| CNC machines are used in a variety of | | | | |
| industrial settings and in woodworking shops. | | | | A Bridgeport mill is the best in milling |
| Most are out of the price range for the | | | | technology. Mills are used in many |
| individual user, but can be purchased used | | | | industries, both large and small shops. They |
| for about half the price. These machines | | | | are efficient and reliable. Bridgeport mills |
| increase speed and accuracy when doing large | | | | are built to last a lifetime. However, they |
| jobs or repetitive tasks. | | | | are very expensive. The price is out of the |
| | | | range that most people can afford. |
| How CNC Machines Work | | | | |
| | | | The CNC mill is a specialty piece of |
| ? | | | | equipment. It uses computer programming and |
| | | | robotics for accurate operation. The results |
| CNC machines are used in a variety of | | | | are more accurate than any person could ever |
| industry, manufacturing processes and | | | | achieve. For this reason, Bridgeport mills |
| woodworking shops. CNC routers are used for | | | | are often used in the airline industry. Once |
| drilling holes. Some machines have the | | | | the specs are entered, the CNC decides which |
| capability of holding several tools. This | | | | tools need to be used and automatically |
| allows them to perform more than one | | | | changes the tools as needed. |
| operation at a time. They save time and | | | | |
| improve accuracy. | | | | Engraving equipment is made to engrave a |
| | | | variety of materials including glass, stone, |
| CNC stands for Computer Numerated Control. | | | | metal, wood, composites and many others. The |
| This technology was first seen in the 1970s. | | | | machines mark and engrave with more accuracy |
| The machines need to be programmed and set up | | | | than could ever be achieved by hand. |
| properly before operation. Once the initial | | | | Everything from large signs to small |
| set up is completed, they are fairly easy to | | | | lettering can be done, depending on your |
| operate and keep running. | | | | needs. |
| | | | |
| In CNC routers, they can be programmed to | | | | ? |
| drill holes in an automatic fashion. This is | | | | |
| faster and more accurate over several pieces | | | | Buying Used units |
| than in manual drilling. The results are more | | | | |
| uniform. This method is very beneficial for | | | | ? |
| larger jobs that require a lot of drilling. | | | | |
| Manual drilling can become tiring and when | | | | CNC equipment is very expensive and out of |
| the operator becomes tired, the results can | | | | the price range of most people. Buying used |
| become inconsistent. | | | | CNC electronics is an affordable option for |
| | | | some people. You can save nearly 50% or more |
| ? | | | | on some equipment. Be careful when buying |
| | | | used, you want to be sure the equipment is in |
| Types of CNC Machines | | | | good condition. |
| | | | |
| ? | | | | A better option is to look for refurbished |
| | | | equipment. These machines have been inspected |
| A CNC lathe is a good piece of equipment for | | | | at the factory. Any broken or damaged |
| cutting wood. These come in models ranging | | | | components are replaced. In many cases, the |
| from fifteen to forty horsepower. The amount | | | | machine is painted and new decals are |
| of power you need depends on the amount of | | | | applied. It?s like getting a new machine for |
| wood you will use with the lathe. The best | | | | a significantly reduced price. Often, you |
| models operate in several different modes, | | | | will get a one year warranty with |
| from completely manual to all CNC. This | | | | reconditioned equipment. This gives you time |
| allows you to tailor the machine?s operation | | | | to be sure it is working properly and if not, |
| for each project. | | | | you can get it fixed for free. |