We're hobbyists, not experts
Figuring out CNC so you don't have to.
You've got an hour in the shop tonight. We already read the manuals, dialed in the settings, and wrecked a few boards getting there. So you can skip the Googling and go make something.
- 24
- Machines reviewed
- 15
- In-depth guides
- 30
- Free carve files
- 0
- Paid sponsors
Your CNC homework, done.
We dig through the forums, videos, and docs so your limited shop time goes toward making things, not researching things.
Research-backed guides
Every guide is built from real community discussions: Reddit threads, manufacturer forums, YouTube deep dives. We cite our sources and show our work.
Curated, not created
When someone's already made a great video or written a great guide, we link to it. No reinventing the wheel. Just organized, vetted recommendations.
No sponsored bias
We're not paid by any manufacturer. Affiliate links help keep the lights on, but they never influence what we recommend. Community consensus drives everything.
Free carve files
30 3D carve files, ready to cut.
Real relief heightmaps, drawn and dialed in for hobby CNC. No email wall, no login, no catch. Download and carve.
The Guides
Guides worth your shop time
Best CNC Router for Beginners: Real Owner Picks (2026)
We read 50+ owner threads to rank the best CNC routers for beginners by budget. Here's what people actually recommend after buying one, and what to avoid.
CNC Feeds and Speeds for Beginners: Chart + Free Calculator
CNC feeds and speeds made simple: a starting chart for wood, plywood, and acrylic, plus a free calculator and how to dial cuts in by sound and chips.
The True Cost of CNC: What Nobody Tells You
The real first-year cost of CNC isn't the machine price. We break down what we actually spent - machines, bits, software, and the woodshop you didn't know you needed.
Shapeoko vs OneFinity vs AltMill: 2026 Owner Comparison
We read 50+ owner threads on the Shapeoko, OneFinity, AltMill, and LongMill so you don't have to. Here's what people really say after living with each in 2026.
Free tools & data
Built to save you the hour.
A database, a comparison tool, and a calculator, so tonight goes to cutting, not researching.
Machine database
Hobby CNC routers, specced with honest takes.
Browse the databaseCompare tool
Up to three machines side by side, spec for spec.
Build a comparisonFeeds & speeds
Cutting parameters dialed to your setup, in one click.
Run the calculatorCut simulator
Watch your settings cut in 3D. Hear rubbing vs dialed-in before you ruin a board.
Run the simulatorThe CNC Dad Dispatch
One Email. More Shop Time.
The best CNC content from around the web, curated, summarized, and in your inbox before you head to the shop. No spam. No fluff. Just the stuff that makes your next hour count.
Get the dispatch
One email a week. The best CNC content, curated and summarized. No spam, no fluff.
We respect your inbox like we respect walnut.