Last year, we purchased a CNC machine to make a variety of new products for our customers.
What is a CNC machine?
A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a sophisticated tool used in manufacturing and fabrication processes. Unlike traditional machines operated manually by humans, a CNC machine is controlled by a computer program that precisely guides its movements. The machine works by interpreting digital instructions from a computer-aided design (CAD) file. The computerized control system translates these instructions into precise movements of the machine's cutting or shaping tools.
In layman's terms, we create a design on the computer, transfer the file to the machine and it will make cut outs into wood in impressive detail.
Sounds easy, right?
Utilizing a CNC machine is not an impossible process, but it does require patience and many episodes of trial and error to learn how to use this machine effectively. I gave up. I wanted to take a loss on it and sell the machine last summer. Luckily for everyone, my son developed an interest in the creative functions that this machine could produce. He worked hard to learn how to create the images on the computer. He then discovered how to translate the creative idea into the precise instructions for the machine to produce the desired results.
Here are a few custom orders that we completed using this new tool:
All of the custom pieces above were created from wood cut and dried on our farm.
Here are a few projects that we are currently working on:
We are still learning about all of the various functions that this machine can perform but we are excited to utilize our son's creativity and bring new products to our customers.
kids are so much better with any computer problem than us “oldies” lol