3-axis, fully-manual machine tools built much of modern manufacturing. American-made tools from world-famous manufacturers were built of rugged cast iron, and in the hands of a skilled machinist, they could be, and often were, used to create nearly anything. Today, the choice is a lot more complicated. Should you rely on an old cast-iron classic?
You’ve got a new mini milling machine. You’ve got the raw material. And you’ve even watched a few YouTube videos to get a bit more familiar with your new mill. If you’re really an over-achiever, you might even have read part of the user’s manual. But you still might be running up against a dead-end;
A small CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine, also referred to as a mini CNC machine, is one of those life-changing additions to your setup that becomes worthwhile right away. Whether it is creating something from scratch or using a template, with a personal CNC machine opens up a new realm of machining possibilities. However, what
A common bit of advice, from experienced machinists to beginners, it to “budget as much for tooling as for your machine.” What is the “tooling” those machinists refer to? It’s the vises, holders, grips, cutters, tool heads, drawbars, and generally all of the pieces necessary to let your CNC machine do its job. A CNC
Everyone wants to combine their hobby with their business, do what they love, and get paid for it. That is much easier said than done, however, especially when it comes to the competitive world of CNC machining. So if you’re asking yourself if you should buy a CNC machine to make some money, perhaps you
The CNC has transitioned from a piece of commercial equipment to a DIY power tool capable of almost anything. As the cost of the average CNC machine continues to decline there are more and more hobbyists bringing them home. And as more creative thinkers invest in CNC machines we see more and more unique products
What is desktop CNC? This usually refers to milling machines that can be operated by Computer Numeric Control. The mills are controlled via CNC and move the spindle vertically along the Z-axis, though CNC can also operate horizontal mills or other manual machinery. Desktop CNC machines usually refer to smaller-size mills that can fit on
