CNC FAQ

CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control. Simply stated, CNC refers to a machine which is controlled by a computer. There are many types of CNC machines, including Routers, Laser Cutters, and 3D printers.

There are 3 basic steps: CAD, CAM, CUT.

Computer aided drafting (CAD) is the first step which involve digitally modeling the part(s) to be made.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is taking the CAD file and choosing what type of cuts and tools we want the CNC machine to perform, along with specifying the material we are cutting into. We then use our software to generate a code for the CNC machine to read.

The final step is machining (CUT). We load the material, cutting tool(s), and generated code in the CNC machine and press GO!

We have a 3-axis CNC router, which can cut almost any 2-dimensional shape, using a variety of router bit profiles and cutting techniques.

Our CNC is set up to cut MDF or Plywood sheets of 4’x8′ or 5’x5′. We can cut longer sheets for additional fees, up to 12′.

We can also cut or engrave solid wood, as long as it is flattened. 

Our 60 watt laser can cut and/or engrave up to 24 inches wide by 18 inches long. The maximum thickness for engraving is 12 inches while cutting is bout ¼ inch depending on material.

We are less concerned about sourcing material for the laser engraver – you can bring in your own finished projects, store-bought wood, and some types of acrylic for cutting. Keep in mind, though, that just like with the CNC, the best results will come from engraving on a flat surface. 

Our laser engraver uses a C02 laser to cut through or burn (engrave) a design on materials. The CNC machine uses a physical router bit to cut away material – either all the way through to cut out a shape, or part-way through to engrave.  

The thickness of material that the laser can cut is much smaller than the CNC machine – a maximum of 1/4″ depending on the material (the thicker the material, the less dependable the result). However, the laser can be a great choice for cutting thinner material and smaller parts. The CNC has limitations when it comes to cutting out small parts that the laser does not have. 

Otherwise, a lot of it comes down to style. A burned engraving on a laser looks very different from a carved engraving on a CNC machine. 

We are happy to talk through our recommendations for your project when you are ready.

It depends. Typically – for a project that is being cut from 1-3 sheets of plywood or MDF – it will take 2-3 weeks. Things that will affect the project lead time:

• Complexity – if more programming time than usual is required or we need to check in with you more than usual.
• Type of cuts – simple cutouts of shapes can take only a few minutes, but pocketing out material or engraving letters or designs can take longer.
• Size – if a project requires cutting more than 1-3 sheets.
• Materials – we don’t have control over material availability or shipping, so this part is out of our hands. We typically have some material on hand to pull from, but not always and not in large quantities.
• Work load – if we are busier than usual, it may take longer to get to your project. The CNC machine (and our brains and bodies) can only work on one project at a time. 

So, please be aware of this when submitting a request and allow us (and yourself) plenty of time for the process.

No. We can create files for you based on cut-sheets, hand drawings, design consultations or any other form of specifications you may have. Providing digital files is simply helpful, if possible.

We do not accept PGM files to run our machine. 

Please be aware that even if you provide us with digital files to work with, much work will still be required to prepare them for our specific machinery and program tool paths, so this is not a way to save money.

If you are providing a file that you purchased off of a website, please be aware that the quality of these files can vary widely, and often take a long time to get into a state that is usable for our machine. Sometimes, we find that we cannot cut a file that you purchased online, so proceed with caution. 

In order to streamline our end of the digital work, we prefer these file formats: DXF, SVG, DWG

You can also provide Sketchup files (Sketchup is a 3D modeling software with a free in browser version), hand drawn sketches, and/or lists of dimensions.

The more context, the better. 

No.  Once a program for the CNC machine is written, it can be repeated as many times as you would like. After the fee is paid for writing the program, only machine time and any other requested services are billed. If the design and/or material changes, a new program will need to be written which we do charge for.

We prefer to use material that we source ourselves, or which are purchased from our sister company, The Woodworkers Club. This is because we can be confident that the material is of a good quality, which will be stable and free of unexpected embedded materials when cut on the CNC or any of our other machines.

Under some circumstances, we will cut materials that you provide. Large quantities of materials must be delivered on a pallet and may be subject to small storage fees.

Yes.  We stock a wide variety of exotic and domestic wood, along with plywood and MDF. If you require material that we do not have in stock, we will order from one of our suppliers and in many cases get it delivered within a day or two. 

If we cannot find access to a material, we will work with you to find an alternate. 

We can show you around our machine room if it is not in use, but while any machinery is running we cannot let you be there. Sorry!

No. Our machine and software are specific to our workflow and setup, and not compatible with other software. 

Mistakes happen! Use of CNC machines may sound foolproof, but at the end of the day the machines will only do exactly what we tell them to do. Us humans get in the mix at several points along the way and introduce the potential for error. 

If a mistake is on our end, we will do our best to rectify it. If it was on your end, we are here to help, but be aware that there may be additional fees to re-program or re-cut parts.

Also, please remember that wood is a dynamic material. Even when cut to perfection, it is subject to movement or breakage in vulnerable areas. We will use our experience to give you guidance and suggestions about potential issues, but we can’t predict or prevent everything.