CNC Woodworking: CNC Wood Lathe

Computer Numerical Control or CNC woodworking has drastically changed the manufacturing process. CNC woodworking refers to computer controlled and operated processes in making wood pieces like furniture, doors, cabinets, and similar items.

It is not just big companies and businesses that use CNC woodworking. Hobbyists and small scale businessmen are taking advantage of automated manufacturing process. They could make their own CNC machines since there are automated routers which can be purchased for lower prices and there are also do-it-yourself kits available.

Aside from CNC wood routers, an equipment which is frequently used for cutting designs, there are also CNC wood lathes. Since CNC machines are computer controlled, the number of turns the CNC wood lathe makes to create wood pieces would be based on what is specified on the program or software. CNC wood lathes can be used for projects like star rails, mouldings, table legs, and other spindle designs. CNC wood lathes could be used almost every kind of wood. It could also be used for aluminium and brass materials.

If you are a hobbyist, you do not have to worry about the size of the equipment, since the CNC wood lathes are available in different sizes. If you are a small hobbyist, then there are portable models which can be easily mounted on a table or a countertop. The size would be based on the amount of work you will be putting on the machine and kinds of wood pieces you will be making.

Since CNC lathes would turn or spin, it is important to follow safety rules when using it. Avoid wearing loose-sleeved shirts, watches, bracelets or anything that the rotating CNC lathe may catch. It is essential to wear safety goggles to protect the eyes and earplugs to protect the eardrums. When using a certain program or software for the first time, then it would be better to have a dry-run first. During the dry-run, observe the movement of the head which is still part of the safety precaution you need to take.

Before, it is important to be completely skilled before you could successfully use a wood lathe. But with the development of technology and better design programs, you could create beautiful furniture designs and program it in the controller and the CNC wood lathe.

A great feature of a CNC wood lathe would be dust collector. This ensures that the dust would be kept out of the way while the CNC lathe is working. Even though wood lathes would vary on the sizes and models, basically they operate in the same way.

Since CNC machines are computer operated, they could perform different functions. The CNC wood lathe could design, cut and perform other functions in detail. Since it is accurate and precise, it is easy for the machine to replicate a certain design in a shorter period of time compared with manual production. Therefore, if you are using CNC woodworking, specifically the wood lathe for commercial purposes, it would ensure you more wood pieces and products. Its ability to duplicate quality can also help in increasing customer satisfaction and sales.