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 MDF. Automatic ...   Read More

CNC routers are designed with safety in mind. However, there are certain safety rules you should always follow to prevent accident or injury. Do not operate a CNC router in a damp or moist environment.Never leave the room while your machine is routing.Do not put any part of your body closer than 6 inches to the cutting tool when it is moving.Always make sure you have inserted the correct bit for the job you are doing.Check your horsepower is ...   Read More

Making clean cuts with your CNC router is essential for ensuring that your finished workpiece meets your quality standards. Here are some tips to help you keep those cuts accurate and clean. 1. Proper Installation Make sure that the bit is installed securely in the router. The best way to ensure it’s in place is to insert it until it bottoms out then slide it out about 1/8th inch ...   Read More

G-code is the widely used computerized numerical control programming language. It tells your router how fast and where to move to make a particular workpiece. Although you can write G-code manually, which may be practical for very simple projects, it is much easier to use a software solution that will translate your CAD design into G-code format. There are a number of software solutions available with varying advantages. Aspire – Aspire by ...   Read More

Keeping your workshop clean will also keep it safe. Dust build-up on surfaces and in the air poses a serious health risk. Particles created by cutting plywood, particle board and acrylic can be hazardous if they are inhaled. A dust collection system is essential. However, dust collection systems are the main cause of static in the woodshop. When your dust collection system is connected to ...   Read More

There will be times during your production process that you want to obtain perfect circles with your Cobra CNC router. But sometimes things might not go as planned and your circle may turn out to look more like an oval. This can happen for a number of reasons. Machine Code Error If your circles are coming out like ellipsoids, one of the first things to check is your machine code. Make ...   Read More

There’s a lot to be said about small CNC routers, especially if you are a hobbyist or have a small business such as making signs or boxes. They are both versatile and affordable for a small shop. Once you realize how versatile a small CNC router can be, you can really get the most out of it. Here are just a few of its potential applications. Woodworkers will appreciate the ...   Read More