On Sun, 26 Nov 2017 11:20:33 -0800 (PST), MJ
wrote:

Uh, not so fast.

I spent two months last year learning how to use a ShopBot (the large one). I can tell you that there is a learning curve. First off the drawing software (and you really can't use SketchUp), while not difficult, does require some learning. I took a class and we only touched base on a few of the program's abilities to draw the item desired.

Then after you create your drawing, you need to work on creating the tool path for the CNC router. Fortunately, you the software included with the ShopBot has that function built in, but if you use another drawing package, you'll need a software package. In creating the tool path, you have many MORE options and parameters to set before you even get on the CNC machine. You many opportunities to screw things up if you chose wrongly. Then, after that is all done, you then have to know how use the CNC machine. You need to set the 0,0,0 point, aline the item to be cut on the CNC bed, put in the drill bit and load the software. Lots of steps.

On top of all this, the ShopBot I used costs on the average $25,000. That's sort of barebones. You need a big space (the big one can cut 4x8 plywood). Can you put one in your garage? It doesn't roll away like a tool on a cart.

Will CNC make a difference in creating wood items - oh, definitely, but the table saw, bandsaw and all your hand tools aren't going to fade away quickly, certainly not in 10 years. I'd love to have a ShopBot, but until I can justify spending the money on the software, the machine and the maintenance required, I'd look seriously at a SawStop.

I think CNC usage will come strongly for cabinet shops, and people who produce multiples of items. Oh, I've yet to see one turn a bowl. There might be one out there, but I've not run across it. I see shops opening up to allow people to get CNC work done, but there will be a cost. The TechShop was a prime example of that (now sadly lost).

The thing that people don't get about robots of any kind is that they
fill the gap between manual production using general purpose tools and
fully automated production using purpose-made tools. For the last to
be cost effective there has to be enough production volume to pay for
the custom made tools, which are not cheap. For robots to be cost
effective there has to be enough volume to pay for the robot and for
the programming time.

If you need to cut one piece of anything then it makes no economic
sense to program a robot to do it unless there is something unusual
about the circumstances or the cost of error is very high. On the
other hand, if programming a robot is recreation for you and you can
afford one, by all means go for it.