CNC milling has come a long way since being considered a complex art form by builders and creatives alike. Now it is such an assertion to woodworkers, handymen, and a whole lot of similarly wired individuals out to give content, quality, and consistent artistry. CNC milling has gotten a lot of love these days, there has been a significant spike in popularity, and that’s why we’re about to dedicate an entire piece to the mundane concept.
Here we’ll be defining what a CNC Mill is, we’ll be showing you five fun projects you can make with a CNC Router, we’ll be giving you a brief background into each project, and hopefully, at the end of the piece, you’ll know exactly what the fuss is all about. So without further ado, let’s get to discussing!
What is a CNC Mill
A computerized numerical control milling better known as a CNC Mill, is a machining process that employs computerized controls and rotating multipoint cutting tools to progressively remove material from the work piece and produce a custom-designed part or product”.
It is an apparatus specially designed to help handymen and woodworkers come up with the most complicated of designs in the most imaginative way possible. CNC Mills are super versatile, as they are finely equipped to work on a wide array of materials such as metal, plastic, glass, and wood, giving the work an artistic touch.
Why Would You Need One?
Just like every tool used in woodworking, nothing is indispensable, and you could also use your bare hands if you aren’t such a fan of new technology. However, CNC mills make the whole thing a lot easier, as they ensure that you’ll spend your time doing something more productive and in many ways less stressful, while your mill does the rest. CNC mills are finely made to create the most intricate of woodworks, they are so awesome that you’ll need minimal effort, and just a discerning mind to get the job done.
A CNC Mill is much more than a luxury these days, it is quickly becoming a necessity, as a lot of people are now making interesting demands, and showing woodworkers a variety of jobs that need to be seen to be believed. If you doubt us, then you should keep scrolling till you see some of the finest things that a CNC Mill can make possible.
Fun Projects CNC Mill Projects to Try With Your New Router
CNC mills and routers have radically changed the game, as now it’s not unusual to see things that only looked good on social media being recreated with a touch of class by your favorite handyman. All these would have been impossible or at best extremely difficult, if there was nothing like CNC Mills or Routers in the first place, that’s why we’re showing that creating a whole lot of love. So without further ado, let’s rattle off a list of the coolest projects made with a CNC router.
Paddleboard
A paddleboard isn’t that hard to create for a skilled workman, but the difficult part is getting it done in record time so you can occupy yourself with other gigs. However, thanks to a CNC Router that issue is long done and dusted, as you can get all the measurements done, file the wood how you want it, and still have time to engage in some other uniquely artistic projects in the main time.
This project is realizable when you use a large commercial CNC router, as it isn’t a job for a small, pet-sized router. As for how to make it, “the core parts will be milled from a single sheet of marine grade 1/4? plywood on a Maslow 4? x 8? CNC router, then planked with cedar, and finally, they would finish with epoxy for strength and proper waterproofing will be assured.
Cute Sculptures
Sculptures are typically given to art college graduates that learned the trade for a long period, however, these days thanks to a CNC Router just about every artistically sound individual can conveniently come up with a classy sculpture that fits the bill. It isn’t an easy task though, as a lot of practice has to be done to get the real thing, as it would be tomfoolery to do poor work even after being helped by the CNC router.
This aesthetically pleasing activity is one of the coolest parts of woodworking, something that handymen would be more than happy to handle if you can’t by yourself. Mostly what you would need are a plethora of small parts, top-notch glue, a small CNC router, and of course q helping hand to guide you through the first journey, be it a human being, or even a recommended YouTube video.
Elephant Puzzle
The most amazing part of having a CNC Mill is that you could get creative and create just about every wood work-related concept that you could imagine, it’s so cool and there are endless opportunities. Take this, for example, imagine using a CNC Mill to create an elephant puzzle, crazy right but it’s just the tip of the possibilities.
An elephant puzzle can be created by using a scroll saw, but it’s way easier when you use a small CNC router to get the job done. It’s pretty easy as long as you got all the needed tools on deck, and you can get your creative juices flowing.
To create this, you need a “small CNC router using a .25-inch bit for the outside and .125-inch bit to separate the pieces and a good amount of gorilla glue to seal the deal”. It’s pretty straightforward as you’ll be seeing whether it’s working or otherwise.
Articulating Desk Lamp
Hardly have we seen a creative or even an average Joe that doesn’t like reading or does not need reading at any point in time. That’s why having an articulating desk lamp isn’t such a bad idea, and why bother about getting one from the store, when you can pretty much create a custom-made one using your CNC router.
While it is a little complicated as compared to the other CNC creations on the list, it is pretty much possible as long as you take your time, cut the wood delicately, adorn it precisely, and go the extra mile with research and YouTube videos.
Robot Arm
The holy grail of a child’s youth, this had gotten so much love over the years, that it was impossible to think that we would create a list without adding it, so much so, when it can be created by a CNC Router with relative ease. Something you need to use to achieve this is 40mm plywood, then ensure that you connect the arms with an Arduino, and hand over the wiring to a tech expert. There you go, you got yourself a custom-made robotic arm to abuse your little one with abs awakens the engineer in the lad.
Final Thoughts
It takes a special type of person to create woodwork magic with just his hands, a lot of glue, and a wide variety of nails and small tools. However, since the advent of technology, all these have changed as even the least artistically inclined of persons can now be the proud creator of everything you see above.
CNC Mills has changed the game for the better, as now just about everyone can follow his dreams and create a work of art in absolutely no time or experience needed. However, such a person would need to buy a CNC Mill first, do his research, and come out with something that he can be proud of even after a few years and counting, it might not be all that simple, but it’s certainly worth it!
Here is where you can learn about what makes a good first CNC machine.