However, there are smaller sized CNC machines and systems which cost lower like the do-it-yourself CNC router kits. This just signifies that woodworkers, whether they are hobbyists or small scale businessmen, are seeing the benefits of CNC woodworking machines. Why are CNC machines appealing? Here are several benefits of CNC technology. There are small scale CNC machines, do-it-yourself kits and portable machine which are available for much lower price. Nowadays, it is no longer just the big and industrial companies who are using CNC technology. Even novices, craftsmen, and hobbyists are using CNC machinery. According to managers of machining centers, it is no longer just large manufacturers who are buying CNC equipments. CNC Woodworking Benefits And Advantages Basically, CNC means computer numerical control. When applied to woodworking, it simply means marrying today s computer technology to the age-old woodworking craft to bring it in step with the times. Created by John Parsons and introduced in the 50s, the first CNC machines were IBM computers mounted on milling machines to manipulate command movements in a sequence. It is also used for cutting, trimming and sanding finished items as well. All lathes are identical and work by the same methods. CNC lathes can be programmed by the user. The computer takes the design information and moves the lathe accordingly as it follows the design embedded in the programmed data. It was only a matter of time when software programs like CNC and ShopBots would dominate the manual-driven industry of woodworking. What is CNC? What is ShopBot? CNC is short for Computer Numerical Control which is a method widely employed in modern woodworking business (and related production work) where a computer program controls the action of the machines used in all the work aspects. It is not just big companies and businesses that use CNC woodworking. Hobbyists and small scale businessmen are taking advantage of automated manufacturing process. They could make their own CNC machines since there are automated routers which can be purchased for lower prices and there are also do-it-yourself kits available.