Significance

• As with any machine that used to be controlled solely by the person alone, the significance of a CNC lathe is that it can be controlled by a computer. These machines are so sophisticated that they are able to perform multiple functions with the touch of a button. Without the use of the computer the design, cut or other operations may not perform as precisely as they do today.
  
  

Benefits

• Because a CNC lathe can perform multiple functions with extreme detail it allows for multiple items to be created with very little variation between them. This allows those looking to create one item to sell to many people to rest assured the item can be duplicated almost exactly as the original. The ease with which a CNC wood lathe is used also allows items to be created quickly, whereas before it may have taken days, weeks or even months.
  
  

Features

• A wonderful feature of most CNC wood lathes is that they keep most, if not all, dust out of the machine allowing it to work better and more efficiently. This feature is especially important to those using a CNC lathe in woodworking. There are also various sizes of CNC lathes. For those at home in the garage, there are portable machines. Likewise, for a large company there are industrial size machines. However, these larger machines may be more difficult to move around.
  
  

Function

• All lathes work the same way. However, how to get the machine to work is where a CNC lathe differs. Thanks to computer technology that is similar to that of a sewing machine or embroidery machine, CNC lathes can be programmed with whatever design you have in mind. The computer takes the information for that design and moves the lathe in order to get that very design to show up on the item being engraved.
  
  

Warning

• Safety is key when using these machines. As excited as someone may get when starting or finishing up a new project on their CNC wood lathe, it is very important to use safety glasses. Always have a first aid kit nearby whether the machine is in use or not. Because of the spinning power of any lathe, items such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and anything else that could get caught in the machine should not be worn during operation. Loose clothing is not recommended when using a CNC lathe. As well, long hair should always be pulled tightly back.