Is CNC Woodworking? | 6 Cool CNC based Woodwork Projects

What is creativity?

You see this is such a subjective question that seems to change with time.

More often than not it is acts that are associated with creativity.

Someone paints very well, you can call him or her creative as well. If someone writes very well and you can call him or her again as being creative.

Anyone who has mastered the skill of speaking can be regarded as a creative speaker as well.

The thing is all of this changes with time and situation, what was considered creative a few years back may not be considered creative anymore.

Today, if you can snap cool photos or create a good movie, you will be regarded as creative by many.

With the infusion of technology, things have taken a very unexpected turn. In all the subjectivity that follows the word creativity, it is perhaps Jiddu Krishnamurti’s words that resonate most profoundly.

‘True art is knowing how to put everything in its proper place. True creativity has nothing to do with the act but the actor’.

You might be thinking, why I am being philosophical in an article about woodworking?

Because somewhere I think anyone asking the question is CNC woodworking, is trying to also figure out whether technology infusion renders human creativity obsolete.

You see woodworking is one of the most creative hobbies you can pick up.

For the longest time, it has been a pursuit where you create something artsy using very manually operated tools. So, does a CNC-based automatic operation change that?

Is CNC Woodworking?

Yes, CNC-based projects do count as woodworking projects. Although, it doesn’t involve working with wood in the most traditional sense i.e., using core manual tools. Still, it will require your creative input to accomplish a task or create a product.

At this juncture, let us come on the same page as to what woodworking is.

Woodworking is the art of creating products out of wood using any and all available tools.

While yes, it is true that the incorporation of CNC machines in the woodworking process takes automation to the next level, you are still in charge of the production process.

So, don’t hold back from creating something that you really want to just because someone on a forum discards the use of CNCs saying it isn’t a true form of woodworking.

It’s still your mind, your effort, your time, and your project.

What is a CNC Machine?

I am pretty sure most of us reading this are aware of what exactly a CNC machine is.

But to our friends who are new to the whole woodworking arena, let me quickly relay what a CNC machine is.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and CNC machines are those whose movements are dictated with the help of pre-programmed computer software.

CNC is an automation process unto itself and it can be deployed to machines ranging from grinders, lathes to mills and CNC routers.

With the help of a CNC machine, you can carry out intricate tasks in a very precise sense.

CNC operation to a great extent eradicates the error that may get incorporated as a result of core manual operation.

All the operator really needs to do is with the help of levers, buttons, and wheels prompt and guide the movement of machining tools.

While that does in a way explain what exactly a CNC machine is, let me also quickly without going into abstract details explain;

How does a CNC Machine Work?

As I said, CNC is a general computer-based act, not a specific machine. The concept of CNC in itself can be applied to a wide variety of machines.

So, what happens is the operator feeds in the desired machine movement (cuts, rotation, etc.) into the CNC machine with the help of an operator-friendly software interface.

Because everything is mathematical and every movement has the precision of a machine’s mechanical movement, the resultant product is much more accurate in terms of dimensions, corner cuts, and finishing than what manual acts will accomplish.

Although, the possibility of errors does still exists, in comparison to manual acts, it is far less.

Can you use CNC Machine for Wood?

Yes, most definitely. You can use CNC machines on wood to come with really crafty work which would otherwise be very difficult to reproduce using manual power tools.

A good CNC machine when used rightly can make your production process streamlined and let you craft creative products quickly.

This becomes even more significant if you are producing woodworks in bulk.

In one of my previous articles, I discussed how woodworking can be an excellent side hustle, what happens when your side hustle develops into a business?

When you start having a relatively large number of orders, incorporating some kind of automation becomes essential.

Talking of which, the kind of CNC router you need to pick up will to a great degree depend on what kind of work you are doing.

If you are a hobbyist or an intermediate woodworker, it doesn’t make sense to invest into something capable of doing serious production work.

Similarly, you need to take your investment up a notch if you are producing products in good numbers.

I don’t think this is the right article to go in-depth into the best wood CNC machines. Still, for those who are interested here is a quick glance into the best CNC machines for woodworking you can look into investing.

Now I think, you would have begun to understand why many resist calling CNC-based wooden projects under woodworking.

The majority of woodworkers regard woodworking as a pursuit where human creativity finds very direct expression.

And that is true, there is just something very raw and real when you create and fabricate a piece of wooden art using your bare hands and basic manual tools.

It’s just that it wouldn’t be fair to discard the obvious advantages one can have using CNC machines on the basis of tradition and nomenclature.

For me, an ideal woodworker is one who can craft fantastic products using traditional methods but is also not afraid in expanding the borders of his skillset.

6 Cool Woodwork Projects Using CNC

At this point in the article, I think beginner and experienced wood crafters should have come to a commonplace of understanding.

It is, therefore, I feel the right time to make your feet wet into the world of CNC woodworking.

I am not really presenting these projects as something you should dive into as a beginner (although you can try if you wish to).

If you really wish to dive into CNC woodworking rightly, it is imperative that you have your woodworking basics set right.

The best way to do that is by creating basic projects using woodworking blueprints.

You can find them easily all over the internet, on forums and groups.

I am a little sensitive about approaching woodworking as a beginner, because the mistakes that you make as a beginner can become very hard to leave habits.

So, if you have around $50 to spare, Teds Woodworking course is something that can get you started right.

There are so many useless courses out there that will just waste your time and are ill created strategy to mint money.

After going through numerous courses, Teds Woodworking course is the only one I trust.

But if you can’t invest in a course right away, that is totally fine.

It will take a little more time to learn the ins and outs of woodworking but it is totally doable.

All I want to show you with the following woodworking projects is what is possible when you incorporate a bit of automation into the woodworking domain.

  • Kinetic Sculptures

For most people, if you mention woodworking they are thinking something creative. Or something simple re-created in a very creative sense.

Kinetic sculptures like these are the epitome of what fine woodworking skills can help you create.

The kinetic sculpture will do wonders for your wall should you choose to create it. Clayton Boyer has made all the blueprints available on his site and you should be able to recreate it using a hobby-level CNC.

  • Roman Numeral Clock

Creating a wall clock is one of the most common projects that is undertaken by beginner woodworkers.

There is no shortage of designs when it comes to creating wooden wall clocks.

If you add in CNC designing to that, the pool of design gets shorter but highly creative.

Here is one that is simple, but the overall design gives a great boost to the wall décor in a significant way.

roman numeral clock using CNC
Roman Numeral Clock

There are two segments to the wall and the roman numerals neatly hold the two segments in place.

  • Creative Bowls

There are so many ways of creating wooden bowls. This one in particular is I agree a bit advanced for many people to create.

The bowl is created out of plywood which is first cut on the CNC and then the pieces are heat bent before stacking them over each other to give the decorative look.

woodworking bowl using CNC
Creative CNC Based Bowl (Source: ThingVerse)

There is a certain art involved in bending wood using heat. That is why I said, creating a bowl like this is a bit advanced. But it is a very rewarding product should you choose to create it.

  • Puzzle Sculptures/Games

Projects like these give you a real sense of the precision CNC machines brings to the table.

This little puzzle elephant project is perfect for little children and you can use the completed puzzle decoratively too.

Woodworking Toys using CNC
Puzzle Elephant (Source: Instructables)

You don’t have to limit yourselves to creating the elephant. A little bit of imagination and creativity mixed with a CNC machine will take you a long way.

  • Decorative Lamps

Lamps are another very common project picked up by intermediate woodworkers mostly.

You can use thin plywood or acrylic to create the individual faces of the dodecahedron and later assemble them using glue.

The project will require you to be extra careful as far as precision from your side and your CNC’s side is considered. You will need a small diameter bit and you will need to put in the correct feeds and speeds for this to work.

As I said, the project will require extra attention on your part. The finished product will be a joy to behold.

Woodworking creative lamp using CNC
CNC Dodecahedron Lamp (Source: Thingverse)
  • Parametric Desk Organizer

The final product that I would like to see you try is what is referred to as a cubby. A very creative unit that you can use to store your everyday office supplies.

The great thing about this organizer is that it is tool-free meaning once you have created the different parts with the right measurement they will all come together snuggly to create the product.

woodworking cubby using CNC
Office Organizer/Cubby (Source: Inventables)

Once again, for everything to come together in a precise fashion you need to be attentive from your part and also from your machine’s part.

The CNC’s belts, wheels need to be tight and freely moving, the spindle must be aligned and its cutter must be sharp and in shape.

Can you make Money with a Wood CNC Machine?

Yes, once you have mastered creating products out of a woodworking CNC machine, you can sell those products offline or on online platforms like Etsy and turn a profit.

I have talked about different aspects of a woodworking side hustle in-depth in this dedicated article.

It is very much possible to create a side hustle and eventually a business around your passion for woodworking.

But in order for you to do that you need to think strategically. It is possible that you will not start making money on the first day.

For you to make money from your CNC or otherwise woodworking projects, you need to set up the right avenues.

First, things first, you need to be good at your art. And this will take some time. You will require basic power tools and you will need to learn to use them on some beginner-friendly projects.

And as I said there are numerous places on the internet to get you started. But time and again I have learned the importance of a well-structured guide.

If you are really serious about your passion for woodworking, I can’t recommend Teds Woodworking guide enough.

And this is coming from a guy who is well aware of the fact that there are many courses out there that are just useless.

I am a big believer in learning skills by yourselves. As a matter of fact, I have learned website designing, website development, article writing, digital design, and SEO by myself.

But the thing was when I first started with all these things there were no good guides around. And I often wonder how quick my learning would have been if I had a well-structured guide in all of these skills.

So, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t learn woodworking by yourselves. However, if you are ok with investing a bit, I guarantee the course will do wonders for you.

Once you are well versed with the basics of woodworking you need to learn the basics of marketing.

In this article I have covered how to take care of the marketing side and how you can get started.

In short, you need to start right and you need to start small and in under no way underestimate the power of the internet.

You can either use platforms like Etsy, Craigslist, eBay, Amazon to sell your products or you can start your own online platform.

Creating a blog and a YouTube channel around your hobby is another excellent way to start earning some advertising money on the side.

Once you have started making some sales and you are feeling confident about yourselves, it is then when you invest in a CNC machine and really start scaling and creating creative products.

So, if you progress like this, slow but in a steady way, you will see that you start minting profits from the products you create using your CNC machine or otherwise.

This brings us to the last question,

Is CNC Machine Worth It?        

It is not recommended for beginners to get a woodworking CNC machine straight away. For people, who have had a good grasp on woodworking and have parts in place for a good side hustle or a business, a CNC machine is a great investment for the scaling and creative factor it brings in.

You see CNC machines are expensive. For beginners, I don’t recommend getting one. It’s not just because of how much they cost but also because bringing in advanced automation machines will pull you away from learning about woodworking the right way.

You need to first learn about all the basics, pursue some creative projects and see how you are feeling about yourselves.

If you wish to continue the hobby, you might as well get paid for it right?

Try selling some of your creations on some online or offline avenues. If your thirst to repeat the entire process continues see how you can convert the process into a good side hustle.

After you have done the due diligence, you will come to a place where you will know for yourselves how to take your hobby or hopefully your business to the next level. That is when you invest in a CNC machine.

For people who already are at this stage, your prime thinking line should be around scaling.

Automation machines like CNCs bring in two prime benefits, speed, and creativity.

The products and designs that you will take hours to create using manual power tools can be created fairly quickly using CNC machines.

And if you have the demand for it, I don’t see why you should not invest in a CNC machine.

In conclusion, this is how I wish to summarize this whole is CNC woodworking debate.

The way to look at automation machines is as an extension to your art of woodworking.

Woodworking is a creative pursuit and it demands that you have the skills in place to build something big or small from the ground up using tools available at your disposal.

And no, I am not saying this as some moral principle. I am saying this because you cannot learn a skill, art, or hobby in fragments.

You need to have holistic knowledge about any particular thing let alone woodworking to call yourself a learned person in the subject.

And if you don’t do that very soon the very thing that you lack will show up on your workbench and you wouldn’t know what to do.

This is why some woodworkers tend to disregard CNC woodworking as woodworking. Because it does allow an avenue where you can feel like you can jump a few stairs and call yourself a woodworker without actually learning the entire thing about what the art entails.

But if you have taken the time to learn all the ins and outs of working with wood I don’t think you should hold back in using CNCs for your products and projects.

Hope you enjoyed the article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know how your experience was in the comments section below.

If you have any other comments, questions, or queries regarding anything you read here on Carpenzine, do also let me know down below.

Take care of yourselves and I will see you around.

Tada!