Top 7 Machining Magazines for CNC Machine Enthusiasts

The world of CNC machining is complex and always changing. Both hobbyists and professional machinists find that industry publications are great resources for learning about best practices and staying on top of new trends. Expand your knowledge and hone your skills by subscribing to the CNC machining magazines in the following list!

 

American Machinist

American Machinist is a long-standing publication in the machining industry, dating back to 1877. This magazine produces a wide variety of content related to “the products and practices of metalworking including cutting, tooling, forming, materials, robotics, quality, cleaning and finishing, and shop operations.” American Machinist writes to a broad audience, from machine operators to executives and purchasing managers.

Since 2013, American Machinist has produced online content only – including website articles, webinars, and email newsletters. Subscribers to the American Machinist newsletter can choose between a variety of email options, depending on what frequency and topics they prefer. An American Machinist newsletter subscription is free.

CNC West

CNC West is a regional, bi-monthly magazine that publishes metalworking content primarily for machine operators and businesses on the West Coast. CNC West has been in publication since 1981, and while the content focuses on industry news and topics relevant to West Coast manufacturers, CNC machinists from all over the country enjoy reading and learning from the subjects covered.

Interested readers can access past issues of CNC West in a digital archive, read select articles online, or subscribe to an affordable yearly subscription. And certain qualifying companies receive the magazine for free!

Cutting Tool Engineering

Cutting Tool Engineering publishes a digital magazine once a month, which manufacturing professionals receive for free. A trusted resource since 1947, CTE covers a wide range of topics in the metalworking industry “including cutting and grinding operations, cutting/abrasive tools, metalworking fluids, the workpiece and work holders, tool holders, machine tools, software, controllers and more.” Cutting Tool Engineering also publishes online news articles, sends out a weekly email newsletter, and hosts webinars.

Machinist’s Workshop

Machinist’s Workshop is a bimonthly print magazine written for metalworking hobbyists. Machinist’s Workshop is a sister publication to The Home Shop Machinist, which is also geared toward hobbyists. Subscribers of either magazine gain access to a community forum. Machinist’s Workshop publishes shorter, simpler projects than The Home Shop Machinist, and includes articles on welding, gunsmithing, foundry, and fabrication – not just CNC machining.

Machinist’s Workshop is available at an affordable subscription price with 1, 2, and 3-year options. You can also order a “no-obligation” issue if you’d like to browse their magazine before committing to a purchase.

Modern Machine Shop

Modern Machine Shop, published by Gardner Business Media, Inc., is a monthly digital and print magazine intended to support decision-makers at manufacturing and machining companies. Producing content since 1928, MMS reports broadly on technology and machining trends in automotive, aerospace, medical, and other manufacturing industries. The latest issues of the Modern Machine Shop magazine include articles on hot topics like automation, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing. A focus on technology sets this publication apart from more project-focused magazines.

In addition to the magazine, MMS offers email newsletters, online articles, webinars, and even a podcast called “Made in the USA.” A subscription to Modern Machine Shop is free.

Production Machining

Along with Modern Machine Shop, Gardner Business Media publishes another free magazine called Production Machining – founded in 2001. This magazine has a narrower focus than MMS, written primarily for professionals in large-scale precision machining operations. Production Machining “covers advanced new technology, practices, and processes in the manufacture of precision machined parts in high volumes.” You can sign up to receive a digital and/or print magazine every month, register for webinars, or subscribe to email newsletters if you’d prefer more frequent content.

The Home Shop Machinist

A sister publication to Machinist’s Workshop, The Home Shop Machinist has been writing articles for hobbyists for over 40 years (founded in 1982). This practical magazine includes information about CNC machining as well as projects for both beginner and advanced metalworkers. Subscribers also gain access to community features including an online forum. Self-described as a “community-oriented magazine,” The Home Shop Machinist is written “for hobbyists, by hobbyists.”

The Home Shop Machinist is published on a bimonthly basis at an affordable price. If you’d like to try it out before committing to a year subscription, interested readers can sign up for a “no-obligation” issue.

More CNC Machining Resources

There is no shortage of resources for the CNC hobbyist or professional between publications like this list of magazines and other online content. If you enjoy learning from other machinists and industry experts, consider joining an online forum, finding engaging video content on YouTube, or browsing industry blog posts.

Machinists who have purchased equipment from CNC Masters should note that we provide ongoing support for as long as you own the machine! CNC Masters offers direct tech support by email or phone on any aspect of our CNC milling machines or CNC lathes – including mechanics, electronics, CAD/CAM software, and even your tool path program. You are welcome to call our office at (626) 932-9300 to inquire about any of our products – or simply send us an email with the questions you have, at sales@cncmasters.com. We look forward to helping you!