A CNC router owner can adapt their machine to become a pen plotter that can draw accurate designs on paper. While there are several ways to do this, ranging from buying individual pen bits to making your own adaptations (you’ll find an abundance of suggestions on the Internet), here are a few tips to help optimize your efforts while protecting your machine. Allow For A Spring ...   Read More

Acrylic is a durable, clear form of plastic, and as such has different properties than metal, wood or other materials. You can certainly use your CNC router to cut acrylic sheets, but the following tips will help you avoid irregularities or difficulties and help you maintain a smooth cut. Use A Specialized Bit Be sure to use a bit specifically designed for cutting ...   Read More

Using a CNC router to cut aluminum (and other metals) is different than cutting wood or plastics, so there are some important things to remember. Here are five tips to help you when using your CNC to cut aluminum. 1. Don’t Forget The Sweet Spot Don’t forget that the sweet spot for the best feeds and speeds is much smaller for aluminum than for wood or other materials. Stick to ...   Read More

Using a CNC router to cut aluminum (and other metals) is different than cutting wood or plastics, so there are some important things to remember. Here are five tips to help you when using your CNC to cut aluminum. Don’t Forget The Sweet Spot Don’t forget that the sweet spot for the best feeds and speeds is much smaller for aluminum than for wood or other materials. Stick to the sweet spot to avoid wear and breakage on your ...   Read More

If you are considering purchasing a CNC router machine for the first time, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself so that you can determine which kind of machine is the right one for your needs. The following three questions and answers will set you on the right track. 1. What Size Machine Is Best For Me? This is probably the most important question to ask yourself. You ...   Read More

A CNC router is controlled by a computer. The operator uploads the coordinates into the machine’s CAD program which translated the designs into the ‘G-Code’ instructions that the machine can understand. CNC routers are available in a wide range of sizes from small, tabletop routers suitable for a home D.I.Y shop, to industrial. CNC routers are perfect for ...   Read More

Most often people use their CNC routers to cut wood or acrylic however; you can use your router to cut aluminum if you do it correctly. Here are five tips to help you. 1. Work Out Your Feed and Speed Rates You need to take your time with aluminum; it’s not the same as routing wood. This is why you need to calculate your feed and speed rates. The best way to do this is to use and ...   Read More

There is a wide range of drill bits available for CNC machines. The type of drill bit you choose will depend on the material you are working with and the project you are undertaking. Here is a rundown on some of the most popular drill bits. Upcut end mill: This type of end mill is the most commonly used, usually with 2 flutes. The name derives from the fact that as the mill is cutting into the wood the chips are drawn to the upper surface of ...   Read More

So you’ve bought your first CNC router and you’re all set up and ready to start making things. Wait a minute, before you begin, check out these handy accessories that you won’t want to be without. A Dust Collector By installing a dust collector you can keep your operation free from dust. It’s great when you’re working with wood and materials like ...   Read More