining simulation, and machine control; Makerables adds AI-assisted design and shared CNC projects; the app adds mobile access.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-10-xtool-back-to-school-cart-tiersxTool Back to School Sale Opens Automatic Cart Tiers, but Several New Machines Are Excluded2026-08-10T12:00:00Z2026-08-10T12:00:00ZChecked August 10, 2026: xTool's US Back to School FAQ lists automatic cart savings from $30 off $599 through $1,000 off $8,899. P2S, O1 Omni, Apparel Printer Plus, WonderPress, S1 40W, M2 10W Standalone, and refurbished machines are excluded. The advertised $2,898 maximum combines a two-system F2 Ultra bundle reduction with the top cart tier; it is not a single-machine coupon.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-08-eufymake-e1-bidirec-q3-planeufyMake Says E1 Bidirectional Printing Is Planned for Q32026-08-08T12:00:00Z2026-08-08T12:00:00ZChecked August 8, 2026: eufyMake says a Q3 software update will add bidirectional printing to the E1 without new hardware. Its A4 manufacturer test fell from 18 minutes 34 seconds to 9 minutes 30 seconds, which is 48.8% less elapsed time or about 95.4% more theoretical throughput. The roadmap post does not confirm current rollout status.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-08-ottawa-show-early-bird-deadlineOttawa Pinball Show Ticket Prices Increase After August 122026-08-08T12:00:00Z2026-08-08T12:00:00ZChecked August 8, 2026: the Ottawa Pinball Show runs August 26-30 at Experience Social with approximately 120 machines. Early-bird prices rise after August 12: one-day passes move from $25 to $30, weekend passes from $40 to $50, Friday-Sunday passes from $50 to $65, and full-event passes from $60 to $75. Prices include HST.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-08-milwaukee-3055-official-specsMilwaukee Confirms the 3055-20 at $279 With 80 ft-lbs and 300 RPM2026-08-08T12:00:00Z2026-08-08T12:00:00ZChecked August 8, 2026: Milwaukee lists the bare-tool M12 FUEL 3055-20 extended-reach ratchet at $279. Its official specifications are 300 RPM, up to 80 ft-lbs of torque, a 16.5-inch height, and 2.2-pound bare-tool weight. A button cap is installed and a paddle trigger cap is included. This brief does not claim current retailer inventory.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-08-omtech-bts-day6OMTech Lists Polar 2, Spectra, and CO2 Offers Through August 162026-08-08T12:00:00Z2026-08-08T12:00:00ZChecked August 8, 2026: OMTech's Back-to-School event runs August 3-16. The live page lists Polar 2 RF at $4,999.99, Polar 2 glass-tube at $3,699.99, Spectra single-head at $3,199.99, and Spectra dual-head at $4,799.99. Gifts vary by configuration and can include LightBurn, rotary attachments, chillers, marking powders, or PiBurn discounts.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-07-xtool-o1-omni-8-day-deadlinexTool's O1 FAQ Says August 15, but Its Public Payment Page Shows a Conflicting Notice2026-08-07T12:00:00Z2026-08-07T12:00:00ZChecked August 8, 2026: xTool's FAQ says O1 deposit customers must finish payment by 11:59:59 p.m. local time August 15 to retain deposit benefits. Its public final-payment page currently says the period has ended. Backers should use the original account and email, check My Orders for the Privilege Voucher, and contact xTool Support if the link is missing.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-07-stern-union-august-espn-pinballStern Put Pro Circuit Pinball on ESPN2 and Opened Factory Tours2026-08-07T12:00:00Z2026-08-07T12:00:00ZChecked August 8, 2026: Stern scheduled its Mountain Dew Pro Circuit Heads-Up Invitational for ESPN2, made factory tours available to paid All-Access members, and added Pokémon Pro and Premium machines to its Rewards Program purchase list. The Rewards Program update is a discounted-purchase opportunity for qualifying IFPA players, not a new tournament-eligibility rule.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-05-xtool-o1-10-day-deadlinexTool O1 Omni August 15 Final-Payment Deadline Is 10 Days Away; Deposit Backers Risk Losing Deposit-Tier Pricing2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: xTool O1 Omni August 15 final-payment deadline is 10 days away. Deposit backers who have not completed payment risk forfeiting deposit-exclusive pricing. Shipping priority follows payment-completion order. New direct orders target early September (Dual UV) or mid-September (Single UV, DT+UV).https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-05-eufymake-bidirec-q3-statuseufyMake E1 Bidirectional Printing Update Has Not Yet Deployed in Q3; Published Benchmarks Show 49% Speed Improvement When Active2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: eufyMake's bidirectional printing update for the E1 UV Printer has not yet deployed. The Q3 delivery window is underway. Published benchmark shows an improvement from 18m34s to 9m30s on A4 (49% speed improvement). CISS update remains on the Q4 roadmap.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-05-bambu-bts-sale-ongoingBambu Lab Back to School Sale Continues Through August 29 With Select Printers and Accessories Discounted2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Bambu Lab's Back to School sale continues through August 29. Selected 3D printers and accessories remain discounted. Specific eligible models and discount amounts should be confirmed at the Bambu Lab promotions page on the day of purchase, as SKUs and bundles may update during the sale window.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-05-bambu-a2l-india-launchBambu Lab A2L Officially Launches in India Through Authorized Channel Partners at $469 Globally With 330×320×325mm Build Volume and 19-Color Support2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Bambu Lab officially launched the A2L 3D printer in India through authorized channel partners. The A2L offers a 330×320×325mm build volume (105% more than 256mm-class models) and supports up to 19 colors via four AMS units plus one AMS Lite. Global pricing starts at $469 USD / €379 EUR.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-05-ottawa-pinball-show-21-daysOttawa Pinball Show Opens August 26 at Experience Social — 21 Days Out; Travel Planning Window for Eastern Canada Buyers2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Ottawa Pinball Show opens August 26 — 21 days from today. Runs through August 30 at Experience Social in Nepean, Ottawa. Organized by Pinball Medics, Player One Amusement Group, and the Canadian Pinball Museum. Format: unlimited play, buy/sell floor with professional maintenance, ranking competition. Confirm ticket pricing and any advance registration at Pinball Medics.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-05-bon-jovi-post-sfge-reportsPost-SFGE Bon Jovi Pinball Player Impressions Appearing on Pinside — First Public-Play Data for Deposit-Holders2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Following the SFGE show floor run July 31–August 2, post-show player impressions of Bon Jovi Pinball by Barrels of Fun are appearing on Pinside and community channels. This is the first public-play data for the machine. The $2,000 non-refundable deposit and 700-unit cap remain active with late-August production start.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-05-xtool-bts-flash-day2xTool BTS Material Flash Sale Enters Day 2 With Daily Rotation Through August 15 — Relevant for Makers Using Laser-Compatible Materials2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: xTool Back to School material flash sale is in day 2 through August 15 with daily item rotation. For makers who use laser-compatible materials in builds, the flash window offers rotating discounts on acrylic, wood, leather, and specialty substrates. Monitor the xTool BTS page daily.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-05-milwaukee-m12-3055-unconfirmedMilwaukee M12 FUEL Extended Reach Ratchet 3055 (1/2-Inch) Retail Availability Remains Unconfirmed at milwaukeetool.com2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Milwaukee M12 FUEL Extended Reach Ratchet 3055 (1/2-inch drive) availability at milwaukeetool.com and major retail channels remains unconfirmed. The 3058 (3/8-inch) and 3059 (1/4-inch) had Home Depot product pages as of July 24. The 3055 was not confirmed at that time and remains unconfirmed as of August 5.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-05-festool-ofkc-500-shippingFestool OFKC 500 R3 EB-Basic Cordless Edge Router Has Been Shipping Since June 17 — 18V EC-TEC Motor, 0.1mm Depth Adjustment, Auto Bluetooth Dust Extraction2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Festool OFKC 500 R3 EB-Basic cordless edge router began shipping June 17, 2026. Features: 18V cordless, EC-TEC brushless motor, 0.1mm depth adjustment increments, automatic Bluetooth-triggered dust extraction integration. Companion tool to the MFKC 700 cordless router. SKU: 577986. Available at Festool USA authorized dealers.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-05-xtool-bts-flash-day2xTool BTS Material Flash Sale Enters Day 2 With Daily Item Rotation Through August 152026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: xTool Back to School material flash sale is in day 2 of its run through August 15. Flash items rotate daily. Monitor the xTool BTS page each day for currently featured materials and accessories. Full-refund prize draw winner announced August 18.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-05-omtech-bts-day3OMTech Back to School Sale Is Day 3 of 14 With 11 Days Remaining Through August 162026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: OMTech Back to School laser sale is in day 3 of its 14-day run. 11 days remain through August 16. Sale covers OMTech laser engravers and CO2 laser cutters. Confirm current eligible models and pricing at the OMTech BTS sale page before ordering.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-05-gweike-mcore-deliveries-buildingGweike mCore August Delivery Confirmations Are Building as First-Owner Units Reach Customers2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Gweike mCore first-owner delivery confirmations are accumulating as August delivery units reach customers. First-owner experiences and initial setup reports are beginning to appear. Buyers still evaluating should monitor owner reports for real-world performance data.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-05-shapeoko-51-pro-shippingShapeoko 5.1 Pro Is Shipping From Carbide 3D With the Thicker Black Baseframe Tube Upgrade for New Orders2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Shapeoko 5.1 Pro is shipping for new orders placed at carbide3d.com. The 5.1 Pro configuration includes thicker black baseframe tubes replacing the prior silver tubes, improving rigidity for hard material cutting. Working area, spindle, and controller are unchanged from the 5 Pro.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-05-makera-z1-reviews-buildingMakera Z1 Batch-1 First-Owner and Media Reviews Continue Building Through August; Capable Hardware, Maturing Software2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Makera Z1 batch-1 first-owner delivery confirmations and media reviews are accumulating. Initial impressions characterize hardware as capable and software (Makera Studio) as still maturing. First-month format reviews are beginning to appear as batch-1 owners log initial use.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-05-carbide-create-760-beta-feedbackCarbide Create Build 760 Beta Community Testing Feedback Is Accumulating Ahead of Stable Release2026-08-05T12:00:00Z2026-08-05T12:00:00ZChecked August 5, 2026: Carbide Create Build 760 beta is in community testing. Feedback is accumulating on the large-file performance improvements and open-vector handling changes. Stable release timing has not been announced. Users should stay on the current stable build for production workflows.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-04-xtool-o1-omni-shipping-startedxTool O1 Omni Deposit-Backer Shipping Started in August; Final Payment Window Closes August 152026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: xTool O1 Omni deposit-backer shipping started in early August. Priority follows the order in which final payments were completed. The final-payment window closes August 15, 2026 at 11:59:59 p.m. local time. New direct orders target early September (Dual UV) or mid-September (Single UV, DT+UV).https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-uv-2026-08-04-eufymake-roll-film-attachmenteufyMake Roll-to-Film Attachment for E1 UV Printer Now Available for Pre-Order; Ships End of August Through September2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: eufyMake's Roll-to-Film Attachment for the E1 UV Printer is available for pre-order. The attachment enables printing on roll film up to 10 meters. Shipping is scheduled for end of August through September 2026. Available at eufyMake and authorized resellers including JPPlus, GPI Supplies, Conde Systems, and OpenELAB Technology.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-printing3d-2026-08-04-bambu-bts-saleBambu Lab Back to School Sale Is Live Through August 29: 3D Printers Up to 20% Off, Buy-More-Save-More on Filament2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: Bambu Lab's Back to School sale is active in the US store through August 29. Selected 3D printers are discounted up to 20% off. Filaments are available on a buy-more-save-more basis with bulk pricing from $11.69. Accessories and kits are also included. Confirm model eligibility and current pricing at the US store before ordering.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-04-ottawa-pinball-show-aug26Ottawa Pinball Show Runs August 26–30 at Experience Social With Unlimited Play, Buy/Sell Floor, and Ranking Competition2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: The Ottawa Pinball Show runs August 26–30, 2026, at Experience Social in Nepean, Ottawa. Organized by Pinball Medics, Player One Amusement Group, and the Canadian Pinball Museum. Format includes unlimited play admission, a buy/sell floor with professional maintenance on-site, and ranked competitive play.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-pinball-2026-08-04-bon-jovi-sfge-debutBon Jovi Pinball Makes Public Show Debut at SFGE July 31–August 2 With Barrels Reserve Private Access and Open Floor Play2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: Bon Jovi Pinball by Barrels of Fun debuted at the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (SFGE) in Atlanta July 31–August 2. Barrels Reserve members had private first-play access July 31 from 4–6 p.m.; machines moved to the open show floor for all SFGE attendees after 6:00 p.m. through August 2. Multiple Bon Jovi machines were in the Classic Gamerooms booth.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-04-xtool-bts-flash-salexTool Back to School Material Flash Sale August 4–15: Daily Workshop Supply Deals With Full-Refund Prize Draw2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: xTool's Back to School material flash sale runs August 4–15 with daily rotating deals on laser-compatible materials and workshop supplies. Every order is entered to win a 100% full order refund announced August 18. Relevant for makers using xTool equipment who need to restock workshop supplies before end of August.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-04-section-301-forced-labor-tariffUSTR Implemented Section 301 Forced Labor Tariffs July 24 Adding 10–12.5% Duties on Imports From 60 Economies2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: USTR implemented Section 301 forced labor tariffs on July 24, 2026, imposing 10% or 12.5% additional duties on imports from 60 economies determined to have inadequate forced labor prohibitions. Section 122 temporary tariffs expired the same day. Maker tools, workshop equipment, and supplies sourced from listed countries are subject to the new rate.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-maker-2026-08-04-omtech-bts-workshop-saleOMTech Back to School Workshop Sale August 3–16: Fiber Configs Save Up to $1,900, Aurora D1 Bundles Include Free Accessories2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: OMTech's Back to School workshop sale runs August 3–16. For maker and workshop buyers evaluating a laser cutter: select fiber configurations save up to $1,900 with free LightBurn; select Aurora D1 bundles include free rotary, chiller, and marking powder. No code required; discounts applied at checkout.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-04-xtool-bts-material-flash-salexTool Back to School Material Flash Sale Runs August 4–15 With Daily Rotating Deals and Full-Refund Prize Draw2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: xTool's Back to School material flash sale runs August 4–15 with daily rotating deals on workshop materials and supplies. Every order placed during this window is entered to win a 100% full order refund; winner announced August 18. Additional prizes include a 1-on-1 expert demo session and 2,000 Atomm Credits.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-04-omtech-back-to-school-saleOMTech Back to School Laser Sale Runs August 3–16 With Free Gift Bundles; Fiber Configs Save Up to $1,900 With Free LightBurn2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: OMTech's Back to School sale runs August 3–16. Select fiber laser configurations save up to $1,900 and include free LightBurn. Select Aurora D1 Series bundles include free rotary attachments, chillers, marking powders, and PiBurn discounts. No code required; discounts applied at checkout on qualifying configurations.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-laser-2026-08-04-gweike-mcore-august-deliveriesGweike mCore Enters August Delivery Window for Early Kickstarter Backers2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: August 2026 is the estimated delivery month for Gweike mCore Kickstarter backers who pledged at early-bird tiers. The mCore combines a 400W fiber laser and 80W CO2 laser in a desktop-class enclosed machine with 711×411mm working area. First-owner delivery confirmations will establish real-world performance data for future buyers.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-04-shapeoko-51-pro-announcedCarbide 3D Announced Shapeoko 5.1 Pro With Thicker Black Baseframe Tubes for Improved Rigidity2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: Carbide 3D announced the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro, a hardware revision to the Shapeoko 5 Pro. The key change is thicker black baseframe tubes replacing the prior silver tubes, increasing machine rigidity to reduce chatter and deflection during cutting. Working area, spindle, controller, and rails remain the same as the 5 Pro.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-04-makera-z1-post-ship-reviewsMakera Z1 Media Reviews Build as Batch-1 Ships; Teaching Tech Characterizes Machine as Capable but Currently Rushed2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: Makera Z1 batch-1 dispatch began July 31 and media coverage is building. Teaching Tech published a review characterizing the machine as capable but currently rushed — competitive milling performance, with software maturity (Makera Studio 2026) as the key open question for early buyers. Makera is actively updating Makera Studio.https://www.thecraftycatsman.com/news/#story-cnc-2026-08-04-carbide-create-760-betaCarbide 3D Released Carbide Create Build 760 Beta With Large-File Performance Improvements and Better Open-Vector Handling2026-08-04T12:00:00Z2026-08-04T12:00:00ZChecked August 4, 2026: Carbide 3D released Carbide Create Build 760 beta. Combined with the prior beta's OpenGL canvas rendering, Build 760 adds major improvements for files with large vector counts, large file sizes, and open vectors that don't join well. New UI feedback for open vectors helps users diagnose import issues. Available at carbide3d.com/downloads/.