Should one choose a dedicated machine or some multi-function model? What can the performance be like? Can the machine justify its price? The underlying aspect of all these questions is the fact that the smaller guy most likely has a smaller budget and naturally fidgety. Commitment However, the first consideration when thinking of buying a CNC machine is a simple commitment. CNC machines have common characteristics: having axis which could be programmed towards a specific direction or motion. A CNC machine is more complex if it has more axes. This axes would determine the motion of the machine which is important in the manufacturing process. Additional features may be included in CNC woodworking equipments, like the automatic tool changer, spindle speed and the coolant. Why are CNC machines appealing? Here are several benefits of CNC technology. Mechanization of the processes Since the manual manufacturing process is replaced with automation, little supervision is needed from the operator. This would allow the operator to attend to other tasks. Mechanized processes would reduce product mistakes which are caused by human error brought about by fatigue or lack of skill. They include calculators for computing board feet, wood movements, wood selection, moisture content, drawer sizing, shelf sag rates, cost estimates, and many others downloadable for free. There are programs that create cut lists for doors, drawers, cabinets, furniture pieces, etc. There are many free design programs, too, for wood shops and cabinets, although there are not very many with regards to full-featured free CAD application. Your plan will be your instructions when building your equipment. If the plan is insufficient, then it is possible that the machine would not be able to provide for the woodworker s needs. Building your own CNC woodworking equipment like a router would surely require you to work hard and can be very difficult. In fact, as some enthusiasts cheerfully declare, the innovation only added to the fine quality and uniqueness of their creations. They are quick to add that their personal touches are all still there in their work, albeit done faster now than before. Where precise-fitting assemblies (dados, rabbets, inlays, arches, bas relief carvings) used to be difficult to produce using the traditional tools, CNC technology did all of them quickly and efficiently.