CNC lathes can be programmed by the user. The computer takes the design information and moves the lathe accordingly as it follows the design embedded in the programmed data. How it works CNC lathes can do many different kinds of work, with turning as the most common. Turning is working on a piece that is turning at high speed while a removable machine tool cuts away extraneous materials from that piece. 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. There might be tool changes, or placement of new raw material and such, but everything is done by the CNC machine. On average, these machines have stronger engines than the manual ones. They are also more rigid, a quality that makes for more accurate cuts and drills (precision is as close as 0.0001 of an inch). Wood workers and customers are looking for CNC machines that has greater speed, enhanced tool changing, more flexible, higher value and can combine several functions. In fact, customers are looking for CNC machines that are more complex, since they would be able to perform more functions. For example, CNC routers should be able to do both vertical and horizontal drilling and could cut. It was only a matter of time when software programs like CNC and ShopBots would dominate the manual-driven industry of woodworking. What is CNC? What is ShopBot? CNC is short for Computer Numerical Control which is a method widely employed in modern woodworking business (and related production work) where a computer program controls the action of the machines used in all the work aspects. Some CNC machines also have built-in design programs where the programmers (who are mostly the woodworkers and artisans themselves) can make changes on the fly. Today, aside from furniture and millwork companies, master craftsmen and amateurs are all embracing the CNC technology. Advantages One of the big reasons for adopting CNC into their craft is the fact that the technology affords so many possibilities and advantages without doing harm to the authenticity of their work.