WHO WE ARE

We are Andre Versteeg and Raymond Clemens, two old friends whose paths re-converged over a shared fascination: the challenge and artistry of building our own CNC machine. Our name, Clever Crafted, is a nod to our collaboration – Cle from Clemens and Ver from Versteeg – a symbol of the synergy that drives us. Our journey began with a simple idea that quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit of craftsmanship excellence. Having known each other for years, we discovered that our complementary skills and shared vision for quality craftsmanship could create something truly special. Andre's expertise in electronics and digital systems paired perfectly with Raymond's mastery of woodworking and networking, forming the foundation of what would become Clever Crafted.

What started as a project to construct a CNC prototype in 2020 quickly blossomed into something much bigger. The satisfaction of seeing our first machine operate perfectly fueled our ambition. We dreamt of cutting larger panels, crafting bespoke furniture, and truly pushing the boundaries of what we could create. Finding our creative hub in Rotterdam was a pivotal moment, connecting with someone looking to share their workshop space. The challenge was immediate: how to accommodate a large-format CNC machine while maintaining a functional shared workspace? True to our 'clever' ethos, we engineered a unique solution – a CNC machine that could be hoisted into the air when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. The build process was an adventure in itself, from constructing a robust foundation capable of supporting the machine's weight and hoisting motor, to meticulously building a perfectly flat cutting bed. We even used the partially built CNC to cut its own strut plates, enhancing its sturdiness – a testament to our self-sufficient approach. Every step of the way, from squaring and calibration to overcoming an unexpected controller failure, strengthened our resolve and refined our skills. Before completing the machine, we tackled another crucial system: vacuum dust extraction, which became a mini-project involving a custom-designed boom system to suspend the hoses, allowing both the CNC and our other tools to operate freely.