CNC chipload chart: wood, MDF, plastic and aluminum
Starting chipload ranges for CNC router bits in plywood, hardwood, MDF, HDPE, acrylic and aluminum, how to turn them into a feed rate, and when to adjust.
Guides
CNC cut-to-size plywood and MDF: what to order and how
Ordering CNC cut-to-size plywood and MDF: when a router beats a panel saw, sheet sizes, real thickness, edges, holes and cut lists.
CNC router service cost: how makers price a job
How CNC router makers build a quote from machine-hour rate, cut time, setup, material, finishing and rush, and how to brief them for a lower price.
CNC router vs laser cutter for wood: which to use
CNC router or laser cutter for a wood project? Thickness, edges, inside corners, carving, engraving and cost compared, with examples.
Custom CNC signs: wood vs HDU vs acrylic
Choosing a material for a custom CNC-carved sign: cedar and hardwood, HDU sign foam, acrylic and HDPE compared on looks, weather, carving and finishing.
How to find a CNC router service near you
Where to find a local CNC router or plasma service: sign shops, cabinet shops, makerspaces and independent makers, what to ask, and how to compare quotes.
How to nest parts on a 4x8 sheet for CNC cutting
How many parts fit on a 4x8 sheet once bit width, edge margin and grain are allowed for, and how nesting lowers the cost of a CNC plywood or MDF job.
Plasma cutting cost per inch: how CNC plasma jobs are priced
How CNC plasma cutting is priced: per inch of cut, per pierce, steel thickness, material and finishing, and how to get lower quotes on metal art.
How to prepare a DXF or SVG for CNC routing
A toolpath-ready file gets faster, lower CNC quotes. Formats, scale, closed paths, inside corners, bit size, tabs and depths: what makers need.
V-carve vs engrave: what's the difference for CNC signs
V-carving vs engraving on a CNC router or laser: how each works, how they look, depth, fonts, materials and cost, and which to choose for a sign or gift.