Finally caved and tried a CNC for face frames. Now I think I was being stubborn

I've been doing cabinets for 15 years, all hand cut joinery on face frames. Last month a buddy let me run a few frames on his ShopBot at his shop outside Raleigh. I cut 12 frames in under 2 hours, all perfect pocket holes. The dust was annoying but honestly, I might rent time on his machine for my next kitchen job. Has anyone else switched from hand to CNC and felt dumb for waiting?

3 comments

3 Comments

kellyjones16d agoMost Upvoted

Maybe it's just me but hand cut joinery has a soul CNC can't touch.

amy97415d ago

I just read this article about how CNC machines can't replicate the tiny variations in pressure and angle that happen with hand tools. Those little wobbles and adjustments actually make the joint stronger over time because the wood fibers adapt to the fit. Plus there's something about the sound of a chisel cutting that just feels right, you know?

wendy62815d ago

Preach. That feel when the chisel bites just right is pure magic.