There’s been a debate brewing for several years now among hobbyist woodworkers: Can CNC machines be used in “real” woodworking? Let’s explore this! For those residing under rocks, a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a computer-controlled, motorized, multi-axis assembly with a cutting tool of some sort mounted to it. In the context of woodworking, the term generally refers to an X,Y,Z table outfitted with rails, a gantry that spans the rails and a router (or similar) motor. A collet on the motor’s shaft holds a rotary cutting bit, which cuts or carves out whatever the computer programs tell it to. In a nutshell: it’s a woodworking robot. Read More
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CNC Routing Gets Affordable – Click-N-Carve CNC Carving Machine
Not long ago, CNC Routers and sundry computer-controlled machining tools were the realm of specialty fabrication shops. Housed only in places that made custom aerospace widgets for Predator drones or specialized parts for multi-million dollar race cars, CNC just wasn’t accessible to the everyday Joe or Jane. But, just as Reel-To-Reel audio tapes eventually morphed into ipods, technological advances and growing popularity have been bringing prices down on CNC routers, and ratcheting features up. The Maker movement has embraced the power of these tools, and companies like ShopBot have made a name for themselves with relatively affordable CNC devices. With this accessibility trend favoring consumers and not just big-dollar industry, it’s not completely shocking to see some products that really push the boundaries of what we once thought was impossible. Read More