How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically


Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

  1. #1
    Registered
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    0
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

    I got to thinking about routers.....
    In the "old" days, you'd use a pantograph....

    But manual or CNC, one aspect that throws the perspective is that a CNC spindle and axis control eats power....but pumps out the product!

    A manual machine, on the other hand, may use less power, BUT, you have to run it a lot longer for the same toolpath.
    ... And my coffee consumption tripled when I started running CNC.... so you have to factor in the pot wattage, extra trips to the store for beans...

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    210
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Had a bit of trouble sleeping there, did we adamjohn?

    In the words of the Toolman--If you didn't make it yourself, it's not really yours!
    Remember- done beats perfect every time!!


  3. #3
    Member awerby's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    5728
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

    So if you can make more products out of wood in a shorter amount of time, is that worse for the planet? If that's the case, then is any increase in productivity a bad thing, ecologically speaking? If you're powering your router with solar panels and cutting recycled materials, does that make it okay?

    [FONT=Verdana]Andrew Werby[/FONT]
    [URL="http://www.computersculpture.com/"]Website[/URL]


  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1955
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

    One way to look at it is the total cycle involved to make something. Take for example making a 24 x 24 inch "door", with internal carvings and some kind of decorative edge.

    If you did this with traditional tools, it would take conventional cutting, then routing, then several steps of sanding, all creating a lot of dust and using power.

    With a very solid CNC, you can do the entire project and most of the fine detail very accurately, greatly reducing the power and dust related to sanding.

    It also has the potential to reduce transportation related pollution, as items made locally with CNC compete against items made overseas and shipped to you. A tree grown and turned into a table represents fixed carbon, so if you are into carbon counting, a person could argue that we improve the world by building things out of wood.



  5. #5
    Member ger21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Shelby Township
    Posts
    35538
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

    What many woodworkers consider to be traditional tools, don't use any power at all.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


  6. #6
    Registered
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    28
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

    A cnc can also be used to make tools, templates, jigs, and fixtures to speed up the process of traditional woodworking.



Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically

How Does CNC Routing Compare to Traditional Powertools Ecologically