A lot of people may be confused as to the differences of CNC machining and 3d printing. Although both may get the same result depending on the material and the complexity of the project, the two different types of manufacturing are in fact quite different.

Above you will see a cool video on the 3d printing process including the use of a scanner to even ‘scan’ a product beforehand. Typically both a 3d printer and a cnc machine will need a file to work off of.

What happens is that you yourself can make a 3d file or you can (now and in future) get a 3d file pre-made and import it into your 3d printing program. This program then simulates the build and sends the information to the actual 3d printing machine.

What happens typically is that a 3d printing machine will build up a product from the bottom up. This happens in layers, so as each layer moves up – the material from the machine gets set and stays in place to build a design or product up layer by layer.

Now the quality of the 3d printed object really depends on the resolution of the machine. So the thinner each layer is, the better surface quality the final product is going to have. The rougher the resolution, the rougher the surface finish will be. From my experience outsourcing 3d printing, it is ALWAYS best to get a better resolution to stop you having to finish off the product after it has printed – especially with smaller objects that need to be printed.

CNC machines

A cnc machine is a lot different to a 3d printing machine, first of all, it doesn’t print, it routs out material to create an object. So with a 3d printing machine, you start with no material and add material layer by layer to form an object, while cnc takes a piece of material and works backwards and ‘carves’ out an object.

CNC is typically used for larger objects. This is because drill parts are larger – so they just aren’t small enough to create intricate parts like fine jewelry. Now also with cnc – there are different kinds of cnc cutting or manufacturing. Waterjets, laser cutting, plasma cutting and regular routing with drill pieces each have their own pluses and minuses.

The good thing about cnc cutting or routing is that it is still highly accurate, but needs to be done on a higher scale. For example: Using a cnc machine to cut shapes of aluminum for a kit-set boat as opposed to a plastic miniature chair.

In terms of machines, we have looked at many in the past here, here and here.

So in conclusion – for smaller objects that don’t need a lot of strength –  a 3d printer is fine. But once you start needing larger objects and you want to work with tougher material like steel or aluminum, then you’re going to need a heavy duty cnc machine.

Also remember that with compound surfaces, 3d printing has a big leg up and the detail can  be amazing. Unless you have a 5 axis cnc machine, then you just can’t make complex shapes without having to take out your working block and re-positioning it for a 3 axis cnc milling machine.

What are you more excited about? CNC machines or 3d printers? Leave your comments below!

1. First of all I’m going to lay down a crowd favorite – SolidWorks

SolidWorks has been around for a long time, and thus has been refined over the years.  With an app for the iPad now and countless options for exporting, this is a very versatile and highly powerful tool for 3d modeling.

2. A cheap but good one  - Cobalt

Cobalt has also been around for a while and is available on both the PC and Mac platforms. It’s licenses are far less expensive than others but offer 3d modeling, rendering and videos all in one.

3. Pro Engineer

Pro Engineer is an old one and is a massive heavy weight. Very stable even working on detailed projects with a lot of different objects. This one has pretty much every export option known to man and is a great choice for people that can afford it.

4. AutoCAD’s 3D package

This one comes with AutoCAD, while not the best modeling tool out there, the integration with AutoCAD makes this a valuable, but useful add-on for basic modeling. I love drafting in AutoCAD and definitely recommend it as the best drafting package out there.

5. Inventor

Inventor mixed with AutoCAD is a dream marriage. Inventor is a powerful and versatile 3d parametric modeling program. It’s integration with AutoCAD and it’s paper views makes it so you can still keep to your company’s drawing standards when printing off 2d working drawings.

6. Rhinoceros

Rhino is a great software package that is also very powerful. It’s add-ons for rendering also make for a tidy overall package. Rhino is also cheaper than SolidWorks, but has some very slick features such as sheet nesting.

7. Specialized software

There is specialized software within every niche to get the job done even more specifically. In the marine industry it can be programs such as MaxSurf or Ship Constructor.

For engineering, it could be Autodesk’s customized AutoCAD Mechanical programs. There are always different options aside from the mainstream that may have benefits that suit your unique niche.

Remember that this is just a very quick and general overview. What can you find that works best for your parametric modeling needs?

I’ve done the research and will hopefully help you choose the right router and brand for you to check out. Obviously every application is different, so it is up to you to choose something that best suits your budget.

It is hard for me to tell you which single cnc machine is good for you, but I have had a good look around at all the different wood cnc routers, and below are what I think are some brands worth checking out:

Thermwood – Has a mix of both 3 axis and 5 axis cnc wood routers for sale. As of the beginning of 1012, they have 15 different types of 3 axis routers and 3 different types of 5 axis cnc routers.

K2 CNC – Based in the U.S. They have a good mix between smaller routers and much larger scale industrial sized routers. Around 15-20 routers available here to look through.

Shop Sabre – They have 5 routers to choose from, with each machine coming with a solid cnc controller and made from quality materials, such as steel for the framework as opposed to extruded aluminum.

ShopBot – At least half a dozen solid cnc wood routers here. Definitely worth checking out their site, as the graphics are pretty cool and the site is well layed out.

Of course the manufacturers/brands mentioned above do a lot of large scale stuff, so for smaller cnc routers for wood or smaller non cnc machines, I would recommend also looking at these brands:

-Grizzly

-Proxxon

-Jet

-Shop Fox

Saving by buying used

What you could do to save money is to look at buying a used machine. Used cnc wood routers will save you a ton of money, as the machine will cost less and may come in a really good condition.

Be sure to check out just what kind of software the machine will come with. If it comes with cad/cam software, then that will save you a lot of money too. For used wood routers, I would try the cnczone.com forum. There is an active community there where you could go and post what you might want.

Remember that a new machine may come with new cam software. Of course, with a used machine, it will be hard because you will not get extra training. So make sure you pick a used machine that has software that you can use easily or over-write easily.

First of all, there are many different materials out there that can be hand engraved. Each requiring a different type of tool. This guide will focus on two main types of material: metal and wood.

Metal engraving hand tools

Having the right hand engraving tools for metal is crucial. I suggest using a quality variable speed dremel. This will allow you to engrave slower or faster, depending on the type of design. A good dremel should come with a variety of attachments for different widths and depths of engraving. With different tool sets, you can also engrave steel and wood. Below are some that have reviewed well and are perfect hand engraving tools for metal. Check out the two sets below:

Dremel 300-1/24 300 Series Variable-Speed Rotary Tool Kit

Dremel 300-2/28 300 Series Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit

The above represents exactly what you need, with multiple tools as well as a solid variable speed. A dremel is the hallmark of a real DIYer alongside his or her other engraving hand tools, and one you should consider to have in your arsenal all the time. Make sure you take good care of your dremel to avoid metal or dust getting into your hand metal engraving tools.

Wood engraving hand tools

Wood engraving hand tools for sale are hard to come by. It is always worth splashing out a bit more on a good set. You will need a dremel like the one above for taking out larger areas of space. You will also need some handheld engraving tools. This includes larger wood carving chisels or smaller more precise chisels for applications like print-making.

Below are some of my favorites for getting the job done:

SE 8″ – 12 Pc Professional Wood Carving Chisels

SE 16 Pc Professional Wood Carving Chisels with Cloth Pouch

TD Industrial 12 Pc Wood Carving Woodworking Chisel Set Hand Tool

For precision engraving work, check out this set from Xacto:

Xacto X5175 Deluxe Woodcarving Set

There aren’t that many of these kits around. The best cnc router kits I have seen that have reviewed really well and are a good price are the Zen Toolworks CNC kits. There is a 7 x 7 inch one here and a 12 x 12 model here. These are both well under $1,000, with the 12 x 12 model being only $700 regularly, but it is cheaper if you buy from Amazon.

Also with the above cnc router kits from Zen Toolworks, you will need to get a 3 Axis Stepper Motor Driver to manage each motor, DC power supply(for the driver) and a spindle/cutter (a Dremel would work).

You will also need to have a computer that has the right ports to connect up the machine and your own cnc software. Cnc software can be expensive and cost much more than your machine, so please be aware of this. Add on top of this, cad software as well, and it starts to get very expensive.

K2 CNC – Kt1414 Desk Top CNC Router Machine Frame Only 14″x14″ – CNC Ready – For DIY

Also another model that offers a 14 x 14 inch bed size is from K2. This diy cnc router kit is also a solid option, coming from a reputable brand. Be aware that the above is the frame only, and you will need to look into what else you may need, such as the bed for cnc, router bits and a possible enclosure if desired.

You may also need to look into the ‘Z’ direction travel limits for each machine. Some of these are rather low profile and do not have a lot of travel. This is the trade off for having a smaller machine, so you win some and you loose some.

Extra Tips

Here are some extra tips when you are thinking of any of the above or other cnc router kit option.

1. You can consider buying used, that way you will not have to assemble anything and may save on the total cost.

2. Look at free software to save on costs. Inkscape is a great piece of software that allows you to create vector based files for free, as the program is free (open source software – gotta love it).

3. Make sure you have the right extra parts. A lot of diy cnc router kits lack a motor or spindle/cutter. This will add to your overall costs.

4. Think about outsourcing if it is only a one off job. You can get some great companies that will do routing cheap, especially if outsourcing to places like China. I highly recommend manufacturing in China to see what offers there are for you.

My experience, as well as a few others I know, was with a company called GL Model which is based in Shenzhen. I used them for cnc of plastic parts and they had almost every finish available under the sun. They even sent me samples of finishes and it all ended up being a lot cheaper and faster (including courier) than if I would have done it locally back in New Zealand.

5. Check out our diy cnc machine resources page for more tips on where to get diy cnc router plans to build something from scratch.

So you are looking for the best computerized engraving machine for your next project? Well there are some solid opportunities out there for getting a great computerized engraving machine.

A lot of computerized engraving machines are simply called cnc machines and can be split up into two main categories.

1. 3 axis cnc machines

2. 5 axis computer engraving machine

What to look for in a good computer engraving machine

Obviously this comes down to just how much work and time you are prepared to get attuned to a new machine.

A lot of cnc engraving machines come with cnc software or cam software where you may have to be trained especially for. A lot of companies add in an extra price for someone to come and train up your cnc technician. Bear in mind that this takes time and you will need to spend money on  this.

The other thing that you should consider is just how expensive the cad/cam programs will cost you. A single licence for a good cad/cam program such as Solidworks is going to set you back a lot of money, as much as $10,000 or more sometimes depending on extra packages and the grade of cad package you may need. With engraving only, it can be cheaper, as you may only need a 2d vector based program such as AutoCAD.

The other thing to look for aside from costs, is how well the machine will do your task. You may need more precision based tooling or different router tool bits to ensure the engraving is up to par with the original design. You will also need things such as the right vise as well as a possible enclosure.

Best 3 axis computerized engraver

Below is probably the best reviewed computerized engraving machine. It is a Grizzly, which means it is a solid brand that has been around for a long time. Definitely worth checking out:

Grizzly G0499 10″ X 54″ 3-Axis CNC Milling Machine

The only problem with the above Grizzly is that it is only available in the U.S. in terms of training. When you purchase the machine, you will probably have to pay a fee to get trained in cnc to make sure the machine can be used properly with the included cnc software.  This machine should take care of your wood, metal and plastic engraving easily, so acts as a wood and plastic engraving machine too.

Best 5 axis computer engraving machine

Computer engraving machines that have 5 axis capabilities start getting really expensive, and start getting industrial sized. A good way to save money here is to possibly go with used engraving machines. You might be able to buy used to save on hardware and software costs and save your practice a lot of money.

I would check out Gravograph first, or head on over to the cnczone forum to see what people there might say.

In my experience, it really doepends on your own personal needs in terms of what you will be using the cnc machine for. Check out the links above and go from there, or feel free to contact. Good luck!

New Machines

There are many different manufacturers out there. Some of my favorite are the ones that have been around a long time. I would definitely recommend brands like Shop Fox,  Jet, Grizzly and Gravograph.

Of course, it all depends on what your specific applications are. The biggest  thing to look for is whether or not the machine itself is a 3 or 5 axis cnc machine for sale.

The best wood cnc machine for sale:

CarveWright N01 Woodworking System

This is an awesome system from CarveWright for cnc machining of wood. I highly recommend it, and it comes with an enclosure to make sure no dangerous chunks of material fly out.

The best mini cnc milling machine for sale:

Although not cnc, these two machines I would highly recommend and come from two reputable brands, Shop Fox and Grizzly. These machines are small enough to be moved and stowed away while not in use, but have the right rpm for a good range of projects. This makes for a great alternative for a small cnc milling machine for sale for use on a benchtop. Check them out below:

Grizzly G8689 Mini Milling Machine

SHOP FOX M1036 Micro Milling Machine

Top 3 axis mill:

Grizzly G0499 10″ X 54″ 3-Axis CNC Milling Machine

Top 5 axis cnc milling machine for sale:

It can be hard to find a cheaper 5 axis machine that is cnc on sale. You could hunt around the used market and try to pick up a used 5 axis cnc machine for sale, but it could be tough going depending on your current location.

I would recommend looking into these top brands that have 5 axis cnc machines available:

1. Shop Fox

2. Bolton

3. Jet

Used CNC Machines

Buying a used cnc milling machine for sale is a great way to save on cost. There are however a few downers here. First of all, you may not be very familiar with the cnc software.

When buying a new machine, a lot of the time, there will be an extra charge and someone will come to you and teach you how to use the software. You will not be able to get this offer, unless the previous owner gives you a few pointers or you have the right experience with the machine’s specific software.

Another potential downside is upgrading and keeping the machine in shape. Depending on the wear and tear, some parts may need to be changed.

Also, upgrading software can get really expensive on a used cnc machine for sale. Software costs for cad/cam software as discussed in previous articles are really expensive and will present a bit of a budget problem if you want to keep up to date. The latest cad/cam software packages go into the five figure mark (over $10,000).

Of course, there is the upside to getting a used machine on sale. You will save a lot of money upfront and you may be able to get a great deal and something that is closer in location to you. You will save on extra tax and delivery costs.

Here’s how the guide will be split up:

1.  What is laser cutting?

2.  What laser cutting equipment should you get?

3.  How to outsource your laser cutting

4.  What is the best cnc laser cutting machine?

First off, what is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is where you use a laser to cut, etch or engrave something. It is typically seen in the manufacturing industry, but have been seen used in other industries, such as the jewelry and trophy industries as well as a lot for vinyl cutting and laser cutting fabric.

The benefits over regular routing with a drill piece is that a laser will provide a high quality surface finish (due to no wear on the laser compared to the cutting edge of a drill piece). This is important with vinyl cutting. Lasers can also be used to make complicated shapes and can be used to laser cut/ etch things both large and small.

There are three main lasing materials which are CO2, Nd and Nd-YAG. Each has its own application:

CO2 – Used more for boring, cutting, etching and engraving

Nd – Used a lot for boring due to its high-energy pulses and low repetition speed

Nd-YAG – Used for boring, engraving and trimming and has higher energy pulses than Nd lasing.

What laser cutting equipment should you get?

Well that depends on your usage and budget parameters. There are three types of machines:

1. Moving Material systems – stationary cutting head (the material below moves instead)

2.  Hybrid systems – both the cutting head and the table move

3.  Flying Optics systems – stationary table, but a moving cutting head

So you will see that each machine works in a slightly different way, with some being more appropriate than others. You need to figure out exactly what you will need and what will best suit your design needs.

Remember that on top of purchasing the machine, you will need things like a good cad and cam program. You will also need training in using the laser metal cutting machine and the appropriate cam software.

Software such as AutoCAD, MasterCAM or SolidWorks does not come cheap and can cost upwards of 5 figures easy just for a licence or seat for any of these cad/cam programs. You will also have to factor in maintenance on the machine and software updates, then it all starts getting costly.

So another option you could look at, and one that I recommend for the more one off job is to outsource the laser cut project.

How to outsource your laser cutting

Outsourcing your laser cutting is a great idea and as discussed before, laser cutting systems can be expensive. For jobs like paper laser cutting or plastic laser cutting, then a great option is to outsource. While this may be daunting, if you follow some of the tips below, you should be fine.

1. Communicate clearly. Make sure you have the right cad file set up and to the right scale. Also make sure you have the right layers for AutoCAD or other cad programs sorted. Some cnc laser companies require certain things to be in certain layers. Call ahead to determine how they want your cad file to be set up.

2. Make sure you have the final delivery date sorted in advance. You will need to get in early to avoid long lead times and production times.

3. Discuss surface finish. I have had a few disasters where I did not get the finish of the product down in writing. Make sure you know exactly what you will be getting and get it down in writing.

While a cnc technician or company may have done a great job in the past with their examples, a lot of the time, your project is different. Because your project is different, it will always present some sort of new challenge, which they can use as an excuse to not provide the finish you will be looking for.

4. Always check in periodically or split the task up into smaller chunks. That way a contractor may only stuff up a small piece of your lasers cutting project as opposed to doing a lot of damage if left unsupervised for the first time. Regular reporting and quality assurance is key to a great project.

Another option is to do the diy laser cutter route to save money. There are many guides online for this, but unfortunately I can not help you out on this particular topic. You should be able to build a quality laser wood cutting machine or etching machine with the right plans and most importantly, the right amount of time.

What is the best cnc laser cutting machine?

Laser cutting machines or have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are not outsourcing and really want to get a good machine, check out some of the machines below:

Solo Desktop 40Watt CO2 Laser Cutting Machine (Pro). Support Mach3 & KCam.

Professional 60W CO2 Laser Engraving/Cutter machine with DSP Controller.

CarveWright N01 Woodworking System

The above are slightly smaller machines, but are a good start. For larger, more industrial cnc machines, be sure to check out some of the more well known laser cutting systems brands, such as Epilog, Kern and Universal laser systems. Good luck!

Are you looking at getting an engraving pantograph machine or would like to learn more about the engraving pantograph process? Well do read on as I explain this rather cool process that has been around for a long time.

How an engraving pantograph works

A pantograph uses two pens originally. It has one pen and another joined together, so when one person traces an image with one pen, it produces an identical movement for the second pen. This is usually an enlarged version of the original image.

An engraving pantograph uses this sort of system. Instead of drawing with a pen. An engraving may be traced and then enlarged using a pantograph system. It can also be traced and the image kept thee same size to produce a perfect duplicate.

Where to get a pantograph engraving machine

I would love to give you a whole bunch of options, but after doing a lot of searching around, there only seemed to be one brand that stands out from any others. I would go with a brand called Gravograph.

Gravograph have a few solid pantograph engraving machines and they are probably the most reputable brand in this area and has been around for decades. Their IM3 and their TXL is probably your best bet and comes with 25 engraving ratios starting from 2:1 to 7:1.

What to look for in a great pantograph engraving machine?

Well finding the right machine can be tough, which is why I recommended going with Gravograph in the previous paragraph. First up would always be cost. Finding a great pantograph engraving machine for sale can be a bit of a challenge.

Of course, because there are not a lot of options out there, which means you will have little to decide from.

To be honest, the pantograph engraving technique is good, but it just seems a bit old school to me.

I recommend going with change and embracing new technology out there. Get used to cad/cam programs and different 3/5 axis cnc machines, as this seems to be the way of the future right now.

Below is my guide on what to look for and what to buy when you are on the hunt for a mini cnc milling machine.

What is a mini cnc milling machine and what can I do with one?

Well that all depends on your project scope exactly. A good mini milling machine should be portable and be relatively inexpensive. The machine itself should be under the $1,000 mark easily. The biggest factor that will drive up the price is the cnc counterpart. A good cam program will set you back up to and over $10,000 for a single licence or seat with a program like MasterCAM or HyperMill.

A good mini cnc milling machine will be able to mill down to a very low tolerence. Sometimes even down to a quarter of a mm. Of course, this depends on the size, cost and the material being used to cnc mill with.

What’s the best mini cnc milling machine for sale?

Well there are some top brands out there that I would definitely recommend. Grizzly, Shop Fox, Sherline and Proxxon have great micro and mini mills. It is worth checking out all these companies first. Below are some of my favorites that have reviewed well. Click below for more information on each mill.

Grizzly G8689 Mini Milling Machine

SHOP FOX M1036 Micro Milling Machine

Proxxon 37110 Micro Mill MF 70

If you want something that is non-cnc too, you can still check out the above. With something that is more on the cnc side, I would definitely recommend checking out Sherline’s site. Of course, on top of your mills, you can also get mini lathes too, so bear that in mind when you are going to choose the right machine for the job.

Another idea that you could look at is getting a used or refurbished machine to save on costs. Or you can look at outsourcing the work. I recommend looking abroad for your outsourcing needs to save money, but it really is up to you and what your needs are and what you can get locally in terms of a good price and quality cnc work.

For further information, check out some of our articles on cnc programming as well as other cnc techniques such as engraving and laser etching. If you have a strong background in cnc or cad/cam, then you should be able to make a solid, informed decision on your next mini milling machine cnc.