Smidt Builds

Smidt Builds Turning ideas into real builds. CNC • Welding • Woodworking • 3D Printing • Laser Engraving • Power Tools

Working out of a small two car garage, I design and create custom woodworking projects ranging from military retirement gifts to household furniture and anything else you can think of. My goal is to make each project unique, and to maintain a high level of detail in each piece.

06/03/2026

Got the boat out on the water to test the RC and GPS spot lock on the trolling motor project. After a few software tweaks, I think I've got it working pretty good.

Best part of the day was Jenn landing a nice flounder while we were sitting on the GPS anchor!

Definitely cool seeing the project actually work out on the water.

The GPS anchor function is running through ArduRover boat mode using the loiter function via a flight controller to automatically steer and hold position. In the future, I may add a Bluetooth module so I can upload waypoints and plan routes right from my phone.

The "brains" of the trolling motor project.This waterproof enclosure houses the flight controller, RC receiver, and elec...
06/02/2026

The "brains" of the trolling motor project.

This waterproof enclosure houses the flight controller, RC receiver, and electronic speed controller. Mounted on top is the GPS/compass module that provides the positioning and heading data needed for autonomous operation.

The flight controller uses this information to control the trolling motor, allowing it to hold position like a spot-lock anchor and navigate to waypoints.

It's been a fun learning experience and my first project using a flight controller and RC components!

Video of the "Sea Trials" coming tomorrow!

05/23/2026

The goal with this project is to take a cheap trolling motor and add RC control, spot lock anchor, and waypoint navigation for my little 12ft SKANU.

After a lot of redesigns and test prints, the servo steering setup is finally working how I wanted. Now it’s time to start working on the electronics and control system!

Definitely been a lot of trial and error with this one, but it’s starting to come together.

05/15/2026

Some of the early prototype work I did for the Freedom Stake Puller. Crazy looking back at some of the first prototype components that eventually turned into the Freedom Stake Puller for

A few shots from the Z-axis upgrade on my CNC router.The old setup had limited travel and ran a standard trim router. Th...
05/13/2026

A few shots from the Z-axis upgrade on my CNC router.

The old setup had limited travel and ran a standard trim router. The new assembly gives me a lot more Z travel and now runs a 2.2kw water-cooled spindle.

I also swapped the old mechanical limit switches over to hall effect limit switches for a more reliable setup.

05/01/2026

Just a little fun bringing the new logo to life with some animation.

04/25/2026

A few shots of the MKV dive knife holder up on the wall.

The metal holder was mounted onto some walnut and secured with large brass machine screws

I also ended up 3D printing some simple inserts so the knife can be displayed either in the sheath or on its own.

I 3D printed a version of this MKV dive knife holder a while back—it lasted a few of years before breaking.This version ...
04/22/2026

I 3D printed a version of this MKV dive knife holder a while back—it lasted a few of years before breaking.

This version is made from laser-cut steel, assembled with tab-and-slot construction, and then welded from the back before heading to powder coat. Next post will show it finished and mounted to a nice piece of walnut.

A close up of the Ribbon Striping running down the center of this quarter sawn sapele table top. ...
02/24/2023

A close up of the Ribbon Striping running down the center of this quarter sawn sapele table top.

12/25/2022

shared a post on Instagram: "For Jacey’s first Christmas I built her a wooden alphabet and number block set with a pull cart. She liked being pulled around in the cart more than playing with the blocks😂. The blocks and cart are made from cherry, the wheels are white oak, an...

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Jacksonville, FL
32099, 32201–32212, 32214–32241, 32244–32247, 32250, 32254–32260, 32266,

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