CNC Programming is one of the most effective ways that people are using today in order to cut metal and do other processes in manufacturing. There is a huge number of people who are doing CNC programing to make metals, foam and woodworking objects for a hobby. CNC has created a way for many people to manufacture or fabricate parts quickly and effortlessly.

Using computer for certain types of operations is what CNC is - to be more exact, a computer numerical control. This is a process that can be applied to lathe, router, foam cutters and laser machines; it can also be applied to mini versions of these types of machines.

The continuous path positioning and the point to point positioning are the two categories every CNC program will fall into. Usually a computer can execute both types of programming depending on the sophistication of the software program being used. In order to run the machine properly, the operator has to understand both of these processes completely.

Here is a simple explanation of these two categories:

When punching, tapping, boring or drilling is needed, we usually use point to point positioning category in CNC. This is a process used to position from one point to another when the machine process is being done. To tell it more bluntly, it will be instructed that it has to work through all positions continuously, and will stop only when the process is completed.

In case we use milling or lathe machine, then we need to use continuous path positioning category, which is needed for contouring. And this is simply another name that is used for the category. Since the cutting tool will move constantly through all points, without stopping, the piece will be completed in one move. It is necessary that the operator knows how to program the machine so it can continue to work on several axes in the sime time.

By understanding both processes the individual will be more successful in their work.

G Code Programming is one of the most effective ways that people are using today in order to cut metal and do other processes in manufacturing. Many hobbyists are using CNC programming to produce woodworking, metals and foam objects. CNC has created a way for many people to manufacture or fabricate parts quickly and effortlessly.

CNC stands for computer numerical control and is basically the use of a computer to do certain types of operations. This is a process that can be applied to lathe, router, foam cutters and laser machines; it can also be applied to mini versions of these types of machines.

There are basically two types of categories that CNC Programming will fall into point to point positioning or continuous path positioning. Usually a computer can execute both types of programming depending on the sophistication of the software program being used. This means that the operator must understand both processes in order to run the machine.

Here is a simple explanation of these two categories:

Point to point positioning — this category is mostly used when drilling, boring, punching or tapping is needed. This is a process used to position from one point to another when the machine process is being done. Saying this another way, the machine will do as its told and go to all of these positions that are programmed until it is completely done.

Continuous path positioning — this category is generally used when a lathe or milling machine is being used and is used for contouring (contouring is another name for this category). This means that the cutting tool moves in a continuous motion from one point to another until the piece is completed. This means that the operator has to be able to program the machine so that it continues on several axes at a time and simultaneously.

Continuous path positioning also uses a series of processes called interpolation which is the way in which the machine is programmed to go. Interpolation can be helical, parabolic, cubic, circular and more.  The basic function of this interpolation is to keep the programmed information stored and to monitor and direct the axes in how it should go.

Before any of the programming can be done there is a manuscript that is used which is the basic drawing of what is to be made. This must be studied to make sure that the operator understands the intricacies of the drawing so they can translate the information into the computer software they are using.

This means that the operator must be skilled enough to understand how the paper drawing will translate to the computer, and then be able to program this information into the computer so that the machine will perform the cuts or the processes accordingly.

When you think about this process, it is a good idea to think about what you would do if you were producing the work manually because anything you would do manually, you will depend on the machine to do automatically. By understanding CNC Programming the individual will be more successful.

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CNC Control Software is what any CNC machine uses to create the operations within the machine. Generally it is considered to be the “intelligence” that governs the type of operation performance or the overall capacities of the machine.  The software will be how the machine designs, cuts and operates the work that the operator programs into the computer.

CNC Software also uses electronic memory modules where information is automatically stored inside the CNC machine. In some case this information cannot be changed and in others, through the use of temporary memory, it can be changed.

Generally speaking the computer is very important to the process of the CNC software because the computer numerical controls are usually outside the machine on a small or large keyboard. The computer is offline when it is performing the programming of parts and the computer controls the other parts that are necessary to create the product, depending on the type of CNC in use.

There are four basic software types that CNC uses:

Manual G Code Programming 
Many of the larger commercial machines use and it is used for simple machine processes. The drawbacks of this type is that it takes a long time for someone to learn how to program G Codes and if you want to use more complicated machines, it is time consuming to learn how to use it. Because if these issues, many operators would rather not learn how to do this and

Offline CAM Programming
This type of programming can be done using a local PC and generally is available for larger machines as well as some of the smaller desktop CNC machines. This software can’t be used without a PC at the front end aspects of the machine. This software is also difficult to learn and takes a long time to completely understand for many people.

Conversational Programming
This type of programming is a better type of software program for the use of CNC because it is intuitive, which means it is simple to learn by the average computer person and it is similar to the programming in regular PCs. The reason this type was developed was so that it could do both simple and complex parts without having to take so long to learn.

Windows Based Programming
Many CNC Software programs are now Windows based which means it works through Windows XP or Windows VISTA. The operator can import CAM and CAD programs and it can import other types of software like dxf files depending on the type of machine being used.

Today all CNC programs go by a variety of names including MSHAK-CNC, ProtoTRAK or TRAK, and OpenCNC all with their unique way of approaching a CNC system.

Also the purpose of each software program is to make life easier for the operator and make the machine do what is required. Remember that the easier a software is for someone to use to program then you will use the machine more. The particular software has also been used with CAD and CAM systems which makes this easier for many operators.

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A mini CNC lathe is generally converted from a regular lathe when a hobbyist wants to experience a machine that can do twice the work they can do manually. Usually these are small machines that have a lot of power but that can sit on a desktop or workbench in the home.

There are certain people where starting with a CNC Mini Lathe is the perfect way to experiment with what these machines will do. The CNC mini lathes are good for metalworking in general and for making small parts that need to be made with precision. Generally speaking the individual starts with a CNC Mini Lathe that they buy and then convert it to do CNC.

Most mini-lathes are a smaller version of those used in commercial shops but they can be a different design than those that are made strictly for working with wood. The mini-lathe is able to shape plastics, woods and other materials. Since technology continues to evolve you will find that more and more manufacturers are making things readily convertable to CNC.

Mini lathes usually come in three sizes: 7×10, 7×12 and 7×14. Each one is measured by the length that length of the swing as it goes over the bed of the lathe. Today you can also find 9x models. The conversion of a general mini-lathe to include CNC has many benefits.

Sometimes when you get plans you will find that there are instructions for the process to be done via CNC or manually because some people may opt to use the by hand instructions for various parts of the process. At other times they may want to use CNC capabilities to produce repetitive pieces or ones that require a lot of time manually.

Converting to CNC also allows you to be able to produce both 2D and 3D contours which are unavailable when you are only working a CNC Mini Machine by hand. All you have to do is program the computer to create the part you need. You can use wood plastic or metal to make a mold and using the CNC portion you can produce a mold that you can use as many times as you want because it creates a perfect mold. You can do multiple holes drilling by creating the diameter of the whole and then programming it into the computer; from that point the CNC lathe does the work.

When converting to CNC Mini Lathe it will generally take one or two weekends to finish the conversion; however plans will vary depending on what you want your CNC mini-lathe to do. Sometimes you can find somepicutres with perfect step by step directions that are usually under one-hundred dollars.

To convert to CNC you will need to understand either CAD or CAM software because currently these are the types of software that is used in the CNC mini-lathe machines. Usually you can control the lathe right from your PC because the software is created to run in that way. Generally it seems that you can make this conversion for under $2000.

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Many people like to build their own CNC Routing because they like having something that functions that they have built by their own hands. There are many different ways that you can do this yourself if you would like to do it.

Some people like to bypass some of the making of the CNC Router and they do this by purchasing a kit. Kits are a good idea to get a start on what you want to do because they show you, step by step, how your machine will work. If you are a visual person who needs something to look at while you build, this will be a perfect way for you to start your do-it-yourself project.

Plans vary however so make sure that the plan you use has the information you need. As an example, some plans give you a brief idea of what you will be doing to create the plan. Others will give you full blueprints that will show you step by step what to do and what it should look like at every step of the way.

Some people prefer to just wing it and try their hand at the building of their own CNC Router. Sometimes you just need to know what kind of person you are so that if you need to have a plan then you can make sure you have one with you for this exercise. Either way you will have a finished product.

The greatest reason to build your own CNC Router is that you can get the parts for a fraction of what you would pay in the store.

Things to Think About when Making a CNC Router
When you first think about making your own CNC Router the first thing you will need to do is decide on a design. There are basically two types of designs that you will have to choose from. Either you want one with a stationary gantry and a mobile bed, or you want one with a mobile gantry and a stationary bed. Like anything there are pluses and minuses for all things.

Unless you have a smaller machine which may use a mobile bed, really the industry standard is a stationary bed. You will also need to decide on how large you want the cutting area to be which will be determined by the size of the material you will want to cut. This may change as you build and as you start looking for parts.

Another item to take into consideration is how big a machine you want. If your space is limited, you will have to consider how far you want your router to travel. This may mean that it just goes the length of the space. In any case you won’t want to have wasted space in the area where you are going to use your CNC Router .

One of your last and final steps is to determine what the tolerance is that you want from your machine. This will speak to the accuracy and the precision of the machine. Once you understand what you want, it’s time to look at the steps to building it which will be talked about in a different article.

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The CNC Mini Machine is actually a smaller CNC mill that has been adapted for the use of hobbyists. You always need to think about the space that you have for a CNC Machine and a CNC Mini Machine may be your best bet for good projects and it can still fit in your home workshop. Some people have been able to take a basic small mill machine and turn it into a CNC machine by adding the computer control panel; this is called a CNC conversion.

This machine is also called a table top CNC mill. The mini-mill also allows an individual who doesn’t have a lot of space to work within a chance to do so because they don’t take up as much space as the larger CNC mill.

CNC has been used in commercial shops over the last ten years or so because of their convenience and ability to allow the operator to get more work done. For hobbyists, the prices have come down and there are more opportunities for the hobbyist to use these machines; many already understand CNC from their jobs so it is easy to convert a smaller machine.

Usually when you go smaller with things they can sometimes loose the quality or precision but with mini cnc machines you don’t have to worry about this. These Mini Machines can really do a great job for cutting aluminum or for short finishing work. They also can cut steel because of the low-end torque they use.

Manufacturers like Haas and Syil make reliable CNC Mini Machine that fit on a desktop but have high capacity for work. These are usually bought as regular mills and then converted through the use of a kit into the CNC mill. There are some ways to convert these mills and usually you will find that is a pretty painless process that goes by quickly. Some conversion kits can show how to set up robotics as well.

The conversion process is much more cost effective according to those who have done it, than purchasing one out right. Buying plans and conversion kits can cost around $500 or less while buying a mini CNC machine can cost more than $2,000.

There are many advantages for hobbyists to use computerized programs for milling at home. Some of these include:

§ They can work more materials like soft waxes and hard steels and this allows them to experiment with materials they may not have used when they had to mill it by hand. They can also produce parts much faster than with regular milling machines.

§ This process allows them to work with more intricate patterns and produce higher precision components. This allows for more ideas to be produced.

§ The small CNC Mini Lathe can create smoother finishes on their projects and make for a better design.

There are a variety of projects that can be done with a CNC mini mill and may are being produced by a company called Sherline Products. On their website they show many projects from a mini-steam engine to a small hobby church that people can actually duplicate. These are some of the ways that a CNC mini-mill can be used. These projects can be seen by going to their website at http://sherline.com/CNCproj.htm.

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A CNC Foam cutter is a machine that cuts blocks of foam into a variety of different shapes and sizes through the use of a computer that fully automates the process. This process uses a hot wire to cut the block of foam so its known in the industry as a hot wire foam cutter.

Usually the wire is made from stainless steel, nichrome and the wire can be very thick. The wire is heated using a process called electrical resistance which means it gets hot enough (around 200 degrees centigrade) to vaporize the foam before the wire makes contact with it. This process creates a smoother cut and produces a variety of shapes and sizes.

Depending on the length of the wire, the process will cut a shallow or deep cut. As you can imagine it is not good when the wire sags so there are machines that are keeping this wire very tight when it makes the cuts. On many CNC Foam machines this wire is held vertically so that it doesn’t create the problem with sagging.

These shapes are cut by the cutting wire that is attached to the machine. They will cut either polystyrene or polyurethane blocks. The types of foam that a CNC foam cutter can cut include anything that is thermofusible and expanded. What this basically means is that the foam has to be able to melt at one of the lower temperatures. Some of them include:

§ Polystyrene — these are blocks of balls that are expanded.
§ Polystyrene — this is extruded foam and comes in a variety of colors that include green, pink, purple or gray and these are usually plates that are smooth.
§ Polymethacrylimide — a very expensive material and it is rigid foam with a low density.
§ Polypropylene — which is flexible and expanded and can be a solution to protection from shock.
Ployethylene — This is the type of foam that does not tear easily but are very flexible.

With the CNC Foam Cutter you can form a more prism like or tapered shape in the block of foam. A hot-wire that is under a high tension to cut the foam. There are two different types of components one is called a race that controls the tensin of the wire and the other are the stepper motors that work on precision and accuracy.

Some CNC foam cutters also offer different attachments like a lathe and this allows the machine to use either preformed or stretched wire. Also the machine is able to cut a variety of shapes including spirals or blocks of ornamental structure like balusters for stairways or planters.

There are a variety of uses for foam cutters that include making signage, model airplanes, protyping, lost foam cutting and more. The CNC Foam is a flexible machine and is only limited by the imagination.
Although many people prefer to purchase a CNC foam cutter there are also plans on the Internet that show how to make them inexpensively for hobbyists and others who are interested in working with foam.

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Home CNC DIY
Home DIY CNCers get into Computer Numerical Control for different reasons.  It really has a lot to offer as a hobby.  There are many challenges to it and that is what draws in many people.This is not a hobby to just pass the time with.  There is a result in mind.
Some people make it to CNC DIY through a side door.   They come from areas like Combat Robot and RC Modeling.  There are many small, precise parts in these hobbies, which CNC is perfect for.  There are also many enthusiasts that like to customize things so they need a way to make unique parts that they can’t get anywhere else.

Here are some traits that people into CNC Possess:
Electronics – There are many electronic components you can build yourself.  Do you like to solder together power supplies, cooling fans, drivers and processors? CNC would appeal to you.
Design – Do you like to think about things in your mind?  Then conceptualize them into a computer.  Do you have a little inventor inside of you trying to get out?You would probably like CNC.
Manufacture – Do you like to make things in a process fashion?  Step by step, process by process.  Do you like to optimize and test and make processes more efficient?You would probably like CNC.
End Design – Do you have a result or end design in mind?  This is what happened to me.  I knew where I was.I knew which direction I wanted to head.I then used Computer Numerical Control as a launching pad to get there.  If you have an end design in mind that is repetitive, then CNC would appeal to you.
Money – Do you like money?  Boy is that a question.  Many hobbyists get into CNC Machines to make some extra money or start their own business.  Yes, you can make parts and sell them.  Guess what, after you design the part, you never have to do that again.  You can just call up the program and make some more.  Months and years later…forever.  CNC appeals to people who want to make money.
Challenge of Building a Machine – Some people just get bored and want a project to work on.  Building a machine that does something appeals to them.  Think of the Model Builders, Woodworkers, Metal Workers and any other type of builder you know.Computer Numerical Control appeals to the engineering builders of the world.
The Entire CNC process – I fall strongly into this category.  I started into CNC because of a problem, but stayed because I love the whole process of it.I like creating different things.  I like to build things.  I like to make money.  I like the challenge.  I like the whole enchilada.  That is what I want to share with you.

What personal attributes will help you with CNC?
I get this question a lot.  How do I know if CNC is right for me?  Guess what, I have seen it all.  Many types of people show up in CNC.Here are some common talents in the cnc field.   

Computers – Do you like working with computers?  If you said yes then that will help you out.  CNC is really computer intensive work on the front end of the process.
Software – Can you learn multiple software packages?  If you said yes you probably have a flexible software mind.  That will come in handy.
Shop Skills – If you have skills in the shop, you will be ok.  It doesn’t really matter if it is metalworking, woodworking or anything else.  Being comfortable getting your hands dirty will help.
Engineering Mind – I usually think of this as a problem-solving mind.  Trying to isolate things and pin them down.  If a problem come up, you test different ways around it.  Keeping track of things will help.
Artistic Mind – Can you imagine things?Think of the parts and pieces you make.  Guess what, creating is very important.  Using you mind and thinking of unique possibilities will help.
Crafty Mind – I don’t mean in a devious way, more in a building way.  Can you take things apart and put them together in your head?  Can you see a finished product, and then back track the processes to make it?  You will be well served if you can play with things in your mind.

“Wait, wait, wait,” you might say.  “I don’t possess all these skills.”  You don’t have to.  Having some of these skills will only help you on your quest to learn CNC.  Again, I have seen all types of people get into and succeed in this field.Your entusiasm to learn cnc, then go out there and learn it will the main factor.

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When you are looking for CNC Mill machine parts and components there are a variety of places where you can find them. There are many Internet sites and the machines come in a variety of prices.

Depending on the type of CNC Mill machine you need the price can be steep but there are many small machines that can do the same job if you are looking at this as part of a small business or a hobby. Also, you can buy a machine to cut metal or wood, to do fancy scroll work or to do engraving on metals and other applications.

You can decide whether you will purchase a brand new machine or a used one. Most people do not suggest buying a used one because you aren’t sure what you are getting but buying other types of machines like CNC routers seem to be a good idea because of the cost.

All CNC Milling machines contain the following parts:

§ Axis — depending on the type of CNC milling machine it could have anywhere from one to six axis which will also determine the size and what it is supposed to do.

§ Column — the column is what travels along an axis that holds the part that mills or cuts.

§ Control panel — the part that holds the computer keyboard (sometimes small, other times large) where you program the G-Codes into the machine.

§ Cutting tool — the cutting tool is attached to the column and is the part that actually cuts the piece in the way that the operator specifies.

§ Spindle — the spindle holds the cutting tool in place.

§ Coolant supply tubes — these are the tubes where they coolant is pumped through in order to keep the metal cool and the cutting tool lubricated.

§ Table — the table is the area that the workpiece will be attached to either using a clamp or a vacuum. This is where the workpiece will sit while being milled.

There are several different types of CNC Mill machines that can be found and they are small or large depending on what they do. Here are a few:

Vertical CNC mills have a vertical spindle axis. This means that the cutters that do the milling are held vertically in the spindle and they rotate on the spindle’s axis. In this type you can extend the spindle or the table to make drilling or plunge cuts. Bed mills and Turret mills fall into this category.
Horizontal CNC mills have the same type of table as vertical CNC mills but their cutters are mounted on an arbor that sits across the table horizontally.

Hobbyists will most likely use a box mill which is mounted to a bench and basically moves up and down. The mills that have an x and y table where the mill moves up and down the column is called a knee mill. It can be adjusted with what is called a vertically adjustable knee. Many larger industries use the C-Frame mill because it is the most conducive for larger work. They are only vertically mobile and it used a fixed spindle head for that movement.

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If you have a wood shop this your would be crazy to not have a CNC wood router in your shop. The point of this router is that it uses a computer numeric control to cut the wood. This means that all you have to do is set it up and let it do the job. Usually these projects are easy to do if you understand the software.

Most CNC Router use a CAM program so that you can use it with different grains of woods and you can use many different types of woods. If you decide to purchase one of these, you really want to make sure you look around because there are manufacturers that have many different design and carry a lot of this item.

Generally, these types of machines can be used to do small or large projects depending on the size of the machine. The CNC wood router can use many different angles to operate together to cut whatever it is you want to cut.

Some of the uses that people have used a CNC wood router for include making furniture with intricate patterns and designs, curve and smooth corners on wood, make different designs in wood, or for cutting dados. The tool is very versatile and flexible.

It is easy to think of a CNC Wood Router as a tool that is only used for cutting and shaping but you can do so many things with it. In fact, you are only limited by your imagination as to what it does. When you gain skill at using the tool, you will find that it does many things and it saves you time and money.

There are a variety of projects that you can do with the CNC Routing . Here are a few ideas:

Making furniture — many people decide to use a CNC Routing to make a variety of furniture from tables to benches and chairs. They like to do elaborate patterns and designs into the wood and the router helps them do this easily. Many enjoy working with oak or wood for their materials.

Doll furniture - yes some children still play with doll houses and sometimes routers can be used to make doll houses depending on the bits that you use. This is an easy way to do something for your children and use your wood router too.

Toys — there are a variety of toy projects you can do with a CNC Wood router. Sometimes people don’t think about this part, but you can make board game pieces and even a full chess set if you would like. These projects are only limited by your imagination.

Radiator Covers — some people specialize in intricately cut wood pieces. Some people do a variety of radiator covers for homes that still have radiators. They do them in old fashioned designs like Old English, Vienna and others.

Wine Racks — if you are someone who has a wine cellar or just has a few bottles you want to sit somewhere try your hand at a wine rack. These are somewhat simple to create and your CNC Router can help you get it done quickly.

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