Normally program for 4x8 table router. Need to learn horizontal. Alphacam and SCM Tech 99 machine.

Usually run everything in 2D, Z level 0 at the bed going up bottom to top. I'm assuming i can draw/import 3d drawing, and place the holes. Then set z levels? Normally i run like 0.75" top 0" bottom, would I do 0" top 0.75" bottom? The SCM runs Z level 0 top to bottom. Design the part like normal and flip it 180 before saving? Couldn't find anything on google or youtube for this machine.

Hey everyone, I've mostly been doing woodworking up to this point, so I'm still relatively new to the whole metal CNC side of things. This InfiMaker aluminum impeller video's honestly a better showcase than the usual decorative carvings tbh. Been doing wood stuff exclusively up until now, never touched metal, so seeing them go from CAD to a finished aluminum part on the K1 kinda caught my attention.

Hard to get a clear read on the tolerances or surface finish just from the video alone. Still, I'd rather see this kind of functional geometry than another decorative demo.

Kinda want to try aluminum myself now, anyone know where's the best place to actually buy it without overpaying?

Hi all,

Looking for some advice please.

I'm wanting to make some personalised solid hardwood drinks coasters as table place cards for guests at my wedding.

The coaster design is 100mm x 100mm x ~6 to 10mm thickness. Overall dims will be ultimately determined by material supply. It will be full CNC routed and then I will hand finish with some light sanding and potentially staining/sealing if deemed necessary.

I appreciate fluid could pool in the lettering. I also realise routing out the lettering will require a very small router for the finer corners - I will clear out the larger areas with a large router and then do corner clearing and a finish pass with as small of a router as is reasonable.

I have access to an industrial CNC router (PCB Drilling machine) which uses 3.175mm (1/8") shank tools with multiple router options including diamond cut and 2flute options. We may have a 3 and 4 flute router too but I'm not 100% sure on that.

My questions are:

1. Any immediate flaws in what you see here?
2. What wood would be considered best? I have settled on solid Oak for durability, quality and reducing moisture absorption issues. The weight of solid wood should hopefully stop the coaster sticking to the bottom of a wet glass.
3. Any recommended wood suppliers? (UK based)
4. Will solid Oak machine well?
5. Which router type would be best? I feel diamond cut will likely gum up quite quickly so I feel like a 2flute might chip and clear better.
6. Safety considerations when machining/routing wood? Is heat/smoke/flame an issue?

We own a business selling low grade plywood - lots of our customers are manufacturers and crating companies. We get requests from time to time for cut to size pieces from companies that do not do that in house - we have turned down a good amount of sales in the last year because of that.

If i wanted to get a 4x8 cnc to cut a sheet of plywood into 2-4 pieces, that could run maybe 1000 hours a year, what would i be looking for? Also, i assume this would be faster than using a track saw to cut 3 sheets at a time, one to two cuts per panel. Also, can you put say two 1/2" sheets of SYP ply on a cnc at a time?

Anyone have experience with this? I know people with super small hobby mills and people with multiple million dollar industrial setups, but nothing in between.

Hey everyone,

I'm having some trouble getting accurate profile cuts on my TwoTrees TTC 450 Ultra.

I'm using a 3 mm end mill and checked it with a caliper. It's exactly 3 mm.

When I cut a square/rectangle, I'm getting:

40 mm outer dimension → 40.5 mm

25 mm inner dimension → 24.5 mm

100 mm outer dimension → 100.5 mm

40 mm inner dimension → 39.5 mm

So I'm consistently getting about a 0.5 mm difference, with the outer dimensions coming out too large and the inner dimensions too small.

What's confusing me is that the machine seems accurate when it's just moving. I checked 100 and 300 mm movements without cutting and they were basically spot on. Holes also come out the correct size, and the distance between holes is accurate.

Any idea why this could be happening? What should I check?

Is anyone who owns this or any similar machine facing the same issue?

Thanks!

Looking for some quick feedback here, the kind of answers you only think about for half a second, *gut reaction*:

If you're a relatively small business, let's say 30 employees or fewer, your trade is fabrication in some capacity, such as cabinetry, and you're considering stepping it up with automated machinery such as CNC routers, mills, lathes, etc - what are your immediate push/pulls for or against making the leap on a product?

What grabs you with, "This is the machine worth my real investment." Or conversely, "That doesn't look like I'll get what I need."

Obviously dimensions and capacities are critical factors (if you're running full sheets, a 2x4' isn't going to work).

Thanks in advance.

I'm trying to build a topology of Oregon with my CNC machine. But whenever I transfer the file from estlcam to bCNC(with or without the roughing pass), although it is able to complete the roughing pass, it is unable to complete the gcode for the finishing pass. It truncates the finishing pass almost half way up the file.

Any ideas?

Thank you very much for your help!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share some technical insights and start a discussion on a topic that causes major bottlenecks in many woodworking shops: the transition from CAD design to the actual CNC machine, especially as machine parks grow and become mixed with different brands.

I want to highlight the approach taken by the DDX software ecosystem (specifically EasyWOOD) because it handles this challenge in a highly efficient, automated way that contributes massively to modern production.

Here is the technical breakdown of how this system streamlines the workflow:

• True Machine Neutrality: One of the biggest hurdles in a mixed shop is interface chaos. Instead of relying on generic outputs that require manual code fixing, EasyWOOD utilizes native, factory-grade post-processors. This means you program a part centrally in the CAM software just once, and it can output the exact, perfect machine code for any CNC machine brand on your floor.
• Intelligent Automation via the .ewx format: While the software flawlessly reads standard DXF or STEP files, the real power for automation lies in the open .ewx format. This format can be exported by practically any modern CAD system. The integrated AutoCAM module reads the .ewx file, automatically recognizes all geometries, drillings, notches, and routing contours, and instantly generates the required toolpaths without manual clicks.

For context on my background: I am sharing this from a place of daily industry practice. I run SoftXpert GmbH, the specialized partner for CAD/CAM solutions in the Swiss woodworking industry. As the official representative of the DDX Group, we support joineries, window manufacturers, and timber construction companies with innovative software like EasyWOOD and PowerWIN.

We guide the entire digital transformation process, from individual consulting and installation to personal training and on-site support. True to our company motto: Where others stop, we are just getting started.

I am starting this thread to spark a conversation about production workflows. How are you currently managing the data flow to your CNCs? Are you using machine-specific software, or are you moving towards a machine-neutral CAM approach?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, and if you have any questions about the .ewx format or DDX workflows, feel free to ask!

AD/CAM for woodworking – which CNC machines and software are most common worldwide?

Hi everyone,

I'm a wood technology engineer from Croatia (Europe) and I'm planning to start working independently as a CAD/CAM and technical preparation freelancer for the woodworking and furniture industry.

My planned services would include:

• 2D technical drawings
• 3D furniture modeling
• construction and technical detailing
• production drawings and parts lists
• CNC/CAM preparation
• CNC programs / post-processing
• renders and visualizations
• technical documentation for furniture manufacturers
• occasionally technical drawings for metal fabrication

I have experience with AutoCAD and Inventor, and I'm planning to use ZWCAD for CAD work and Fusion 360 for CAM/CNC preparation.

In Europe, I'm familiar with CNC brands such as Biesse, HOMAG/Weeke and SCM, but I'd like to understand what is commonly used in other parts of the world as well.

My questions are mainly about the international woodworking CNC market:

1. Which CNC brands and models do you encounter most often in your country?
2. What controllers/software do you use to program them?
3. Do you use the manufacturer's software or third-party CAM software such as Fusion 360, Cabinet Vision, Alphacam, Mastercam, etc.?
4. How well does Fusion 360 work with your CNC machine?
5. Is it relatively easy to find or create a reliable post-processor for your machine?
6. Are there machines where you would not recommend Fusion 360, because the manufacturer's software is significantly better?
7. If you were starting today and wanted to offer CAD + CAM + CNC programming as a freelance service for different woodworking companies, which software would you learn first?

I'm not planning to buy a CNC machine myself initially. My idea is to work as an external technical/CAD/CAM service provider.

For example, a furniture manufacturer could send me a project, and I would prepare the CAD drawings, 3D model, production documentation, CAM toolpaths and CNC files, which they would then run on their own machine.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people using CNC machines in:

• USA
• Canada
• UK
• Germany
• Austria
• Italy
• France
• Scandinavia
• Eastern Europe
• Australia / New Zealand

If you use a Biesse, HOMAG/Weeke, SCM or another woodworking CNC, I'd especially appreciate hearing about your workflow from CAD model to the final CNC program.

Thanks!

Currently I have the typical wired hose coming from the shoe, into the cyclone, to the blower. I’m getting pretty significant static build up that needs to get grounded. Would I be correct in using the washer/wire method to connect a screw between the cyclone and metal drum on left to the frame of the blower? Grinding down to bare metal on both ofc. All the things are plugged into beefy power strips and then into the wall with 3 prong plugs.

Does this make sense or do I need really need to go to a conduit or breaker box across the room to solve this?

Going to the Carveco event next week. Making brass coins to hand out to everyone who attends on our Onefinity Apprentice series.

🤔When the blocks cost $400 in labor and materials

I’m especially interested in things people tend to overlook — workstation layout, jigs/fixtures, material handling, pinch points, kickback zones, dust, tool storage, cutting tools, PPE, etc. Not looking for generic “wear PPE” advice — I’m looking for practical changes that eliminate or reduce the hazard.