Presented by: Woodworking Network

CNC automation has become essential to success in the modern professional woodworking shop, but getting started with CNC is fraught with a steep learning curve and a daunting decision tree to climb. William Sampson shares his experience from visiting hundreds of shops across the country as well as adopting CNC in his own shop. He help you ask the right questions on your own CNC journey to best match your level of automation with your business, you budget, and your market.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Understand what kinds of software they will need to use their CNC
Have a better grasp of budgeting for CNC, including all the costs that go beyond the machine
Match different kinds and sizes of CNC machines with their business goals and work.
Account for related expenses such as tooling, hold-down strategies, and dust collection.

William Sampson is a lifelong woodworker, former editor of Fine Woodworking magazine, and currently editorial director of Woodworking Network, FDMC magazine, and Closets & Organized Storage. He has been using a CNC in his own shop for more than three years. In addition, it is likely that Sampson will bring in a software expert to add to that part of the discussion.

REGISTER NOW*

*Adding this session to your My IWF Show Planner does not register you for the session. To attend, you must register separately by clicking the Register Now link in the session description above, through the registration site, or by visiting a registration desk onsite.

International Woodworking Fair 2026

Getting Started with Your First CNC - MFG8

Event Information

Session Track

Speakers

Sponsors