| CNC machines have revolutionized the entire | | | | available in a lathe. This is very useful when |
| manufacturing industry, no longer do you have to | | | | cutting wood. Most of these lathes will be able to |
| spend ages setting up a machine. A computer is | | | | operate in a number of different modes, from |
| able to control it for you. These CNC machines | | | | manual to CNC. This allows you to use the one |
| are often too expensive for private use, however | | | | machine in different ways. |
| it is possible to buy smaller machines at a fraction | | | | The best mills are thought to be Bridgeport |
| of the cost. | | | | machines. Many industries require mills, from small |
| How do CNC Machines Work | | | | shops to large businesses. Bridgeport mills are |
| CNC machines are used in a number of industrial | | | | very reliable and should last for a very long time. |
| applications, from metal fabrication businesses to | | | | These mills are however very expensive, and are |
| woodwork workshops. CNC routers can be used | | | | out of most people's reach! |
| in order to drill accurate holes. Some CNC | | | | CNC mills are specialist equipment, they use |
| machines are capable of a number of different | | | | robotics alongside computer programming in order |
| tasks as they can use different tools. These save | | | | to get accurate results. These are more accurate |
| a lot of time and are also very accurate. | | | | than a mere mortal could ever hope to achieve! |
| CNC actually means Computer Numerated | | | | Bridgeport mills are commonly used to |
| Control. This was developed in the 70's. Before | | | | manufacture parts for the airline industry as they |
| use the machines must be programmed, however | | | | are so accurate. The machines can change tools |
| once it's set up it can continue doing the same | | | | themselves so that they can do a number of |
| job all day long. The back stops and guides will | | | | different processes without having to move to |
| continually adjust themselves to each operation, | | | | different machines. |
| this means you do not need to continually adjust | | | | You can also purchase CNC engravers which can |
| the machine for each stage. | | | | engrave a number of different materials such as |
| CNC routers can be programmed using a | | | | stone, glass wood, metal and composites. |
| computer program to drill holes in specific locations | | | | Buying Used CNC Machines |
| without anybody having to do anything other than | | | | CNC machines are extremely expensive, |
| supervise the machine. You need someone to set | | | | especially if you buy brand new ones. This makes |
| up the machine, however after that you only | | | | it impossible for many people to afford them, |
| need someone to push buttons! These machines | | | | however you could consider buying used CNC |
| are great for jobs that are normally labor | | | | equipment. By buying these machines you can |
| intensive or require accuracy. | | | | normally save 50% or more on the price of a |
| Types of CNC Machines | | | | new machine. You must to be careful when you |
| CNC is a type of technology which is available in a | | | | are buying used machines, otherwise you could be |
| number of different machines. It is for example | | | | buying into trouble. |