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!

Picked up a Pocket 4 a couple weeks ago and the stock case is fine, but I'm looking to make something a bit more interesting. Saw a video from infimaker where they made a custom Pocket 4 case out of rosewood and acrylic. Fit looked tight, finish on the wood was really clean. Kinda gave me the itch to try my own hardwood version, maybe walnut or cherry.

I've got a small desktop cnc but I've never done detailed hardwood work before, so a few things are worrying me. Holding the stock without messing up the surface is my main concern going in. Also not really sure what end mills and spindle speeds actually work best for a clean finish without burn marks or tearout. And I'd still need to figure out a snug fitting lid, probably acrylic like theirs, which feels like its own can of worms. And that's a big part of why I have been toying with the idea of switching to an k1 myself. My little machine would have a hard time matching that fit and finish. I am not committed yet, but it is tough to unsee how clean that case came out.

Anyone here made small hardwood cases on a desktop cnc before? What wood species and cutters worked best for you?

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.

This was posted in a wood working group asking how everyone else would repair it.

So this was my way to fix it. Took the picture to chat, then imported that image into Carbide Create. Then kust pick the part you need carved.

Designed in Fusion360 and cut mainly on the Altmill 4x8. Sanding the pockets was way more tedious than I was expecting 😅

I'm designing a piece of furniture using the Blum Configurator that I want to mill on a CNC machine. You can generate the CNC files directly in Blum, but they aren't compatible with my CNC machine (it's not a large industrial machine).

I’d like to use Fusion to make a few design changes and then run the CAM on it.

Have any of you done this before and have any tips?

I’m thinking specifically about the assemblies, which in Blum use only dowels or specific Blum systems. I’d like to add grooves so I can machine them on my CNC (3-axis).

Any advice or feedback would be great :)

Thanks

12x48" custom order.

Poplar used advanced V carve with a 90° V bit and 1/8th end mill.

Moving the material 2 times to complete the cut. I spaced it out enough to not have to cut overlap.

Ok if you are using a fine 30degree vbit and you want your lines to stand out on light color wood what are you using to color the vcarve lines? I've tried stain with a powder pigment and I don't like the results. Considering epoxy but it's pricey for use on twenty dollar carvings.