Once upon a time, the one machine no woodworking shop could be without was the table saw. There still are a lot of table saws in a lot of shops, but it’s also true that many of them are just gathering dust, having been largely supplanted with modern CNC technology. At some point, it is not unreasonable to believe that CNC machines will be as ubiquitous as table saws once were.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the latest CNC technology, including both machines and some of the important accessories or support equipment necessary to keep them running at optimum efficiency. 

CNC precision for boring and drilling operations
Castaly Machine offers the BR-9622 CNC-1S for boring and drilling operations. The unit is a 96-inch x 3-inch CNC machine designed to handle boring, drilling, glue injection, and dowel insertion. It features servo motor drives, automatic glue cleaning, and a user-friendly touch screen. Castaly says the machine is designed to ensures precision and efficiency for mass production. The company also suggests shops can use the machine to enhance operations with the machine’s advanced technology and built-in reliability.

Learn more at castaly-cncmachine.com.

 

Automate inspection for doors and panels
Successful CNC automation isn’t just about machining parts. It’s about optimizing all the processes in production. Doucet offers the DTF-360 Door & Panel Flipper Inspection Station. The unit is a roller conveyor integrated with a gripper system that allows the operator to rotate and stop the product at the desired angle for inspecting, cleaning, sanding or repair. A two-handed activation device allows the operator to rotate the door or panel on both sides. Once the operation is complete, the same activation device allows the door to be lowered onto the roller conveyor to process the next door.

Learn more at doucetinc.com.

 

Three-axis CNC built for the long haul
Anyone that operates a CNC machine knows how important a sturdy, rigid frame is to accurate and consistent machining. Thermwood offers the Model 43 CNC router, which is made from fully stress-relieved structured steel. The machine also boasts multiple quality features such as full stress-relieved weldments, high-end Siemens drives throughout, THK rails and three-dimensional volumetric position compensation. Thermwood says all of these features are designed to boost accuracy, reliability, and longevity of the machine.

Learn more at thermwood.com.

 

Bringing back a popular CNC router
Techno says their LC Series CNC Router was engineered to provide high quality and reliable performance, at an “LC” (Low-Cost) price, backed by superb customer service and support. Thousands of the machines were sold worldwide over the years, and the company said their customers enjoyed the precision and reliability of the older LC Series model. But the machine was discontinued a few years ago. Still Techno customers have been requesting the company bring it back. The company took what it considers a legendary machine, and added new modern technology and features. This new generation LC Series is designed to live up to the reputation of its predecessor. It comes with an automatic tool changer (ATC) spindle and other features for a basic cost of $35,000.

To learn more, visit technocnc.com.

 

Control retrofits extend the life of CNC machines
Technology keeps changing at an amazing pace, and that means any new technology can become obsolete fast, including woodworking CNC routers. MachMotion says it can give new life to CNC machines by adding new controllers, electrical panels, wiring, and other upgrades. Control upgrades can be done at a fraction of the cost of a new machine. That enables you to keep the machine you’re familiar with, while enjoying the technology of a new machine. Upgrading CNC controls also can improve performance, enhance productivity, and maximize ROI, the company adds.

Learn more at machmotion.com.

 

CNC router vacuum cups offer secure hold-down
Secure work holding is crucial to successful CNC machining. Better Vacuum Cups offers vacuum cups for all types of CNC routers. With the company’s patented design, operators can rout into the vacuum cup without sacrificing the rubber top. Pod and rail vacuum cups come in a variety of sizes to suit the brand of router. Other cups, including double-sided cup packages, are also available.

Learn more at greenbvc.com.

 

3-axis machining center handles wide variety of materials
Anderson America offers the Stratos Series of traveling gantry 3-axis machining centers. The machines can process a wide variety of materials, including MDF, plywood, solid wood, plastic, solid surface, and honeycomb aluminum. The Stratos Pro features 4 vacuum zones, 3900mm X-axis stroke, 2180mm Y-axis stroke and 350mm Z-axis stroke, with a rapid travel speed of 100 m/min in X and Y, and 30 m/min in Z. Maximum rapid traverse is 141 m/min and maximum spindle speed is 24,000 rpm.

Learn more at andersonamerica.com.

 

Not just a machine but crucial CNC support
ShopBot Tools says when you purchase any size ShopBot CNC router, you’re getting more than just another machine for your shop. You’re getting a company that supports your success each step of the way: From the initial purchase, to getting started with your CNC, to technical support during the life of your machine. The company offers a wide range of machines from desktop models to industrial-strength machines fully outfitted for high-production environments.

Learn more at shopbottools.com.

 

CNC combines multiple machines
Pro Edge Technology offers the Elev8 CNC Edge & Dowel machine that eliminates the need for additional machines and saves floor space. Elev8 provides 8mm bore and dowel insertion plus 3-axis CNC edge routing. This enables the complete manufacture of shaker-style doors, louvered doors, SOSS hinges, and water or glue dowel insertion. 

CNC edge routing capability includes machining of both the edge and bottom of panels. The router is equipped with a tool touch-off device in both horizontal and vertical axes. Elev8 also provides open-architecture parametric programming capabilities allowing for your choice of design software. Pro Edge says every detail of this machine has been logically considered and built to make operation as smooth and easy as possible, and it comes standard with a two-year warranty.

Learn more at proedgefilms.com.

 

Robotic material handling system
If you automate production without automating your material handling you are not obtaining maximum value of the new technology. 

Biesse’s ROS-FT is a robotically operated system that unloads machined parts from a nesting machine. From medium-sized shops wanting to optimize workflow and reduce labor cost, to large companies wanting to reduce waste, get production fully automated, or provide the custom department a highly efficient cell, Biesse says the ROS-FT delivers the solution. 

Learn more at biesse.com.

 

All-in-one woodworking CNC
AXYZ offers the Woodworker, a robust CNC router that caters to high-volume cabinetry and furniture production. Its high-power servo motors and direct drive system are designed to ensure precision and accuracy in each cut. It can be customized with standard options such as drill banks, label printers, rotary axis, aggregates, vacuum pods, drills, and spindles. The Woodworker is designed for efficient dust collection, maintaining a clean manufacturing process.

Learn more at axyz.com.

 

Machining center with nesting
Available from JKL Machinery, the Vitap K2 2.0 is an all-in-one CNC machining center complete with a cutting unit, profile unit, drilling unit and routing/nesting capabilities. The patented Vitap Bar Nesting System technology allows the 5 faces of the panel to be machined in just 4 minutes. 

Other features that make the K2 2.0 unique are the patented DDT System Double Dynamic Transport technology, double clamp technology for seamless panel movement, and the 4 sides milling device (0-3mm). 

Learn more at jklmachinery.com.

 

CNC controller for wood processing
The Sinumerik MC controller from Siemens is a universal, open, industrial PC-based CNC system. The company says its optimized motion control and integrated Windows 10 operating system make the Sinumerik MC an ideal controller for woodworking, stone-cutting, laser, and basic grinding machines.

Learn more at siemens.com.

 

Grid gasket improves vacuum hold-down functionality
Grid/Pod gasket from Allstar CNC is designed to be the key to your router’s function, fitting into the channels under the spoilboard or in your point-to-point pods. 

The manufacturer recommends you consider replacing the gasket every 400-500 hours for peak vacuum efficiency.
With a caliper, measure both the width and depth of your table’s channels.  You want a square gasket that is the same width as the channel, so it slots in consistently.  

As for the height of the gasket, you want it to stick proudly above the channel by roughly 1/16 inch.  For example, a 1/4-inch-deep channel should require a 5/16-inch gasket. 

Learn more about this and other CNC gasketing products by visiting store.allstarcnc.com.