A Few Interesting CNC-Related Websites

From time to time, I like to share some unique CNC websites that I frequent. While searches for “CNC,” “computer numerical control,” “CNC programming,” and other such terms will turn up thousands of sites, here are a few of my favorites. Some of these websites have products for sale, but I’ve tried to limit my choices to those that provide a great deal of free information.

• cnczone.com—I receive a lot of questions about CNC. If I cannot answer a question, I almost always recommend that the questioner check out cnczone.com. Forums are available for just about any CNC-related topic, machine, control and software program. If you have a specific CNC-related question, there’s probably a forum in which you can ask it, and there likely will be a forum participant who can point you in the right direction.

• practicalmachinist.com—Another forum-based web site, containing many forums for general machining as well some forums that are specific to CNC. In the CNC machining forum, I especially like the "sticky" related to macro programming fundamentals.

• thecncexpert.com—Slanted toward CNC newcomers and hobbyists, this site provides a great way to become familiar with CNC. For example, there’s a free CNC basics e-course as well as a series of CAD and CAM tutorial videos. They also offer CNC machining services in addition to providing technical support for various CNC machines.

• machinetoolhelp.com—This website provides advice to CNC users. Topics range from general CNC information to suggestions for purchasing new equipment. A comprehensive bookstore is also provided.

• techspex.com—This site enables you to find the specifications for thousands of CNC machine tools, including turning, milling and grinding machines, EDMs, CMMs, sawing machines and fabrication products.

• cncci.com—This is my company’s website. While we promote our training materials
for CNC users and educators, there is also a ton of free information including CNC articles and tips. There is also a jobs page. Click on the “Resources” tab for free information.

CNC TRAINING AND ONLINE CLASSES

These four websites specialize in manufacturing and CNC training. They also cater to a worldwide audience.

• cnc-academy.com—This site provides inexpensive training courses, mostly DVDs, for a variety of aspects of CNC.

• toolingu.com—This is a subscription-based service that provides more than 400 online manufacturing classes, many of which are related to CNC.

• cncci.com—Again, this is my company’s website. However, we also offer online and computer-based (CD-ROM) training courses for basic and advanced CNC topics. Click on the “Resources” tab to find a list of schools in your area that teach CNC. The list is arranged by state.

One last thought: You can also use “Machine Tool Technology” as your search criteria in any search engine to find out more.