CNC or Computer Numerical Control is growing in importance in
schools. This section is an introduction to CNC Router machining and explains
in simple terms the equipment needed and how it can be used.
Modular shaping jigs. With this setup, I can mix and match components for different
situations. I can shape small parts, furniture-sized parts of any shape, curved
parts big and small, and parts up to 96″ long. The
way they’re designed,
the jigs adjust to the shape of the particular part being cut. It’s a great
setup, and I love using it, but sometimes a CNC Router can do the job better
and faster.
If you build furniture out of wood,
you’ll find that once your design becomes more than a collection of
straight lines and begins to include curves, shapes and other details – you
enter the world of pattern shaping.
What is pattern shaping? It is a
woodworking process for accurate duplication. Instead of creating repeated
parts from scratch, an existing pattern of the part is used to produce an exact
copy. Shaping a part involves machining it with a straight bit (in a
shaper or router) that has a bearing that is the exact diameter of the
cutter (the bearing can be on either the top or bottom, or both). To begin,
place a rough-cut part on the table, attach it to your pattern and run the
pattern along the bearing. The excess wood is accurately removed and the
remaining part is shaped into an exact copy of the pattern. The process works
great. However, to shape safely and easily, there are various techniques to
learn. It is an important skill that all woodworkers should learn.
Patterns, patterns and more patterns. I’ve done a lot of shaping over the years and as a result, I’ve
got hundreds of patterns in my shop.
As a furniture maker, with hundreds of
pieces completed, I’ve shaped thousands of parts over the years. Shaping is
justifiably an intimidating process. But, once you understand safe procedures
and how to hold the pattern and material securely, shaping is a very
satisfying process. In fact, I actually like shaping. I love the results it
gives. However, as a professional, sometimes I have to spend days at a time
doing it — which is time-consuming, tiring and a lot less fun at times. Looking
for a better way to achieve the repeatability and accuracy of shaping is one of
the primary reasons that I acquired a CNC Router. As I’ve pointed out in the past, these machines
do all kinds of tasks well, but they excel at cutting parts.
CNC Routers or Shaping
To demonstrate the differences between
the two woodworking methods, I’ve put together a video showing both techniques.
Is there a clear winner here? No, because both
techniques will give you good results. However, a CNC Router does this
particular job exceptionally well. So well in fact, that it’s rare that I use
my shapers anymore. That being said, they are great for specific tasks such as
machining thick, compound curved parts where the amount of time to build a new
dedicated fixture for the CNC Router might be time-consuming. But, for almost
everything else, it’s a real pleasure to quickly set up a cut, let the CNC Router
do its thing and just walk away. Then I can go off and work on other things in
the shop.
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